George Reeves Mysterious Death of TV's Original Superman

The original TV Superman, Said to have taken his own life in despair but was it actually Murder? Many believe this to be true.

[@paulburgio8278]

This guy keeps saying “the role that would end his career”. Quite the contrary. It is the role that brought joy and still continues to bring joy to millions of people. I believe George Reeves would be thrilled to know that.

[@johnjohnon8767]

But it type set his other quests too. Wherever he went ,he was superman. Like adam west is batman for the most part. Or the guy, forgive me, ? Clayton who played the lone ranger.

[@TomRichardson-et2qx]

I thought George reeves was great as superman of course I didn't discover the adventures of superman until the 60s so I don't if my opinion counts for much anyway

[@TomRichardson-et2qx]

What I meant to say was don't knowl

[@jessstone7486]

His death was no suicide.....no question in my mind he was murdered. Noell Neil, and Jack Larson also believed there was foul play - no suicide. They both said he was happy about the renewed Superman season, and excited to do it. This video mentioned the totally fouled-up autopsy; that certainly screams 'cover up'.

[@cbalducc]

Jack Larson believed Reeves killed himself.

[@jewell92]

He was Superman to a generation just as Christopher Reeve did, later. George will always be my Superman.

[@keepingitrealandtruthful.5081]

George died before my time, Christopher Reeve is from my generation. May they both rest in peace, they had gone too soon.

[@superlyger]

Those two are considered Superman. None of the new guys even come to mind much.

[@brainsareus]

In real life, he was a Super Mama's Boy.

[@henrymartinez4030]

I grew up watching George Reeves as Superman since I was a kid in the late 60's & 70's. He will always be Superman to me. George Reeves (R.I.P.)

[@joeconner2231]

@@brainsareus wrong, he was not close with his mother.

[@mark_beastpriest5539]

Adventures of Superman was the first tv show I watched regularly as a child. As an adult, I still love it. I own all 6 seasons on DVD.

[@garychambers5850]

On Comcast, there's a Station hat runs "The Adventures of Superman" I've been recording all the episodes on my DVR. Every night I try and watch episodes

[@joseph522000]

Im 69 yrs old and have been watching Superman over 64 yrs. and Still watching it. Ive seen every episode about 25 times. I still can't get enough aand watch it every Sunday morning.

[@SignatureStagers]

@@joseph522000 You both know that this is crazy talk yeah ? Great.

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Me too,just loved it.😊

[@glennbishopbishthemagish]

I met the second Lois Lane Noel Neal at a personal appearance she did at Old Chicago Amusement Park. She said that she and the actor that played Jimmy Olson did not believe George killed himself. The reason was that the producers of the Adventures Of Superman gave George everything he wanted. A very good raise in salary, and quite a lot of episodes he was going to be able to Direct. So she said, that him killing himself did not make any scene because he was happy with his new contract agreement. And he was getting a director check and his actor check for both contracts. And I believe that was very good pay at that time, plus more director experience as a working director with possible leads to future director contracts for TV and movies.

[@nhma1117]

thank you for adding this critical detail. It definitely is suspicious for murder. I think this should be a Netflix series etc. and you should be on it sharing this story! thx for attesting to it!

[@OldGeezer55]

He did NOT kill himself. He had ridden out a hard life andknew how to get through it. He felt a resposibilty to the kids that watched him. Lenore killed him, plain and simple. It was staged, badly with the gun between his feet. Take any object, point it to your head and think of a guns recoil. The gun woujld have been far from the body. No forensics were performed so it just quietly went away. Mr. Reeves, sadly, was murdered just as his luck and perseverance had paid off. The bad guys won on that. I miss him and his dedication to the little kids that saw him as a role model.

[@brianmuhlingBUM]

It makes sense, why would he kill himself if he had that much going for him, unless he was very unstable!

[@farpointgamingdirect]

She was the first Lois Lane; she played Lois in the Kirk Allyn movie serial

[@floridaredneck]

Given that people have somewhat recently blindsided us with suicide, I suppose anything is possible. In Mr. Reeves' case, it's simply not believable. He was not unaware of who he was to millions, especially children, but that show was not just for youngsters; it was pretty adult at times. However, the physical evidence overwhelmingly demands that did not happen and we all know he wasn't the only one, although unrelated and we all know who she was. I knew Barbabas Collins and while Jonathan and I never spoke of this subject (not one he would have engaged in), but even as he died naturally, it is very difficult to watch Dark Shadows having known him, but I do because he still lives there. It's always in my mind the things he said about liking and disliking his role, although it was also a subject Mr. Frid rarely wanted to talk about, but only because he was exhausted with it after so many years, not because he didn't enjoy it because he did. When I see Superman (Sundays here), it reminds me of how in contrast his situation was so disgusting that it is also in my mind what really might have happened to him. I watch because Mr. Reeves also had nothing to do with his own demise, therefore I respect his legacy by watching and enjoying knowing he was the super man whom he portrayed. I trust he was otherwise having a great time in life aside from having been around the ass who shot him. Ms. Neil would be one of few who could tell someone convincing testimony, and thank you for sharing what she said. I also appreciate you telling us about Mr. Reeves' directing opportunities and salaries that I didn't know about; it would be quite convincing that he had no reason to kill himself, but we all know that anyway and other than the dick that killed him, no one else could have possibly had a motive to do that, including and especially Mr. Reeves. I have been pissed off about this as long as I have been an adult. He died the year I was born and by the time I was watching re-runs, the fanfare about it had I guess evaporated. Either that or it was so damn traumatized I don't remember it.

[@missrita1826]

Growing up watching Superman. Always loved his looks. R.I.P. love.

[@idiotwind2248]

Yeah. Grew up watching ," The Adventures of Superman". Man I loved that show.

[@garychambers5850]

Yeh, great looking man! The way Superman should look!

[@dianekennedy7086]

Although I was very little in 1959, I remember when this happened. I think my memory of it is largely due to the fact that my father was so flabbergasted that George Reeves would take his own life. Frankly, I don't think it was suicide; I am much more inclined to think it was murder. They said they found the gun positioned between his feet. Please folks, if George committed suicide the gun most likely would have dropped to his side on the bed or on the floor (I would think). It wouldn't be positioned carefully between his feet. That sounds like a bunch of hooey to me.

[@andyminter7692]

Like you, someone killed him and the police covered it up.

[@dianekennedy7086]

@@andyminter7692 I know. George couldn't possibly have put that gun between his feet after already shooting himself. He would have already been totally incapacitated or dead. Somebody else did that.

[@shawndardbarbarbarian5061]

Why was he killed and why was it covered up if so?

[@fiddlesticksbessette398]

HE WASENT SHOT WITH A GUN.SORRY.

[@andyminter7692]

I was at lunch brake my senior year when it happened. Will never forget.

[@EEMusicLIVE2]

Because of George Reeves, I believed that I could fly. Though I never really knew him, I will never, ever forget him.

[@garychambers5850]

As a kid, watching him on TV was great! Being 5 years old, I actually thought he was real! I wanted to fly with him! I think I got a bit jealous when Superman flew that Girl around the world. I wish that was me 🤗 it was Season 2, episode 26...

[@Boyonabicycle]

I was growing up in Manhattan at the time. A friend of mine’s family had a TV, a Motorola console with a screen about the size of my iPhone and I would go there once a week to watch Superman. It was amazing. No comparable superhero since then.

[@fazlurbaksh5969]

It's sad how he was only 45 when he died. He had a very interesting life. R.I.P. George

[@ericdreizen1463]

Out of all who played the caped Crusader, Kirk Aylin B4 him, Chris Reeve, Dean Cain & others after him, no one has embodied the role better than George. Funny, he didn't even bear a resemblance to the comic book hero, but he was such a natural in that role & played it so perfectly, that even today he is unforgettable, though it is said that he grew weary of the role & feared being typecast, which I don't think would've happened as he was too good an actor. The special effects were primitive and the years have gone by. But to me, George Reeves remains, and will continue to remain, the best Superman of all!

[@joeswanson733]

typecasting would've happened. and on top of that george was getting older. which means his roles would've been more restricted.

[@jamesb.9155]

As a kid I was very impressed with Superman. I watched re-runs of the episodes in the early 1960s not knowing they were re-runs. His dazzling smile and charisma always shown whenever he rescued and reunited with his friends at the end of every episode and he was really special to all of us kids for sure! To us Superman was a special, kind and beautiful man.

[@robertroberto2487]

James In The 1950's He Gave His Time For Autism, Sat With Kids,He Cried In Some Hospitals.Honest George Reeves Gave Humanity To The World.

[@jamesb.9155]

@@robertroberto2487 Cool guy for sure on may levels.

[@johnchristophersutton9706]

He did not kill himself

[@alfreddreamer9097]

George Reeves Superman I couldn't get enough of as a kid watching the old reruns. And Johnny Weiss as Tarzan. I couldnt get to the tv fast enough. Mr Reeves seemed to be a a good guy in real life just like Superman. I almost teared up hearing how much he loved kids, and all he did for them, even while struggling careerwise, etc. It made me remember myself as a kid looking up to him, and how much he ment to me.

[@johnblackstock4092]

Me too, and I was in grade 3, at the time of Georges death. I am still saddened by by it. This documentary has given me closure. Thank you.

[@davidlewis7267]

That's Johnny Weissmuller.

[@davidhunt8456]

Yes George Reeves and johnny weissmuller was superman and tarzan for me

[@hydrolito]

Johnny Weissmueller played Tarzan.

[@joanbrown78]

@@johnblackstock4092 I

[@permeus2nd]

The Media may get tired of superman but the people never do despite how much were told we dont like him anymore.

[@rickcreighton9714]

He looked just like the golden age comic Superman.

[@thecelticdruid.6681]

With the greatest respect to you, to me, only Christopher Reeve had 'That look' he was the only one who looked almost exact to the one in the comic. George Reeves was a good actor, but as Superman, no. His face was too rounded, he didn't have that trademark curl the comic Superman had, that they got so right with Christopher Reeve.

[@brianmccarthy5657]

I remember watching George as Superman when I was a boy of 5 living in New York. This was about 1962 (I was born in December 1956). I was spellbound by George.

[@debbiecooper1677]

My family lived next door to him. Grandma said he was a nice guy

[@stevepolski239]

The first season of "The Adventures of Superman" with George Reeves is my favorite show. I also liked Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane the best. She seemed the most like Lois Lane of the "golden" and "silver" age of comic books. George Reeves' Clark Kent was the best, too. After watching the movie "Hollywoodland," I'm inclined to agree that his death WAS murder.

[@OldGeezer55]

The scenes of him flying were SO much better than they were later. In "The Deadly Drums" ther s one scene of his flying that I noticed was particularly good. Almost 70 and I can't let him go. His smile knocked me over more than a few times.

[@patriciafisher1170]

I was 11 years old and never missed an episode of super man. I have a vivid memory of sitting on the floor watching my fav show and my father came into the room and said. “It’s a shame he died”. I looked at him in horror. “Super man died.?” I said. My father shook his head and said “Not super man the actor that plays him”. I started to cry. “Super man isn’t real?” It was a double whammy for me.

[@TalesofFameandFate]

Wow that must have been tough. So many looked up to George and his portrayal of Superman which showed so many kids right from wrong.

[@garychambers5850]

Like finding out there is no "Santa Claus"!!!!!!!!!!😲

[@brendaleverick3655]

George's mother was very, very wrong to lie to young George about her divorce from his father, telling him he had died. She wanted George all to herself. Selfish woman! No wonder he made bad choices in women after that! If you can't trust your own mother, it's fair to think better women don't exist.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I was a huge Superman fan. Watched every episode every year it was on TV. Also enjoyed the film "Hollywoodland". I even enjoyed his minor role in "From Here to Eternity". (..."hey its Superman!") He also made a cameo on "I Love Lucy" as Superman.

[@frankgraham1996]

His cameo on I love Lucy was hilarious!!!!

[@rayali9854]

I recently started watching the adventures of superman.george Reeves seemed a nice guy--even as superman he greeted those he'd come to rescue with a smile--a true superman.

[@jacquelineroque7594]

I think there was one or two other actors that played Superman, but George Reeves will always be the one and only Superman.

[@jeanthree]

George Reeves & Christopher Reeves rotten endings

[@EinSofQuester]

The lesson is that if your last name is Reeves then don't play superman

[@reidmason2551]

@@EinSofQuester That's not much of a lesson, since Reeves made some very bad decisions in his personal life that may well have been his doom and Reeve suffered a freak accident. Superman had nothing to do with it.

[@maxipazz8214]

Different surnames sorry

[@bradenhogan2]

Not as bad as Brandon Routh. He ended up on the CW! Scary!

[@conniecrawford5231]

George Reeves/ Christopher Reeve- no “ s” On Chris’ surname

[@elderhardaway5674]

There Were Many Portrayals Of "Superman" But George Reeves Stands Out Above All.** His Portrayal Of "Superman" Was Very Unique** And Very Natural** His "Personality" Played A "Great Legendary" Part Of Him Being "Superman"** On And Off The TV Screen!!!!!** **No Contest**

[@TalesofFameandFate]

I So agree!

[@garychambers5850]

*I CONCUR*

[@caryrevels6584]

R.I.P. George, Thanks for the memories.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Career-wise, it might have been hard for George Reeves to justify, but he wound up being the embodiment of truth, justice and the America Way...and immortalized in the process. Long after other actor's movie roles are gone and forgotten, Reeves will live in the hearts of his fans. George Reeves IS Superman. The one and only.

[@lauracolucci2971]

That painting you used in the first clip at 1:29 of superman was actually painted by my dad. That's Awesome!

[@codyjames9376]

It was murder it sounds like...

[@dominiquejones3805]

Hollyweird

[@brainsareus]

@@dominiquejones3805 Trite word.

[@barryallenflash1]

Great video! Don't forget about Kirk Allyn, HE was the original Superman, the one that EVERYONE forgets! Similar to the original Batman Lewis G Wilson from '43. Of course George and Adam are more known, but aren't the original. His death is soooo surrounded by controversy that it's turned into conspiracies from all walks of life.

[@wolfsden3812]

Thank you for this video....what a tragic story of success and misery all wrapped up in a cape......thanks again....rest well my Superman you tried so hard to make it work.....

[@eedleate]

Sounds like George's mom was a monster.

[@eedleate]

@Mark Oliver nice troll, troll

[@garychambers5850]

Yes, she really said some horrible, mean things to George. She put that suicide shit in his head. Saying his Father killed himself. George wanted to be like his Dad!

[@paulasmith4561]

Poor man

[@josephpetrizzo3524]

The only person who knows what happened on that tragic day is George reeves himself and he's dead, and other then George reeves is the good lord above, R.i.P. george reeves may god bless your soul.

[@markflitman9739]

If only George Reeves didn't get involved with Mannix

[@eloiseockert6561]

@@markflitman9739 He was in love with Toni but then he met Leonore & preferred to be with her. The other performers especially Jack Larson felt Geirge should have stayed with Toni. But it was his decision.

[@stevendiosdado5985]

"the only person that knows is Reeves himself "? Hello!! How about the one that shot him?? So make that, 2 people that know..

[@markflitman9739]

You are 100% right

[@TaDarling1]

@@markflitman9739 Or with Lenore Lemmon.

[@MartaWomack]

I remember watching the TV show when I was a kid in the '50's and believing that the ability to fly must be glorious! I never tried jumping off of anything, being a little girl and all, but I did imagine being Lois Lane!

[@johnjohnon8767]

Have a cousin jumped off the top bunk to play superman. Hit his head on a dresser for his trouble I think.

[@thomasdaniel1661]

He left out the mother had a private investigator investigate and came back and said don't do anything farther plus the 2nd autopsy said homicide and he had actually laid close out on the bed after taking a shower as if to go out

[@fiddlesticksbessette398]

WHO TOLD YOU THAT,LOL....

[@markcadieux3445]

The part about the investigator was in a book called Hollywood Kryptonite.

[@watchgoose]

close? close out? Or did you mean "clothes"? Interesting, to say the least.

[@joyceanthony9526]

As an 8 year old in 1964 I had a crush on Superman and no one told me George Reeves had died. I got up In front of my fourth grade class, or was it third grade I can’t remember, and told them that my dad was letting me fly to California to meet the real Superman. The whole class started yelling at me he is dead he’s dead. I don’t remember what happened after that; I blacked out the memory Years later in 1984 I married a man that resembles George Reeves

[@gayledimitri5887]

Joyce Anthony aww. Isn’t it funny how as children we have this “perfect man” in our head, and what he would look like? You did, kudos & much happiness to you! 😊

[@victoriakeppler6694]

When I hear of Superman, I think of George Reeves...the only Superman!

[@brianpress1392]

Your right, George Reeves was the Best person to have ever played the part of Superman, 👍 R.I.P. 🙏

[@lloydkline6946]

His death was story very very scary

[@donnyallard7957]

Y'

[@theegyptian6922]

Christopher Reeves for me but George was before my time. God rest both of them.

[@davidhunt8456]

Why does the recreations look like the 1990's soap opera

[@southernsteelmotorcycles9007]

Kirk Alyn was the first Superman But no one seems to know this or remembers it

[@smilanesi98]

Mainly, because those serials did not get thrust into television after their run in theaters. In the 50s the competing genre could have confused the larger audience. It was not until the age of renting videos and KZbin did the Kirk Allyn films get its due.

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

I was only 9 or 10 when I started watching and admiring George Reeves' Superman. This was back in the early sixties. I was shocked to learn years later as a young teen that he had died in June 16, 1959--which is the date of my 3d birthday and that I was only watching Superman reruns on TV and that George had passed years before I adopted him as my true superhero. My heart truly broke. RIP the best of all Supermen.

[@mipajaro1]

I felt so bad for him. He was good as superman and it is hard to be cast as something else.

[@justinwade856]

Yes your right about that Mary. It's really painful but we had to move on with that..... So how are you feeling today?

[@garychambers5850]

Little did he know at the time that he would go down in History as the *Worlds Greatest Superman!!!*

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

I!Agree With All Of You About This One!

[@jeniferm9095]

I’m blown away at what an amazing, patriotic, compassionate man Mr. Reeves was. He had the kind of upbringing which today would be the recipe for a victim hood. However it appears that he never wind and was humble enough even to dig cesspools.We need to create more citizens like him.

[@gaymichaelis7581]

I loved George Reeves as the original superman! I was born in 1948, and raised watching Clark Kent and superman! To me he looked so much like my father, had the same kind of great looks!!! They both had the same brown hair and wore it the same way, and had the same large chest! I had no idea about his private life and all the drama and heartache, etc., that he had to experience!!! And I had no idea about his death and possible murder! Very tragic and sad! But glad I have learned about this. Thank you.

[@josephdannyfoster4755]

Kirk Alyn was the first Superman on the silver screen although all his flying scenes where animated cartoons not live action flying, Never the less Kirk was a very likeable Superman as was George Reeves years later - when Christopher Reeve became Superman in the 70s the amount of cash & modern special effects ( pre-CGI )was a obvious winner although Chris had a tragic accident which led to an early death I like all the Supermen they all brought something different to the role & I’ve seen everyone of them as they first appeared on the screen

[@2HAMMERS1]

As a child, way back then, I never missed one of Superman's shows which play on our B/W Tv every Saturday morning. When my family purchased our Color TV I jumped for joy and boy, oh boy seeing Superman in color, wow was like I could smell his blue suit. I never knew George Reeves, only Superman by name. Watching his life's story saddens me deeply. RIP Superman Soon I will meet you in-person Hmm I guess in Spirit

[@cScottD]

That was very interesting! I do have one small suggestion (and this may just be me). I think it would've been even better without the little bits of stock video of random people. I think just having the still images and video of the narrator would've given it more impact. Every time there was a scene of random stock people doing something, it drew me out of the narrative, Don't get me wrong. It was great anyway, but I do think it would've been even better without those.

[@simonovessimon4242]

very good compelling docu as most have seen the other documentaries from years ago on yt..this is a refreshing one..well done.

[@Bob_C]

When I was in grade school I used to run home from school when the bell rang at 3:20 pm, so I could get there in time to watch the Adventures of Superman on my families' black and white TV. The program started at 3:30 pm, so I had only ten minutes to get home and turn on the TV. I didn't want to miss the beginning of the show. That show started my lifelong interest in super hero characters on TV and in the movies. I especially liked the Superman character. I collected a lot of comic books, many of which were about Superman. Later on I was shocked to hear about George Reeves alleged suicide. To this day I still believe he was murdered. I believe George Reeves had become typecast by playing Superman. Had he not died, I believe he would have overcome the typecasting and gone on to play important roles in many more movies. I really admired George Reeves because he was willing to play the character of Superman on TV, even though it undoubtedly hindering his career as an actor.

[@philipboyd3544]

I loved him in my childhood. I wouldn't imagine someone would be found naked after a suicide. It just seems strange.

[@juanlopez4353]

If George Reeves was found naked that means it was a woman that killed him..

[@timothylindman2565]

When we were little kids Superman was our hero he was like Jesus he was super he loves people and kids.Them people killed our superman.Remember they have to die sometime face our Lord.Why would anybody kill anybody and to our Superman we never forget you George ever.All of us kids across the world loves our Superman George reeves

[@bobbywoods684]

This reminds me of how nice it is to find one woman who loves you up or down despite your flaws. George never had that.

[@dominiqueechevarria1889]

I HOPE GEORGE HAS FOUND PEACE

[@garychambers5850]

Without a doubt. He found peace the moment he left Our World in 1959. The Lord had his Angels help poor George. ⛪✝🤎

[@brianstrutter1501]

Not sure how this would be possible. He's dead. Unfortunately he died too soon

[@kevinburrell3359]

Nobody who commits suicide is in peace. Why don't you stop disrespecting God?

[@kevinburrell3359]

@@garychambers5850 You're crazy as fu k Gary

[@brianstrutter1501]

@@kevinburrell3359 - disrespecting who? Lmfao

[@packingten]

I was a HUGE fan of Superman show,After school everyday LOVED IT!.

[@kylekullin2520]

What about Tom Petty?

[@shereederrick]

He really was a Super Man. Rest in Heavenly Peace.

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

No he's not ,he's a actor and is resting an has been for a long time.

[@Todd.P]

Yes indeed. Amen.

[@thomasandersen2938]

He also had part in gone with the wind

[@zeldafreak1975]

This was mentioned at the start of the bio.

[@JackWaldbewohner]

Thank you for this great biography!!!!!!

[@TalesofFameandFate]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@4406bbldb]

I remember how bad/surprised I was when he died. I’m 74 so I suppose I could do the math to remember my age. I watched every episode on a RCA 9” black and white TV.

[@peterhorner9748]

George will always be my favourite superman.

[@plymouthduster225]

I have never thought that he committed suicide. I think that he was murdered. By who I don't know, but maybe Lonare Lemmon got mad at George for having second thoughts about the wedding and maybe he was considering going back to be with Toni again. Or Eddie Mannix hired a hit man to get rid of George because of how he had hurt Toni when he left her.

[@5DNRG]

He was a good man....he had a vibe of sadness in his demeanor.

[@eloiseockert6561]

Geirge at first liked being Superman. But mu mch later on he wanted to be in more dramatic roles but unfortunately he was typecast. Then he had serious financial problems creeping up & went to loan sharks connected to the Mafia. Financial issues were getting more & more severe

[@suestephan3255]

Probably due to his childhood with his mother.

[@justinwade856]

Hi, Barbara how are you feeling today?

[@johnvaldez8830]

Friends get together in the late 1950s- of course, they are drinking as it is a national pastime. They all start to talk about George's career, his girl expressing anxiety about his ex, his friend telling him to be careful, the other girl supporting the girlfriend and the unknown guy stating some ridiculous crap about how his character could be better or that Superman is a washed up show anyway. The arguments of drunkeness ensues, and someone wants to win the argument. A gun is pulled out, with the intent to threaten and show off...except, the gun goes off unexpectedly and repeatedly because of a struggle between the men. George is shot and killed instantly to the horror of his girl and shock of his guests. The phone call to the police is made, they realize that because George is still semi-famous they would be known as having shot Superman...but who did it was clouded in their drunkeness and not totally clear even to themselves. They were all there and all at fault but who really noticed until afterward which time the gun fired that it hit George. Literally, no one was paying attention and so it led to the consensus that they must agree to blame George for his own death rather than risk accusing a single one of them and letting that one person take the wrap. Carefully they crafted their story, placing the gun at George's feet and left the rest up to the imaginations of police who simply wanted to close the case as soon as possible on such a high profile tragedy. Yes, it was likely the cowardice of so-called friends, superficial groupies and their degenerate self-importance that convinced their consciences that they alone were not meant for prison life but knew the truth of that fateful night which haunted them for the rest of their lives. Maybe.

[@charlesfranklin3533]

I Used to watch this guy as a kid. He was Superman.

[@cherylsmith7282]

He was my Superman and my hero as a kid.

[@jerrybrownell3633]

George Reeves was not the original Superman. He was the first TV Superman. Kirk Alyn was the first to portray The Man of Steel on screen.

[@davidbarry9690]

Every one knows that dah

[@eloiseockert6561]

@@davidbarry9690 No everyone does NOT know that.

[@eloiseockert6561]

You are correct. But George was the first T.V. Superman.

[@jerrybrownell3633]

@@eloiseockert6561 - That is exactly what I said.

[@randyacuna3248]

@@jerrybrownell3633 you are right , this should not say the original superman.

[@nivid01]

Good onya George... I loved watching you as a very young boy. I am 67 now.

[@jewell92]

72 y/o female.

[@ElenaAshe]

Me too!

[@fiddlesticksbessette398]

78

[@packingten]

I'm kinda in da middle I'm a 1951ner...so I'm now 70 & watched Superman EVERYDAY....Great Caesars Ghost😇

[@bonniescott6470]

It’s sad what happened to mr Reeves 🤔🙁

[@AftonOfficial.]

He was murdered

[@eugenerowland1262]

I was six years old, playing outside that Summer when another child said "Superman is dead. What happened? He committed suicide with a gun". Several kids argued that story it wasn't true. The TV news circulated a story George Reeves was depressed because he was typecast. 40 years later I heard an Art Bell radio show talk with fellow actor Jack Larsen (Jimmy Olsen) who had devoted years to unraveling the mystery. He said Reeves was killed by a local crime boss over a woman. And the killer went out a window. And the evidence was covered up by hush money. Incidentally, at age 64 I lived in a 22 story building built in 1931. Often, I'd think about the "single bound" comment in the show opener. Here's to George Reeves 😃🍻

[@GeorgeGiller]

😮

[@Chazd1949]

Ed Doyle - excellent script and narration, fascinating story. Thank you for all the work you put into making this.

[@rezzer7918]

Moronic

[@googalacticgoo]

Crazy how one Superman was Reeves and the great portrayal on the silver screen was by a Reeve

[@neildavy2601]

Move over Jerry Skinner. Great documentary. I'm almost 73 & I've seen almost everything on film this guy did. Honestly I've never believed that he committed suicide. Probably something like the Natalie Woods debacle. Thank you for an outstanding presentation.

[@mjpowell101a]

He was murdered!!!!!!!!

[@wildsonfilmes]

I always thought it was one of them, but her? why?

[@jimmiesmith5811]

This reminds of Paul Williams of the temptations death a murder covered up to look like suicide just because someone depressed doesn't mean they comment suicide all the time both of these deaths are fishy

[@garychambers5850]

I didn't know that? Was it proven that "Paul Williams" was murdered? Watching the TV movie, it makes it seemed like he committed suicide.

[@jimmiesmith5811]

@@garychambers5850 The gun was in paul's right hand but the gunshot was on the left side of his head and there were no power burns on his his hands the gun had also two rounds fired from it and he was sitting there with his underwear on like David Ruffin said it doesn't make sense

[@conniecrawford5231]

We lost 2 Superman - George Reeves and Christopher Reeve ! Eerie how their names are so alike!

[@davidjames666]

how is George and Christopher alike?

[@shannonhall1465]

True, they both had tragic deaths.

[@wiseguymaybe]

@@davidjames666 I think he's talking about the last names being so close, although George Reeves last name was a stage name, like the video said Reeve was Chris's real last name.

[@wiseguymaybe]

@Mark Magoo I mean no offense, but since their last names are almost identical, why would you assume that he meant the first names?

[@maddyhayes617]

@@wiseguymaybe so, what was George Reeves' REAL NAME ????

[@smadas4192]

I can't believe this man is gone 63 years...

[@williamdavis9943]

George was murdered by Eddie Mannix & Ms. Lemon. He was my hero at age 7. Born a Capricorn the same as Elvis neither one committed suicide. We just don't do that no matter how bad the situation.

[@TalesofFameandFate]

Right On!!

[@kenridinger2789]

He was the best superman

[@thomasdaniel1661]

I think so too

[@viktoriaironpride4977]

Not only the "best." he was the ONLY one!

[@davidjackson7051]

I agree

[@joebloggs1255]

I think that he was the best superman, i watched every episode that i was able to, just after arriving in Australia, i came here in 1963 at the age of 11

[@margiecieslinski1509]

Very sad😢 I have always loved George Reeves as Superman. I DVR all the shows of Superman. 💞💞RIP George Reeves 🙏🏼😢

[@davepitts4479]

His death will most likely never be solved because most of the key players that were at his house that night are dead. There was a party, and the few survivors are collectively still stating that George was alone in his bedroom when a shot rang out. The LAPD has been accused of botching the investigation due to bad crime scene protocols and investigative procedures. For example, the wound had no charred powder burns indicative of a gun blast close to the head. The wound was on the right temple and several reports state a single spent shell was found BENEATH his body with the gun winding up on the LEFT side of the floor next to the bed. Now, I realize CSI forensics back then were practically nil compared to today, but how could a spent shell casing wind up beneath a person who commits suicide by shooting themselves in the right side of the head? How could that same gun come the rest on the left side of the body? Why weren't the authorities called right away when his body was discovered? The nearly three hour wait is like the 18 minute gap on President Nixon's Watergate tapes. It is a giant red flag that needs to be answered.

[@tanmaxwell4599]

He was murdered.SUPERMAN - go out by suicide? No way. No good women were his demise. A Mobster goon had him knocked off undercover over a lousy dame he fooled around with - dressed it up to be suicide.The nitwits forgot to write the suicide note.

[@TaDarling1]

That same LAPD botched other investigations as well...for example, they were never able to solve the 1947 Black Dahlia murder.

[@cathleenlagarce368]

I never did buy the story of his suicide. He was murder. May he rest in peace. Forever Superman.

[@juanlopez4353]

I say he was murder for a business scamm issue or a life insurance....

[@thevisualedge9346]

It's crazy that someone starring in a hit TV show for several years would have it described as "the role that ended his career." I mean he must have been living large if his Superman money wasn't protecting him from dire straits.

[@stevenmullens511]

He was the best superman ever and he was murder. 👮‍♂️

[@Batkoku]

Kirk Alyn was the original superman.

[@watchgoose]

but not on TV. HE appeared in a couple of serial movies.

[@garychambers5850]

Didn't he He portray "Superman" just on Stage?

[@pauljoseph8691]

Now this is a story for The Daily Planet if ever there was one. Perry White where are you when you are needed? Lois too. Jimmy can assist her.

[@orvilleh.larson7581]

John Hamilton was great as Perry White. Hamilton brought the right authority and persona to the role. "The Adventures of Superman" ended its six-year run in November 1957. John Hamilton lived just long enough to complete the show. He died the next year, on October 15, 1958.

[@smilanesi98]

​@@orvilleh.larson7581" And don't call me Chief ! "

[@smadas4192]

It's sad George didn't know what he meant to many people! I still which his superman today!

[@chrisfreeman4457]

He mentioned that Reeves appeared in lot of forgettable "B" movies in his career, but I don't believe he mentioned Reeves' brief (but uncredited) appearance in "From Here to Eternity", a major box office success, and the winner of 8 Academy Awards. The film starred Burt Lancaster, Ernest Borgnine, and several other major actors. So, he was in one major motion picture. I saw the movie, and he just had a brief walk on moment. Although he must have been noticed by alot of people at the time, as the movie was made in 1953, when the "Superman" TV show was just getting underway. And although it's incidental, I've always noticed the similar nature in last names between George Reeves, and Christopher Reeve, who would later play "The Man of Steele."

[@joeconner2231]

He was in Gone With the Wind! The first major role of his career! He was 25 years old when he appeared in that! Therefore, that makes two major motion pictures.

[@joeconner2231]

They say that his part in From Here to Eternity was larger but had to be cut because the immature test audiences were childishly mocking George every time he appeared in a scene( because of the Superman program) They recreate the scene in the movie Hollywoodland! Todays audiences are more willing to give actors a chance and less willing to typecast,! Unfortunately, Adam West career had those same issues after the cancellation of Batman!

[@reidmason2551]

@@joeconner2231 Reeves' part in FROM HERE TO ETERNITY is identical to what's in the shooting script. His part was never cut, but that urban legend took on a life of its own.

[@mjpowell101a]

Don't forget Gone with the Wind.

[@johnjohnon8767]

There's also a Steve Reeves, aka Hercules.

[@jerrycummings9766]

As much as I loved George Reeves in this role, Kirk Alyn was the first screen actor to portray The man of steel.

[@Indivo]

Gone With the Wind was George Reeves 6th film. 1: Ride, Cowboy, Ride (Short) ... played Pancho Dominguez 1939 2: Espionage Agent ... played Warrington's Secretary (uncredited) 1939 3: The Monroe Doctrine (Short) ... played John Sturgis 1939 4: Smashing the Money Ring ... played Trial spectator (uncredited) 1939 5: On Dress Parade ... played Southern Soldier in Trench (uncredited) 1939 6: Gone with the Wind ... played Stuart Tarleton - Scarlett's Beau 1939

[@TaDarling1]

He also played Sgt. Maylon Stark in the movie "From Here To Eternity" in 1953.

[@RichRodgersOnline]

I watched Superman every afternoon in the 50's. I remember that my mom told me one morning that Superman was dead. I said, "What Happened?" She said, He shot himself. I thought bullets couldn't hurt him? But being a kid she explained it a little more about the George Reeves who played Superman. I guess I was a little slow but I finally got it. I have heard conflicting stories. I guess we will never know about his death. But it is sad that he had to go through all the difficulties.

[@shihanUKS]

The life style comes home to roost. You don't play boy toy to a gangster's wife for years and come out unscathed.

[@billytwoknives6495]

"Two times the legal level." These yappers always leave out... to operate a motor vehicle. Two times the legal level to operate a motor vehicle doesn't mean you are staggering drunk

[@davidmacphee8348]

Thanks. That was on my mind too! 2X legal ?

[@juanlopez4353]

I don't think it had anything to do with him drinking alcohol. I think it had to do with a life insurance policy or a business scam gone wrong...

[@geraldinerudeseal4986]

We loved super Man he was our hero he could do anything r,I,p, Georg Reeves

[@carriehilber8974]

George Reeves made me a Superman fan. I 💘 watching the old black and white Superman in rerun. I have all the Superman movie. Now all I need is the old black and white Superman. It's a bird it's a plane it's Superman. My favorite comic book hero.

[@loringbush3319]

He still is the best Superman of them all.

[@karlsmith2570]

There's a lot of things that don't add up to George Reeves committing suicide, especially the phone call to Phylis Coates received from Manix

[@geraldmahoney826]

There was suspicion that he was murdered!

[@LizBlair]

Loved the show as a kid. He was really handsome.

[@justinwade856]

Hi, dear how are you feeling today?

[@justinwade856]

Hi

[@scotttrail522]

How did Superman ruin George Reeves' career? I mean. . . Nowadays, people would be ecstatic in receiving such a role, or talk about having BEEN in such a role.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

If you haven't seen So Proudly We Hail, it's a must see. George is terrific and should have been a star making career. What could have been. The problem with the rest of his career is that he wasn't able to ... brand himself. He worked at all the studios. He did bit parts, he did leads, he did A pictures, he did B pictures, he did westerns, he did comedies and even a musical, he played good guys, he played bad guys, he did unbilled appearances. Really, I've never seen movie credits quite like George's. Honestly, I think he should have given Broadway, off-broadway more of a chance before deciding to come back to Hollywood. He would have been great on stage, I would have thought especially with his Pasedena Playhouse training.

[@davewanamaker3690]

Actually the town is Woolstock, Iowa. (we all make mistakes). Liked your presentation.

[@maxinenall9950]

He was murdured, plain and simple. George Reeves loved children and he would never commit suicide because he would not do anything to hurt us kids 😥 His murder was covered up because of money and power 😠 We still love you George ❤️ you will always be MY Superman 😘🥰❤️

[@jamestyer8294]

Yes correct even the police covered up at the time of the investigation ,it even Took eleneor lemon and the guest at Georges Home 45 minutes to call the police after he was shot...

[@mtsflorida]

Reeves made me a believer in Superman. The mob didn't like infidelity which he openly demonstrated with married women. Whether it was because of him being famous with kids or a jealous person it probably was his down fall. Role models are hard to find now.

[@genobambino]

This is mistitled. It’s more of a “life of” than a “death of.”

[@therealhawkeyeii7888]

They didn't have roller luggage with telescoping handles back then. You used to just pick up your luggage by the handle and carry it. No wheels. No telescoping handles.

[@notphilivey]

Superman was clearly murdered. He had no motive to kill himself and his jealous girlfriend admitted she did it.

[@fiddlesticksbessette398]

LOL,RIGHT...

[@bobburns7277]

He was whacked by the star whackers after his contract came to an end that's why a proper investigation never took place. They were also upset with him for interacting with children in a very positive way. These people are seriously sick even back then, look at Walt Disney! I rest my case!!

[@paulohagan3309]

@@bobburns7277 What's the story with Disney?

[@josepharcher3265]

@@bobburns7277 please do explain more

[@4406bbldb]

I was tuned in the day it was released on the 5:00 pm news. Seems to me his contract was up and had no prospects for work. No place for a unemployed Super Man.