Jack Larson

In his one-hour Archive interview focusing on his television work, actor Jack Larson speaks in great detail about the role for which he is most associated, that of Daily Planet cub reporter "Jimmy Olsen" in the 1950s television series Adventures of Superman. He discusses the ways he played the character, the kinds of comedy and stunts he did for the series, the one-take filming schedule, and his work with the regular cast and guest stars. He also discusses the popularity of "Superman" and why he thinks it has become a franchise phenomenon. Larson speaks candidly about the difficulties he had coping with instant celebrity and his struggles later on when he found that he was typecast. "I wouldn't do a magazine interview, I wouldn't do anything because I thought everything I do as 'Jimmy Olsen' publicity in this is just a further nail in my coffin as an actor, Jack Larson," he says. Additionally, he talks about his earlier career, screen testing for the feature film "Fighter Squadron" and landing a contract with Warner Brothers, as well as his work in "live" television in New York. Finally, Larson talks about his guest appearances in recent years on such series as Lois & Clark — The New Adventures of Superman. Karen Herman conducted the interview in Los Angeles, CA on August 17, 2003.