The first Superman
ANAND KUMAR RAJU
|
Ray Middleton's fame rests on his being the first actor to play Superman..
|
SUPERHERO: An animated version.
The first actor to play Superman was not Kirk Alyn, or George Reeves or Christopher Reeve. It was Ray Middleton, and his birth anniversary was celebrated on February 8. His real name was Raymond Earl Middleton Jr. and he was an American stage actor who also acted in a few movies like "Gangs of Chicago" (1940). But his fame rests on his being the first actor to play Superman.
In person
In 1938, DC Comics the publishers of Superman celebrated "Superman Day" at the New York World's Trade Fair. There was a live Broadcast from the fairgrounds about his presence.
Young readers of the Superman comics believed that there really was a Superman because they could see him standing with a billowing cape on top of a building. The word "Superman" was emblazoned on his chest along with the famous logo.
After this spectacular if mysterious appearance Middleton went on to play in musicals like "Annie Get Your Gun" and second-rate serials. Middleton continued to be active in concerts and radio commercials and in Unitarian Church Activity. He died in Panorama, California, on April 10, 1984.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
