Tom Welling

Tom Welling gave us a Superman who never wore the cape, but was still as heroic as ever.

He played teenage Clark Kent in The CW show Smallville, which ran for 10 seasons from 2001 to 2011 and chronicled the future hero’s origin story.

Fans watched Clark grow up, discover his powers, and confront his destiny - all without donning the iconic suit.

Welling explained: “It was always about the journey, not the tights.”