He’ll always be our pal!
Jack Larson, the actor who portrayed Superman’s pal Jimmy Olsen in The Adventures of Superman, passed away on Sunday in his Brentwood home at the age of 87.
Larson was born in 1928 in Los Angeles and made his film debut in 1948 in the movie Fighter Squadron. Jack originally wanted to become a Broadway actor, which is why he was hesitant to take the role as Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen.
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Larson was worried he’d be typecast if he took the role, but his agent assured him that the show was likely to be so bad it wouldn’t air. Unfortunately for him, the show ended up being a hit and aired in syndication from 1952-1958.
As a result, his fears ended up coming true as he found it extremely difficult to find work after the hit superhero show aired.
Luckily though, he had a great group of friends and loved ones that encouraged him to switch careers.
He ended up having quite a successful turn as a librettist, playwright, and producer. Some of his plays include, The Candied, House, Chuck, and The Astronaut’s Tale.
Larson didn’t let the curse of Jimmy Olsen stop him though as he quite often returned to appear in several Superman projects including Lois & Clark in the early ’90s, Jerry Seinfeld‘s Superman-themed American Express commercial, as well as 2006’s Superman Returns.
Jack had a longtime partner, James Bridges, with whom he spent much of his life. They were together from 1958 until 1993 when Bridges passed away.
Larson will be greatly missed and our hearts go out to friends and family affected by his passing.
[Image via WENN.]
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