Kirk Alyn was an American actor who is best known for his role as Superman in the 1940s film serials “Superman” (1948) and “Atom Man vs. Superman” (1950). He was the first actor to portray Clark Kent/Superman in live-action.
Personal and Family Life
Kirk Alyn was born John Feggo Jr. on October 8, 1910, in Oxford, New Jersey. He was married to Virginia O’Brien from 1942 until their divorce in 1955, and they had three children together. Alyn enjoyed a brief but notable acting career, starting as a chorus boy on Broadway before moving to films.
Career
Alyn’s big break came when he was cast as Superman in the 1948 film serials, which brought him fame. Despite the popularity of the serials, he struggled to find success in other film roles after they ended. Eventually, he retired to Arizona after taking on smaller parts in a few films.
Death and Legacy
Kirk Alyn passed away on March 14, 1999, in The Woodlands, Texas, due to natural causes. He is remembered as the first actor to bring Superman to life on screen, paving the way for future portrayals of the iconic character.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Scalps | 1983-12-03 | Prof. Manchen |
| The Trap | 1946-11-30 | Sgt. Reynolds |
| Superbman: The Other Movie | 1981-01-01 | Pa Cant |
| Superman | 1948-07-15 | Superman, alias Clark Kent |
| Fast and Loose | 1930-11-08 | Man Seated at Table in Speakeasy |
| Private Lessons | 1934-05-04 | John Humphries |
| Blackhawk | 1952-07-24 | Blackhawk |
| Pistol Packin’ Mama | 1943-12-15 | J. Leslie Burton III |
| Call of the Rockies | 1944-07-14 | Ned Crane |
| Forty Thieves | 1944-06-23 | Jerry Doyle |
| Radar Patrol vs. Spy King | 1949-11-23 | Chris Calvert |
| You Were Never Lovelier | 1942-11-19 | Julia’s Groom (uncredited) |
| Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc. | 1949-01-29 | Inspector David Worth |
| The Man from the Rio Grande | 1943-10-18 | Editor Tom Traynor |
| Overland Mail Robbery | 1943-11-20 | Tom Hartley |
| Daughter of Don Q | 1946-06-27 | Cliff Roberts |
| The Making of ‘Superman: The Movie’ | 1980-01-01 | Self |
| Beginning of the End | 1957-06-28 | Bomber Pilot |
| Atom Man vs. Superman | 1950-07-20 | Superman, alias Clark Kent |
| Superman’s 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel | 1988-02-29 | Self |
| When Worlds Collide | 1951-09-14 | Rioter Bringing Guns (uncredited) |
| Superman | 1978-12-14 | Sam Lane (uncredited) |
| The Halloween Planet | 1981-01-01 | The Watcher |
| Action in the North Atlantic | 1943-06-12 | Brazilian Gun Captain (uncredited) |
| A Guy Named Joe | 1943-12-24 | Officer in Heaven (uncredited) |
| Lucky Jordan | 1942-11-16 | Pearl’s Boyfriend |
| Little Miss Broadway | 1947-06-19 | Mel O’Brien |
| The Time of Their Lives | 1946-08-13 | Dandy at Party (uncredited) |
| Swing Shift Maisie | 1943-10-01 | Victory Aircraft Official (Uncredited) |
| The Three Musketeers | 1948-10-19 | Aramis’ Friend (uncredited) |
| Gambling House | 1950-12-27 | FBI Man (uncredited) |
| Time Warp | 1981-01-01 | |
| Horrible Horror | 1986-01-01 | Superman in ‘Superman’ |
| No Time to Be Young | 1957-08-01 | Mike |
| The Eddy Duchin Story | 1956-05-02 | Young Man at Wadsworths’ Party (uncredited) |
| Mystery Broadcast | 1943-11-23 | Young Policeman (uncredited) |
| Aerial Gunner | 1943-03-20 | Officer in Canteen (uncredited) |
| The Girl Who Dared | 1944-08-05 | Josh Carroll |