|
CalProf -> RE: Superman is no more! (15 Oct. 2004 12:10:00 )
|
The two actors' similar last name is coincidental. But are the disasters coincidental that have befallen so many actors associated with Superman? Here's the story of the Superman curse.
From 1953 to 1957, George Reeves was TV's Superman. I watched that program as a kid, incredibly exciting! Reeves had been around Hollywood for a while, playing bit parts in such films as Gone with the Wind and dozens of B-movies, but it was "The Adventures of Superman" on TV that brought him fame. When the show was canceled, some close friends say that Reeves was despondent, frustrated that his career couldn't move beyond his role as the Man of Steel - and that's what led to his suicide at his home in 1959.
The suicide conclusion has been hotly disputed, with some believing that Reeves was murdered. Whether it was suicide or murder, Reeves ghost has been seen in his Beverly Hills home. A couple claims to have seen the ghost of Reeves - decked out in his Superman costume - materialize in the bedroom where he died, after which it slowly faded away.
Actors who have portrayed the man from Krypton, as well as others associated with the TV show and films, seem to have met with disasters and illnesses of various kinds: George Reeves' death; Christopher Reeve's crippling accident and early death; Kirk Alyn (who played Superman in early, low-budget films) fell into obscurity; Margot Kidder (Lois Lane in the films) suffered a nervous breakdown. She was arrested a few years ago, hiding in a backyard, delusional and homeless. Poor Lois!
Richard Pryor (Superman III) was stricken with multiple sclerosis. Marlon Brando lived a long life but suffered murders and other tragedies in his family (he played Superman's father, Jo-Rel).
The first cartoon Superman was voiced by Bud Collyer from 1941-43. He went on to have a fine career in TV, creating and hosting the game show 'To Tell the Truth.' But he returned to the role to voice 'The New Adventures of Superman' for CBS in 1966 - and three years later, he was dead of a circulatory ailment.
Currently, producers are trying to find a new actor to portray Superman on the big screen, but actor after actor keep dropping out of the role. I wonder why...?
|
|
|
|
