George Reeves

George Reeves became a household name in the 1950s thanks to Superman.

The actor debuted as the hero in the 1951 movie Superman and the Mole Men, and returned as Clark Kent in the TV show Adventures of Superman, which ran from 1952 to 1958 and made him a national star.

His friendly, fatherly portrayal made the character relatable to a generation of post-war American kids.

Co-star Jack Larson recounted: “George believed in Superman. That’s what made it work.”