- The 1978 movie “Superman” introduced audiences to some unforgettable characters played by a stellar cast.
- But nearly half a century later, much has changed for the actors who brought these beloved characters to life.
- From career highs to personal tragedies, here’s a look at where the “Superman” cast is today and how they’ve changed.
The success of “Superman” wasn’t just about special effects or the thrilling storyline. It was about the unforgettable performances that brought the characters to life.
Superman, played by Christopher Reeve in the film,”Superman,” circa 1978 | Source: Getty Images
From the heroic Superman to the cunning Lex Luthor, each actor played a significant role in making the movie a cultural phenomenon. But what happened to the stars after the capes and costumes were put away?
Superman, played by Christopher Reeve in the film,”Superman,” circa 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Christopher Reeve: From Superman to Advocate for Millions
Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of “Superman” in the 1978 film was nothing short of iconic. Tall, handsome, and exuding the charm of a superhero and a mild-mannered reporter, he became the face of one of cinema’s greatest characters.
Christopher Reeve posing for a photo in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
The film’s success led to three sequels, cementing his status as a global star. But it wasn’t just his acting that endeared him to fans. Reeve embodied the best of Superman’s qualities: kindness, intelligence, and a deep commitment to doing good.
Christopher Reeve, circa 1995 | Source: Getty Images
For many, Reeve wasn’t just playing Superman — he was Superman. That’s what made his accident in 1995 all the more heartbreaking. A skilled horse rider, Reeve’s life was shattered during an equestrian event when he was thrown from his horse.
Christopher Reeve during the “Keep It Clean” Creative Coalition Clean Water Rally on April 20, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Christopher Reeve, circa 1995 | Source: Getty Images
The fall resulted in a severe spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. At just 42 years old, Reeve’s world changed overnight. Yet, in the face of unimaginable adversity, he showed a strength greater than the character he had portrayed on screen.
He became an advocate for spinal cord injury research, using his fame to raise awareness and funds for a cause that was now deeply personal. In 1996, he and his wife, Dana, founded the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Dana and Christopher Reeve at the Blue Light Theater Company Benefit on May 4, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
Christopher Reeve during the 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 24, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
Despite being confined to a wheelchair and requiring a respirator to help him breathe, he remained a tireless advocate. He testified before Congress on the need for stem cell research, appeared in interviews, and even returned to acting in a limited capacity.
Christopher Reeve photographed on September 4, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Christopher Reeve speaking at the Bio conference on March 28, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, Reeve’s health continued to decline, and in 2004, at 52, he passed away due to complications from a heart attack. His death was a loss for the film industry and the countless individuals he had touched through his advocacy and unyielding determination.
Christopher Reeve prior to a hearing on Capitol Hill on April 26, 2000, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
Christopher Reeve during Christopher Reeve Honored at the Hotel Delmonico on November 1, 2001, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
His legacy continues through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. To this day, the organization remains dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and improving the lives of those affected. It is a leader in advancing research and improving the quality of life for individuals with paralysis.
Christopher Reeve on July 19, 1991 | Christopher Reeve on October 26, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Reeve’s story showcases incredible strength amid tragedy, but he wasn’t the only impactful Superman cast member. The actor who played Jor-El also left a significant mark on Hollywood.
Marlon Brando: A Hollywood Legend with a Complicated Legacy
Marlon Brando’s role in “Superman” may have been small, but his presence was anything but. As Jor-El, Superman’s father, Brando brought a sense of gravitas and authority that grounded the film’s more fantastical elements.
Marlon Brando as Jor-El from “Superman” in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
He was already regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation by the time “Superman” was released. However, Brando’s casting added weight to the film, with his method acting style making the Kryptonian scientist both deeply emotional and wise.
Marlon Brando seen during the filming of “Superman,” on March 24, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Brando was a paradox. On one hand, he was a master of his craft, captivating audiences with unforgettable performances. On the other hand, he often expressed disdain for acting, a sentiment that played out in his sometimes inconsistent dedication to his roles.
Marlon Brando with a fellow actor in a scene from “Superman,” in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
In his autobiography, “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” Brando openly criticized Hollywood and the acting profession. He admitted that he took roles primarily for financial reasons in his later years. Despite his disinterest, Brando’s portrayal of Jor-El remains one of the film’s most memorable elements.
Marlon Brando seen during the filming of “Superman,” circa 1978 | Source: Getty Images
His calm, paternal demeanor made his scenes feel like more than just exposition. They were key moments that set the emotional tone for Superman’s journey. Yet, for all his on-screen power, Brando’s later years were marked by personal struggles.
Marlon Brando at a press conference in Los Angeles, California on August 14, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Brando was notoriously private, and his reclusive nature in the 1980s and ’90s only fueled the media’s fascination with him. Despite these hardships, Brando remained an icon, with his performances still revered by actors and film lovers.
Marlon Brando in 1955 | Marlon Brando in 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Brando passed away in 2004, just a few months before Reeve, making it a year of significant loss for the “Superman” family. However, not all cast would face such an end. One of the film’s unforgettable villains would carve out a path that saw him bow out of the limelight on his own terms.
Gene Hackman, circa 1965 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman: Hollywood’s Master Villain and a Quiet Exit
Gene Hackman’s portrayal of Lex Luthor in “Superman” was legendary. As the criminal mastermind constantly scheming against Superman, Hackman brought charm, humor, and menace to the role, making Luthor one of cinema’s most memorable villains.
Gene Hackman attends the screening of “Superman” on December 10, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
His performance was so well-received that he returned to play Luthor in three “Superman” sequels. It solidified his status as the perfect foil to Reeve’s heroic Superman. Hackman’s role as Luthor wasn’t an isolated success, though.
Gene Hackman on April 17, 1977 in Beverly Hills, California | Sources: Getty Images
By the time he starred in “Superman,” Hackman was already a well-respected actor with an impressive filmography. His career spanned decades, and he delivered standout performances in various films. Hackman’s versatility allowed him to transition seamlessly between roles, whether playing a hard-nosed detective or a comedic patriarch.
Gene Hackman during the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
After more than 40 years in the industry, Hackman walked away from Hollywood without fanfare. He chose to spend his later years out of the public eye. He kept busy writing and co-authoring several novels and maintaining a low profile.
Actor Gene Hackman accepts the Cecil B. DeMille award at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
However, in March 2024, at 94, Hackman made a rare public appearance that reignited public interest in the actor. The sight of Hackman, now frail and using a cane, stirred a mix of emotions among fans.
Though many were shocked by his appearance, saying he looked unrecognizable, others admired his resilience and longevity. Though Hackman is no longer part of Hollywood’s ever-turning spotlight, his contributions to film remain deeply appreciated.
Gene Hackman on December 10, 1978 | Gene Hackman on February 4, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
While Hackman chose to step away from the limelight, not every “Superman” cast member had the luxury of a quiet retirement. The star who famously portrayed Lois Lane experienced some of the highs and lows Hollywood can offer.
Margot Kidder in 1973 | Source: Getty Images
Margot Kidder: Lois Lane’s Rise and Fall
Margot Kidder’s portrayal of Lois Lane in “Superman” made her a household name. She was the smart, feisty journalist who matched Superman’s heroism with her own brand of bravery.
Her chemistry with Reeve was electric, and she became an essential part of what made the “Superman” movies so beloved. While her career flourished after the film, the decades that followed would bring both tremendous highs and heartbreaking lows.
Margot Kidder poses for a portrait in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Kidder’s rise to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s saw her starring in some of the biggest box office hits of the era. Beyond “Superman,” she had roles in cult classics like “Black Christmas” and “Sisters.”
Margot Kidder at Saturday Night Live Anniversary bash on September 26, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
By 1980, she had appeared in several top-grossing films, earning a prominent place in Hollywood. Despite her career successes, Kidder’s personal life was far more tumultuous. In the years following her time as Lois Lane, Kidder struggled with mental health issues, particularly bipolar disorder.
Margot Kidder at Anaheim Convention Center on April 4, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Kidder passed away in 2018 at 69. Her death was ruled a suicide, stemming from complications related to her long battle with mental illness and addiction.
Margot Kidder in 1985 | Margot Kidder in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
It was a heartbreaking end to a life that had once shone brightly on-screen and in the causes she championed. While Kidder faced her demons head-on, other co-stars quietly stepped away from the limelight. One such star portrayed the alluring Eve Teschmacher.
The actress who portrayed Eve Teschmacher in “Superman,” dated January 23, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Valerie Perrine: From Hollywood Glamour to a Quiet Life
Valerie Perrine made a lasting impression in “Superman” as Eve Teschmacher, Lex Luthor’s glamorous and somewhat conflicted sidekick. Perrine’s portrayal of the character added a playful charm to the film, making her a memorable figure in the “Superman” universe.
Undated publicity photo of Valerie Perrine | Source: Getty Images
While her role was pivotal in the first “Superman” movie, her career before and after the film was equally intriguing. It was filled with notable successes and a quiet retreat from the spotlight.
Valerie Perrine poses for a portrait on March 4, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
She was one of the few actresses of her time who successfully transitioned between modeling and acting, bringing a striking screen presence to every role she played.
Valerie Perrine poses on March 23, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
In “Superman,” her character may have been overshadowed by bigger names and larger-than-life heroes and villains. However, her performance was still essential to the film’s lighter moments.
Valerie Perrine at Anaheim Convention Center on April 4, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Her last credited role was in the 2016 film “Silver Skies.” Now 81, Perrine has largely retreated from the public eye. Though she may no longer be in the spotlight, her performance as Eve Teschmacher remains beloved by “Superman” fans.
Valerie Perrine on January 1, 1986 | Valerie Perrine on April 4, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
While Perrine quietly faded from the limelight, her co-star, who played the ruthless Ursa, has remained active in the entertainment industry.
Sarah Douglas: The Villainess Who’s Never Stopped Working
Sarah Douglas’ portrayal of Ursa, General Zod’s loyal and ruthless follower, made her a standout in “Superman” and its 1980 sequel, “Superman II.”
Sarah Douglas attends the premiere of “Superman II” on June 1, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
As one of the film’s central villains, Douglas exuded an intimidating presence that cemented Ursa as one of the most memorable characters in the franchise.
Sarah Douglas attends the screening of “Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut” on November 2, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Her fierce loyalty to Zod and her disdain for humanity made her a perfect antagonist to Superman. Her chilling performance brought depth to the character. While other members of the Superman cast eventually stepped away from acting, Douglas has continued to thrive in the industry.
Sarah Douglas on June 15, 1985 | Sarah Douglas on November 2, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Now 71, Douglas remains active in both television and film. The “Superman” films were just the beginning of a long and varied career for her. Her portrayal of Ursa may have made her a villain on-screen, but her ability to stay relevant and beloved in Hollywood makes her a true success story.
