Superman is a beloved fictional superhero cherished by fans of all ages through comic books and blockbuster films. Over time, the character has become one of Hollywood’s enduring legends, frequently revived in new adaptations. However, alongside the success of Superman, there have been disturbing observations about a series of tragedies associated with those linked to the character. These tragedies range from mysterious deaths to horrific accidents, leading many to whisper about the so-called “Superman Curse”—a curse that seems to extend beyond actors to anyone even remotely associated with the character.
When discussing the Superman Curse, it’s essential to start with the character’s creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. After selling the rights to Superman to DC Comics for a modest sum of $130, Superman began to bring immense success and profits to the company, while the creators lived in poverty. Shuster suffered from extensive medical issues, and Siegel expressed deep resentment towards the character he had created. In 1975, Siegel remarked that he could no longer stand to look at a Superman comic because it made him physically ill, even though he still loved the character—it had become something alien to him.
Moving from creators to actors, in the 1940s, the black-and-white Superman series aired on television with actor Kirk Alyn, who enjoyed significant popularity for portraying the superhero. However, once the show ended, Alyn struggled to find other acting roles, as he was typecast as Superman in other projects, commercials, and minor roles. His association with Superman limited his career opportunities, and he lived until 1999, passing away at age 88 after suffering from illness in his later years.
The Superman Curse did not stop with live-action actors; it also affected those involved in animated series. Between 1941 and 1943, a cartoon version of Superman featured the voice of Bud Collyer. Unlike Kirk Alyn, Collyer had a relatively successful career and even reprised his role in 1966 for a new series. However, his second stint as Superman seemed to attract the curse, as just three years later, he suffered from a sudden circulatory illness that led to his death at age 61.
Despite these incidents, the curse didn’t receive much attention until the tragic story of actor George Reeves. Reeves first played Superman in the 1951 film and continued in the role in a popular television series from 1952 to 1958. Although this success should have propelled his career, he, like Alyn, became typecast as Superman, struggling to find other roles. His attempt to branch out into war films was met with resistance from audiences who could only see him as Superman. This led to severe depression, and in 1959, Reeves was found dead under suspicious circumstances, with evidence suggesting suicide, although his mother doubted the investigation’s findings.
The curse extended to Christopher Reeve, who portrayed Superman in the 1978 film and its three sequels. Reeve was highly popular and had a successful career with the series. Unfortunately, like his predecessors, Reeve struggled to secure leading roles outside of Superman. In May 1995, while participating in a horseback riding event, he was thrown from his horse and became paralyzed from the neck down. Despite becoming a prominent advocate for disability rights and continuing to make significant contributions, Reeve’s life was cut short when he died of a heart attack in October 2004, at age 52.
The curse did not spare those in supporting roles either. Richard Pryor, a comedian who appeared in “Superman III” (1983), faced significant personal troubles including addiction and severe depression. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly after his Superman role, and his health deteriorated rapidly, leading to a heart attack and his death in 2005 at age 65. Similarly, Marlon Brando, who played Jor-El in the original Superman film, experienced personal tragedies including the murder of his daughter and the suicide of his son before passing away in 2004, just three months before Christopher Reeve.
The curse even affected women connected to the franchise. Margot Kidder, known for her role as Lois Lane in the 1978 film, experienced a dramatic decline in her personal life after the film’s success. Kidder’s career was marred by a series of personal crises, including a severe car accident in 1990 that left her temporarily paralyzed, mood swings, and depression. In 1996, she experienced a mental breakdown, believing her ex-husband was trying to kill her, and she was ultimately admitted for treatment. Fortunately, she managed to recover and lived a relatively quiet life afterward.
Perhaps the most tragic story associated with the alleged curse is that of Lee Quigley, who played infant Superman in the 1978 film. Although he was on screen for only a short time, Quigley left a lasting impression. His life, however, was fraught with difficulties, including a troubled home life and bullying at school. These pressures led him to drug abuse, and he tragically died of a heroin overdose at just 14 years old.
Even the production teams have not escaped the curse. The crew of “Superman Returns” faced a series of odd accidents, and actress Kate Bosworth, who played Lois Lane in the film, attributed some personal misfortunes to the curse, despite initially being skeptical. Her relationship with Orlando Bloom deteriorated during filming, and they eventually broke up. On the other hand, some actors, such as Brandon Routh and Bob Holiday, who also played Superman in various media, have not experienced significant tragedies (at least not yet). Henry Cavill, who played Superman in “Man of Steel,” has been outspoken about the curse, dismissing it as mere coincidence and bad luck that affects people regardless of their association with the character.
The Superman Curse remains a fascinating topic, blending superstition with real-life tragedies. While some dismiss it as a series of unfortunate events, the recurring pattern among those connected to Superman continues to intrigue and mystify both fans and historians alike.
