Jack Larson, an actor, playwright, producer and screenwriter best known from the classic 1950s comic book series The Adventures of Superman, died Sunday in his Brentwood home. He was 87 years old.
Born in 1928 in Los Angeles, Larson’s film debut was in the 1948 war movie “Fighter Squadron.” Intent on becoming a Broadway actor, he only reluctantly took the role as cub reporter and photographer Jimmy Olsen on The Adventures of Superman. Afraid of being typecast, he agreed to appear in the series only after his agent convinced him the show was unlikely to be aired. The opposite happened, and The Adventures of Superman would air in syndication from 1952-1958.
Larson’s fears proved correct – when Superman ended, he found his ability to get new acting work severely limited by his association with the show. Encouraged by friends, he switched career paths, focusing on behind the scenes work and eventually forging a successful career as a librettist, playwright and producer. Among his plays are The Candied House (1966) Chuck (1968) and later in life, The Astronaut’s Tale (1998).
However, despite the role hurting his acting career, Larson never distanced himself from association with The Adventures of Superman. Throughout his life he recalled it with fondness, and gave many interviews. He would often appear in cameo roles that mentioned his time as Jimmy Olsen, including an episode of Lois & Clark, the short-lived early 90s series Superboy, and an American Express commercial with noted Superman fanatic Jerry Seinfeld.
Larson’s long term romantic partner was director James Bridges. The two were together from 1958 until Bridges’ death in 1993.
R.I.P.
“Larson’s long term romantic partner was director James_Bridges. The two were together from 1958 until Bridges death in 1993.”
Really, Deadline? I’m sure that after 35 years of sharing their life together that they were much more than……. “romantic partners”. It’s 2015, let’s get past this myopic stereotyping.
Rest in peace, Jack Larson. Heaven has just received another angel.
how is it “myopic stereotyping”? they can’t be described as spouses because they weren’t married, so what would you suggest – “boyfriend”?
Since Bridges died well before gay marriage was made legal in the U.S., what else could they be called? Anyway, a little piece of my childhood just died along with Mr. Larson.
RIP…old friend and hero.
My 1st & favorite Jimmy Olsen. RIP
Great Caesar’s Ghost! This is terrible news! Olsen was my best news hound!
Jeepers Mr. White don’t be sad. I had a wonderful life. I was Superman’s best pal.
May you rest in peace on The Other Side. Condolences to your partner.
his partner predeceased him, read the article
for real that person doesn’t read much to put it simply his partner was already dead i.e. died before Jimmy Olson
sadly missed
To my mind, the REAL Jimmy. Very sad news…
After hearing about Jack(Jimmy Olsen)Larson’s death,I just remembered of an episode of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” were there was an actor by the name of Jack Larson who played a character named Kenny,a gangster’s untalented nephew.I checked out if they were the same person and found out their two different guys named Jack Larson.I thought I’d put that piece of trivia in.R.I.P Jimmy Olsen.
Jack was a very strong man as far being type cast he didn’t give up he enter parts of the business.jack was a very good looking jimmy Olsen, you could not take your eyes off him. R.I.p.
I was a big “Adventures of Superman” fan when I was a kid in the 1960s. The first thing I’d do when I got home from school in the afternoons was grab a snack, turn on the tube, and catch the latest oft-repeated adventure (homework came later! I was prioritizing!). Jack Larson’s/Jimmy Olsen’s boundless enthusiasm and knack for getting into peril always amused me. Many years later, watching him interviewed, Mr. Larson struck me as being a very kind and grounded soul who viewed his association with “Superman” with great affection. A very nice and accomplished man. RIP, Sir.
Will he call God “Chief”?
+1
he’ll probably be considered “Jesus’ pal.” :)
RIP
He also appeared in 2006’s Superman Returns…
I was just going to mention that. He was the bartender in that movie and was paired with Sam Huntington, who portrayed Jimmy Olsen in that movie. I liked the little hug they had when Superman saved the plane.
I Just watched superman Saturday night
I remember the show with not just great fondness but extreme fondness. Although I remember all of the actresses with the exception of the gentleman that played Terry White and the one that played the inspector my faraway favorites were George Reeves and Jack Larson. I loved the show so much that every single time I would find it coming back on in syndication I would watch it and re-watch it. Everytime I would see something where Jack would be on in I would always get the biggest smile on my face because I always love seeing you because you brought me back to when you’re innocent time in my life when I was a child. Gifted is the person that can bring an adult back to an innocent childhood and put a smile on another human persons face. I remember The last time I saw him perform was in one of the last superman movies and once again he paid tongue in cheek smile on his face homage to the beloved character, Jimmy Olson and as predicted I got a big smile on my face once again going back to the wonderful days of yesteryear in my childhood! Rest in peace into a very honorable and smart man whom I certainly believe was a wonderful human being to know.
Great loss for classic television series.