The Adventures of Superman star Jack Larson dies at 87 

The Adventures of Superman star Jack Larson has died at 87. He passed away at his home in Brentwood, California, on Sunday. 

The actor, playwright and producer was best known for his role as the young and inexperienced newspaper reporter, Jimmy Olsen in the 1950s series. 

Larson originally turned down the role for fear of being typecast but he eventually agreed after his agent assured him the show would not likely air. 

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Superman returns: Jack Larson attended the premiere of 'Superman Returns' in Westwood in 2006

Superman returns: Jack Larson attended the premiere of 'Superman Returns' in Westwood in 2006

Not only did the show air but it became a huge success and The Adventures of Superman was in syndication from 1952-1958.

Larson was cast as Jimmy Olsen, a reporter and photographer with the Daily Planet and an associate of Clark Kent and Lois Lane. 

Once the hit show was cancelled it was very difficult for Larson to find other roles.

Getting a lift: Larson, as Jimmy Olsen and George Reeves who played Superman in the hit television show The Adventures of Superman

Getting a lift: Larson, as Jimmy Olsen and George Reeves who played Superman in the hit television show The Adventures of Superman

Larson eventually gave up acting for good after a particularly upsetting encounter with producer Mervyn LeRoy. 

He was advised by actor Montgomery Clift, with whom Mr. Larson was having a romantic relationship, to stop putting himself in those casting situations, according to The New York Times.

However there were plans to bring back the show until George Reeves, who played Superman died in 1959.

Bulging biceps: Fans adored Larson with his boyish good looks and great sense of humor

Bulging biceps: Fans adored Larson with his boyish good looks and great sense of humor

The 45-year-old's death was ruled a suicide from a gunshot wound but the details remain a mystery as some believe he was murdered or the victim of an accidental shooting.

Larson eventually became a producer and playwright of The Candied House, Chuck and The Astronaut’s Tale.

Larson and his life partner since 1958, director James Bridges owned and lived in their Frank Lloyd Wright-designed George Sturges House in Brentwood. 

The home was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument just days before Bridges' death in 1993.

Reunited at last: Larson with Noel Neill, who starred as Lois Lane in The Adventures of Superman at the 2006 Superman Returns world premiere

Reunited at last: Larson with Noel Neill, who starred as Lois Lane in The Adventures of Superman at the 2006 Superman Returns world premiere

 

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