Jack Larson, TV's Jimmy Olsen, Turns 75 Today!

Jack Larson played everyone's favorite cub reporter from 1952-58 on the syndicated The Adventures of Superman, which starred George Reeves. He recently made a cameo appearance in the 2006 big screen Superman Returns. Last year, Larson attended the Archive's 10th Anniversary Party, which honored the Archive's first 500 interviewees (photo, left).

Click here to watch his entire Archive Interview.

Interview description:
Larson spoke 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 The Adventures of Superman. He discussed 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 discussed the popularity of “Superman” and why he thinks it has become a franchise phenomenon. Larson spoke candidly about the difficulties he had coping with instant celebrity and his struggles later on when he found that he was typecast. Additionally, he talked 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 talked about his guest appearances in recent years on such series as Lois & Clark— The New Adventures of Superman.