Kirk Alyn
Kirk Alyn (1910–1999) was an American actor, best known for being the first actor to play Superman in live-action in Superman serial and Atom Man vs. Superman as well as Blackhawk in the Blackhawk serial, and Sam Lane in Superman: The Movie. Alyn started as a chorus boy for Broadway plays, appearing in notable musicals such as Girl Crazy, Of Thee I Sing, and Hellzapoppin' during the 1930s. He also worked as a singer and dancer in vaudeville before relocating to Hollywood during the early 1940s to act for feature movies, but he was successful only in gaining bit parts for low-budget movies before obtaining the role of Superman in 1948. During World War II he served in the United States Navy. Alyn also featured in movie serials, including Federal Agents Vs. Underworld Inc., Radar Patrol Vs. Spy King and Blackhawk. Alyn played Superman for the first live-action Superman movie serial, released in 1948. The serial consisted of 15 episodes which recounted Superman’s arrival on Earth, getting a job as a reporter at the Daily Planet newspaper, and meeting Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. After playing Superman, he again suffered casting problems. Apart from featuring in some similar comic book-type serials, he had few roles in television series and movies, some even uncredited, until he retired.
Filmography
Superman's 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel
as Self
Superman's 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel
as Self
Scalps
as Prof. Manchen
Scalps
as Prof. Manchen
The Making of 'Superman: The Movie'
as Self
The Making of 'Superman: The Movie'
as Self
Time Warp
Time Warp
Superman
as Sam Lane (uncredited)
Superman
as Sam Lane (uncredited)
Banning
as Bidder (uncredited)
Banning
as Bidder (uncredited)
No Time to Be Young
as Mike
No Time to Be Young
as Mike
Beginning of the End
as Bomber Pilot
Beginning of the End
as Bomber Pilot
Blackhawk
as Blackhawk
Blackhawk
as Blackhawk
When Worlds Collide
as Rioter Bringing Guns (uncredited)
When Worlds Collide
as Rioter Bringing Guns (uncredited)
Gambling House
as FBI Man (uncredited)
Gambling House
as FBI Man (uncredited)
Atom Man vs. Superman
as Superman, alias Clark Kent
Atom Man vs. Superman
as Superman, alias Clark Kent
Radar Patrol vs. Spy King
as Chris Calvert
Radar Patrol vs. Spy King
as Chris Calvert
Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc.
as Inspector David Worth
Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc.
as Inspector David Worth
The Three Musketeers
as Aramis' Friend (uncredited)
The Three Musketeers
as Aramis' Friend (uncredited)
Little Miss Broadway
as Mel O'Brien
Little Miss Broadway
as Mel O'Brien
The Trap
as Sgt. Reynolds
The Trap
as Sgt. Reynolds
The Time of Their Lives
as Dandy at Party (uncredited)
The Time of Their Lives
as Dandy at Party (uncredited)
Daughter of Don Q
as Cliff Roberts
Daughter of Don Q
as Cliff Roberts
Call of the Rockies
as Ned Crane
Call of the Rockies
as Ned Crane
Forty Thieves
as Jerry Doyle
Forty Thieves
as Jerry Doyle
A Guy Named Joe
as Officer in Heaven (uncredited)
A Guy Named Joe
as Officer in Heaven (uncredited)
Pistol Packin' Mama
as J. Leslie Burton III
Pistol Packin' Mama
as J. Leslie Burton III
Mystery Broadcast
as Young Policeman (uncredited)
Mystery Broadcast
as Young Policeman (uncredited)
Swing Shift Maisie
as Victory Aircraft Official (Uncredited)
Swing Shift Maisie
as Victory Aircraft Official (Uncredited)
Action in the North Atlantic
as Brazilian Gun Captain (uncredited)
Action in the North Atlantic
as Brazilian Gun Captain (uncredited)
You Were Never Lovelier
as Julia's Groom (uncredited)
You Were Never Lovelier
as Julia's Groom (uncredited)
Lucky Jordan
as Pearl's Boyfriend
Lucky Jordan
as Pearl's Boyfriend
Fast and Loose
as Man Seated at Table in Speakeasy
Fast and Loose
as Man Seated at Table in Speakeasy