George Reeves Death 67th Anniversary

Above, the home in Benedict Canyon where George Reeves died. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is the 67th anniversary of the death of the original television Superman, George Reeves in his bedroom in Benedict Canyon. 

Fans of the 1950s Adventures of Superman are familiar with the different theories of Reeves's death. The theories are suicide, murder and accident. Those theories were presented in the feature film, Hollywoodland (2006). I'll leave it to the viewer on which one to believe.

Above, Hollywoodland screenwriter Paul Bernbaum and yours truly in 2014.

Hollywoodland is a fictionalized account of the last days of George Reeves and the aftermath of his death. It was written by Paul Bernbaum and stars Ben Affleck as George Reeves. It is a film worth viewing. 

Above, George Reeves as Superman.

Justin Root posted two videos on the "Mysterious Life & Death of Superman George Reeves." Root goes through Reeves's life and death in detail. Both parts are presented below.

June 16, 1959: 66 Years Ago

Today in history from Yellow Advertiser:

1959: TV’s Superman George Reeves dies from a gunshot to the head aged 45. The coroner rules it as suicide but mystery remains over the complete absence of fingerprints on the gun or gunpowder residue on the body. Theories include a mafia hit or murder by Reeves’ fiancee.

This has to be one of Hollywood's most perplexing mysteries. Was Reeves's death really a suicide? An accident? Ot murder? 

Above, George Reeves's home in Benedict Canyon in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was 66 years ago today that Reeves died from a gunshot wound to the head in his Benedict Canyon home. Books and a movie (Hollywoodland in 2006) have covered the story. 

Fan Brad Shey puts it this way:

June 16, 2025, the 66th anniversary of George Reeves' untimely passing. A day to remember not how he died, but to celebrate his life. Super hero, role model and father figure, his wink and smile created a bond with his fans. His legacy continues to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

Above, George Reeves with his rifle collection about 72 hours before his death. 

65 Years Since George Reeves Died

Today marks 65 years since television's first live-action Superman, George Reeves, passed away allegedly by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He would be amazed in wonderment at the impact he made with generations since then. He would also be a major draw at comic book and science-fiction conventions had he lived. 

 

Above, the house where George Reeve died. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

George Reeves's Death: 64th Anniversary

Above, George Reeves with his rifle collection in a photo shoot three days before his death.

Today marks 64 years since Adventures of Superman star George Reeves (allegedly) took his life during the wee hours in his Benedict Canyon home on June 16, 1959. 

His death is still being debated today. It was the subject of a 2006 movie, Hollywoodland, that covered the three theories of his death: suicide, murder and accident.

Above, George Reeves's Benedict Canyon home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It would have been interesting if Reeves had lived and gone on to making convention appearances. He would have been a huge draw, many believe.

George Reeves: 63rd Anniversary

Above, George Reeves poses with his rifle collection about 72 hours
 before his death on June 16, 1959. Armand Vaquer collection photo.

63 years ago today, actor George Reeves was found dead in his upstairs bedroom at his Benedict Canyon home of an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

It is amazing that Reeves still has a following of fans these 60+ years. More George Reeves Facebook fan pages are popping up all the time. 

Above, George Reeves former Benedict Canyon home in March 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, there seems to be more Superman movies and television shows with different actors portraying the Man of Steel. Despite that, George Reeves and Christopher Reeve still lead the pack in fan esteem to this day.

Today, raise a glass in salute to George Reeves. 

62nd Anniversary of George Reeves Death

Above, the George Reeves Benedict Canyon home in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today marks 62 years since the alleged suicide of Adventures of Superman star George Reeves.

Reeves was found with a gunshot wound to his head in the bedroom of his Benedict Canyon home on June 16, 1959.

Above, George Reeves about 72 hours before his death.

There have been many questions raised over Reeves's death with theories of a hit man or an accident. The were covered in the movie, Hollywoodland (2006).

Still, despite the theories, Reeves is one of the few stars of television's golden age who is still fondly remembered for his work.

Revisiting "Hollywoodland"

Above, Hollywoodland screenwriter Paul Bernbaum and yours truly
 at the bar at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood in 2014.

Last night, I decided to revisit the 2006 movie, Hollywoodland, a fictionalized account of the death of Adventures of Superman star George Reeves on June 16, 1959 in Benedict Canyon.

I haven't watched the movie since before I moved out of California to New Mexico. 

Above, the George Reeves home in Benedict Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some in Superman/George Reeves fandom don't like the movie, but it has grown in favor (at least to me) over the years. It was written by Paul Bernbaum and directed by Allen Coulter. It stars Adrien Brody as (fictional) detective Louis Simo, Ben Affleck as Reeves, Robin Tunney as Leonore Lemmon, Bob Hoskins as Eddie Mannix and Diane Lane as Toni Mannix.

Above, the Hollywoodland poster.

It covers quite nicely the three "theories" of the death of George Reeves: hit man, accident (by Leonore Lemmon) and suicide. 

One of the locations used for Hollywoodland was Chips Restaurant in Hawthorne, California. I used to dine there on occasion when I lived in Hawthorne. 

Above, George Reeves and his rifle collection during a
photo shoot that took place about 72 hours before his death.

Hollywoodland as a movie holds up quite well. It did a great job in recreating the Hollywood of the 1950s. The approach was subtle, rather than going overboard as some movies do when trying to recreate a bygone era.

If one is interested in murder mysteries, Hollywood history or George Reeves, Hollywoodland is worth a look. It is still available on DVD.

George Reeves: 59th Anniversary of His Passing

Above, George Reeves during a photo shoot about 72 hours before his death.

Today marks 59 years since Adventures of Superman star George Reeves took his life in his Benedict Canyon bedroom.

Over the years, there has been much speculation over the circumstances over Reeves's death on June 16, 1959. There have been several books about Reeves with varying conclusions. A movie, Hollywoodland, was a fictional account of his death.

Above, George Reeves's former home in Benedict Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Had he lived, Reeves would have been a huge draw at comic book and science-fiction conventions. 

Brush Fire Threatens Benedict Canyon

Above, the house where George Reeves died in Benedict Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year, a major fire struck the Bel Aire/Beverly Hills section of Los Angeles County.

Now, a big brush fire has hit the Benedict Canyon area of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

According to Variety:

A fast-burning brush fire, called the Portola Fire, is threatening the Beverly Crest area near Benedict Canyon in Los Angeles, the location of numerous multi-million dollar mansions. “I Dream of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden, who spoke to ABC7 News about how close the blaze was to her home, is among the many celebrities who live in the area. 

Other residents of the surrounding area include Emmy Rossum, Channing Tatum, Jon Lovitz, Jessica Alba, Jon Voight, and Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd. 

The fire was reportedly caused by a weed whacker being used in a resident’s yard. Evacuations are expected to be lifted by 8 p.m. as the fire danger diminishes. 

Benedict Canyon is on the west side of Beverly Hills, north of Sunset Blvd., and east of Bel Air and the 405 freeway. 

No injuries or damages to structures have been reported. Authorities and news media are recommending avoiding the entire Benedict Canyon area so that emergency vehicles can access the fire.

Benedict Canyon gained notoriety during past years from the suicide of Adventures of Superman star George Reeves in 1959 and the Sharon Tate murders by the Manson Family in 1969.

To read more, go here.

George Reeves Benedict Canyon Home Today

This morning, I had an errand to do in Beverly Hills and I had to be there by 10:00.

Since the San Diego Freeway (I-405) is a parking lot in the morning, I took an alternate route from the San Fernando Valley to get there. I used to take this route when I worked at Wilshire Blvd. and La Cienega Blvd. years ago.

From Valley, I took Woodcliff Road to Mulholland Drive to Benedict Canyon Drive. Then down Benedict Canyon Drive into Beverly Hills.

While driving through Benedict Canyon, I pass by the house where Adventures of Superman star George Reeves lived and died.

On the way back to the Valley, I took several cell phone photos of the house.

Here's a couple of them:

Above, the house of George Reeves today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the foliage has grown quite a bit since 1959, otherwise, the house looks the same. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Below, George Reeves in his driveway only days before his June 16, 1959 death:

The Robert Durst Case, Something Interesting

While watching the Fox News Channel's show, Justice w/Judge Jeanine, the Robert Durst story came on and during the story, a letter involved with the murder of Susan Berman flashed on the screen and caught my attention.

Durst is alleged to be the serial killer of a number of people, including Berman.

This is the letter to Susan Berman:

What caught my attention about the letter was the address of Susan Berman: 1527 Benedict Canyon.

Why, you may ask?

Here is a photo of 1579 Benedict Canyon that I took a few years ago:

1579 Benedict Canyon was the home of Adventures of Superman star George Reeves and where he allegedly committed suicide.

Here's how close the Reeves and Berman homes are:

Above, the location of the Reeves home.

Above, the location of the Berman home.

As Arte Johnson used to say on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, "Verrrry interesting!"

New Acquisition

Above, Armand with a photo of George Reeves with his rifle collection. Photo by Jes.

This week, I managed to obtain a photo print (the details of which are confidential) from a photo shoot by former 1930s child actor Bill Seay (known then as Billy Seay) (1922-2012) of Adventures of Superman star George Reeves in his Benedict Canyon home.

Reeves is pictured in a tuxedo (sort of like James Bond, but this pre-dates the first Sean Connery Bond, Doctor No, by 3 years) with his rifle collection.

The photo was taken during a photo shoot by Seay purportedly on the weekend before Reeves's June 16, 1959 death. The photo session included the below well-known photo of Reeves sitting on his front porch.

Above, George Reeves on the front porch of his Benedict Canyon home.

It is a nice print and I will be matting and framing it shortly.

What Have We Started?

Above, Jack Larson reading the inscription for the first time.
Photo by John McCoy, Daily News staff photographer.

It is hard to believe that in ten more days, it will be a month since the Adventures of Superman plaque dedication in Tarzana and celebration luncheon at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood took place.

Those who attended, and fans who were unable to, are still basking in the "afterglow" of these events.

Speaking of plaques, I have learned that the current owner of the Benedict Canyon house where George Reeves lived, and died, is considering placing a plaque there.

Above, the former Benedict Canyon home of George Reeves. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The idea of a plaque marking the house where Reeves allegedly took his life may repel some. But, since it is a notable Hollywood historical site, it may be a good idea as long as the inscription on the proposed plaque is tastefully done. If it is done as a respectful memorial to Reeves, it should be okay.

This wouldn't be the first place where a celebrity died would be so memorialized.

There is a memorial near the 1955 crash site of James Dean. It is not at the actual crash site. It originally was a nice memorial, but it has since (from what I've read) fallen into disrepair. The actual crash site (up the road from the memorial) does have a marker and people leave all kinds of things including bras(!), sunglasses, DVDs of Rebel Without A Cause, liquor, cigarettes and other oddities.

We'll see how this transpires.

One Fan's Memories of the Superman Celebration

Above, Jack Larson autographing a comic book for five-year-old Cisco Sanz-Agero. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the best websites for "all things Superman" is the Superman Super Site. They have posted a new article on last weekend's festivities.

Adventures of Superman fan Chris Brockow from New Jersey wrote up the article with his reflections on the Superman Celebration weekend in the Los Angeles area (primarily Tarzana, North Hollywood and the Benedict Canyon section of Beverly Hills). The article's title: "August 19, 2014: Memories Made at "Adventures of Superman" Plaque Unveiling."

To go directly to the article, go here.

Rare George Reeves Photos Up For Auction

Above, one of the photos of George Reeves up for auction. 

It is interesting that a rare collection of publicity photos of George Reeves is now up for auction at Heritage Auctions, especially since we will be celebrating Reeves's 100th birthday (along with the 100th birthdays of Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster) next weekend.

The current high bid at this writing is $600.

Most of the photos I have never seen before including this one (below) of Reeves with Lenore Lemmon.

Above, George with Lenore Lemmon.

They appear to have been taken just days before Reeves's untimely death on June 16, 1959, allegedly by suicide. The scar on his forehead from the April 1959 auto accident is visible on many of the photos. Most were taken at his Benedict Canyon home.

The group also includes a letter written by Reeves's mother, Helen Bessolo.

If I had the money right now, I'd bid on them.

To see the collection, go here.

"Carmageddon" Weekend

Above, the old Mulholland Bridge.

The old (about 50 years) Mulholland Bridge over the San Diego Freeway (I-405) in Sherman Oaks will be demolished this weekend.

Dubbed "carmageddon," the project is to demolish the bridge so that the freeway can be widened. A ten-mile stretch of the freeway will be closed this weekend from the U.S. 101 Freeway south to the I-10 Santa Monica Freeway. Massive traffic snarls are expected this weekend when the I-405 is closed. A massive media campaign in Los Angeles has been ongoing, trying to keep people from driving in the area during the closure.

This'll be interesting as the San Diego Freeway is the direct route from the San Fernando Valley to Los Angeles International Airport, Westwood/UCLA, West Los Angeles and the beaches. People are being told to use surface streets. Sepulveda Blvd. runs parallel to the San Diego Freeway. That road may be tied up over the weekend. From the San Fernando Valley, other routes into the L.A. basin include Beverly Glen Blvd., Benedict Canyon, Laurel Canyon Blvd., Topanga Canyon Blvd., Malibu Canyon/Las Virgenes Canyon Road and Kanan-Dume Road. U.S. 101 and I-5 freeways also feed into the L.A. basin from the San Fernando Valley.

A new bridge, with new earthquake resistant pillars, will be built at the location.

Luckily for me, I don't have to drive that route until Sunday night when I have to cross the U.S. 101/I-405 interchange to go into Burbank.

I've crossed the old Mulholland Bridge hundreds of times over the years.

The Caretaker of Mountain View Cemetery

Above, at the urn of George "Superman" Reeves.

In November 2005, actress Noel Neill celebrated her 85th birthday at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in Studio City. Fans from around the country converged to celebrate.

The next day, since everyone was in town, I led them on the first-ever George Reeves tour. Stops included his house in Benedict Canyon where Reeves died on June 16, 1959, his boyhood home in Pasadena and Mountain View Cemetery, where he now rests in the mausoleum between his mother and aunt (photo below). We had about 4-5 carloads of Adventures of Superman fans participate on the tour.



The Los Angeles Times has a story today on the caretaker of Mountain View Cemetery, "Between The Sacred and the Mundane." George gets a mention in the article.

To read the article go here.

George Reeves's 97th Birthday

97 years ago today, actor George Reeves was born in Woolstock, Iowa.

His birthdate was January 5, 1914.

Reeves's first film role was in the 1939 classic Gone With The Wind as one of the Tarleton twins. He went on to become an icon of the baby-boomer generation as Clark Kent/Superman in the 1951-57 Adventures of Superman.

Reeves died on June 16, 1959 of an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in his home in Benedict Canyon.

5 Years Ago: The George Reeves Tour

Above, George Reeves's urn. Click on image to see larger.

Five years ago today, a group of Adventures of Superman/George Reeves fans toured around Los Angeles to visit some of the sites connected with Reeves. I was the official unofficial tour guide.

Many prominent fans such as Jim Nolt, Lou Koza, Carl Glass and others were in town for Noel Neill's 85th birthday party held the day before in Studio City. Since it was such a rare occasion to have everyone in one place, a tour was planned for the next day.

Fans gathered the morning of November 27, 2005 at the lobby and restaurant of the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn. Following breakfast, a caravan of carloads of fans left the hotel towards Pasadena.



The first stop was at George Reeves's boyhood home (above). At first, we had a little difficulty as the address given in a book did not match the house. The actual house was a few doors away. Luckily, there was a photo of the house in the book.

We spent about a half hour at the house taking pictures of the home and group photos. From there, we headed to the Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum to pay our respects at the final resting place of George Reeves. There are two mausoleums at the cemetery, and Reeves is in the Pasadena Mausoleum.

Above, Armand with the urn of George Reeves.

From there, we then headed for Beverly Hills to see the final home of George Reeves in Benedict Canyon. This was the last stop of the tour. The house looks pretty much as it did on the fateful morning of June 16, 1959 when Reeves was found dead in his bedroom with a gunshot wound in his head.

Above, Reeves's house in Benedict Canyon.

Carl Glass has an excellent write-up of the tour with lots of photos at his website, Glasshouse Presents. To view it, go here.

Five years sure went by fast!

51 Years Ago...

Above, George Reeves on one of his many visits to hospitalized fans.

51 years ago today, actor George Reeves of the Adventures of Superman was found dead from a gunshot wound to his head in his bedroom at his Benedict Canyon home.

Had this tragedy never happened, it is probable that Reeves would've been the king of the comic book and celebrity convention circuit.

While Reeves is no longer with us, his work in the motion picture and television industry lives on for future generations to enjoy.