Kirk Alyn
Acting
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.
The Story of Superman
Self / Clark Kent / Superman (archival footage)
Superman's 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel
Self
Scalps
Prof. Manchen
The Making of 'Superman: The Movie'
Self
The Halloween Planet
The Watcher
Time Warp
Superbman: The Other Movie
Pa Cant
Superman
Sam Lane (uncredited)
Banning
Bidder (uncredited)
No Time to Be Young
Mike
Beginning of the End
Bomber Pilot
The Eddy Duchin Story
Young Man at Wadsworths' Party (uncredited)
Blackhawk
Blackhawk
When Worlds Collide
Rioter Bringing Guns (uncredited)
Gambling House
FBI Man (uncredited)
Atom Man vs. Superman
Superman, alias Clark Kent
Radar Patrol vs. Spy King
Chris Calvert
Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc.
Inspector David Worth
The Three Musketeers
Aramis' Friend (uncredited)
Superman
Superman, alias Clark Kent
Little Miss Broadway
Mel O'Brien
The Trap
Sgt. Reynolds
The Time of Their Lives
Dandy at Party (uncredited)
Daughter of Don Q
Cliff Roberts
The Girl Who Dared
Josh Carroll
Call of the Rockies
Ned Crane
Forty Thieves
Jerry Doyle
A Guy Named Joe
Officer in Heaven (uncredited)
Pistol Packin' Mama
J. Leslie Burton III
Mystery Broadcast
Young Policeman (uncredited)
Overland Mail Robbery
Tom Hartley
The Man from the Rio Grande
Editor Tom Traynor
Swing Shift Maisie
Victory Aircraft Official (Uncredited)
Action in the North Atlantic
Brazilian Gun Captain (uncredited)
Aerial Gunner
Officer in Canteen (uncredited)
You Were Never Lovelier
Julia's Groom (uncredited)
Lucky Jordan
Pearl's Boyfriend
Private Lessons
John Humphries
Fast and Loose
Man Seated at Table in Speakeasy