Celebrating The Life of Noel Neill

Above, Noel's "uniform" that she wore to countless conventions on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, about 100 people gathered in the Metropolis First United Methodist Church to celebrate the life of actress Noel Neill. Neill passed away in July at age 95.

Among the attendees were Jim Nolt, Mike Goldman, Brad Shey and myself. The services were led by Neill's biographer and manager Larry Ward.

Ward said that the intent of the services were to celebrate Neill's life and career. He said it was okay to laugh. He also said that she passed away peacefully in her sleep and her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean, near where she loved to play beach vollyball in Santa Monica.

Above, to views of the inside of the First United Methodist Church. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Speakers included Nolt, Dr. Pam Munter, Jim Bowers, Larry Blankley, Karla Ogle, Lisa Gower, Stephanie Perrin, Angie Sivori. There were also video tributes by Steve Younis, John Field, Terry Ryan and Jim Bowers. Musical performances were made by The Melungeons and Skip Griparis.

Above, Noel's "Key to the City" of Metropolis. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On display at the church were large photographs of Noel Neill as Lois Lane as well as movie posters.

On the church's stage. movie posters, photographs as well as Noel's "uniform" (that she wore at conventions), her "Golden Boot" Award, her Inkpot Award, her Metropolis "Key To The City" and other items.

Above, Noel's "Golden Boot Award". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the service, a video clip of Neill singing in the movie, On The Santa Fe Trail was shown.
Included in the video tributes by Field and Bowers were scenes of Neill's 85th birthday luncheon at the Beverly Garland Hotel and the unveiling of the Noel Neill "Lois Lane" statue in Metropolis as well as some convention appearances.

Above, Noel's "Inkpot Award". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The services were a very nice tribute to Noel Neill and she would have enjoyed it.

Above, Noel Neill and George Reeves. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Trekking To Metropolis

Above, Noel Neill and Armand at the TV Land Convention in Burbank.

Tomorrow morning, I'll be heading out for the trek to Metropolis, Illinois for the celebration of life memorial service for the original Lois Lane, Noel Neill.

I'll be driving there in The Beast along with Sierra.

It will be a leisurely trip with stops along the way (and the way back home). I will be posting the trip's progress (campground Wi-Fi permitting as they are notoriously poor).

I will be meeting up with many friends in Metropolis, including:

* Brad Shey.

* Jim Nolt of Lancaster, PA, editor of The Adventures Continue.
Website: jimnolt.com

* Jim Bowers of Las Vegas, Nevada: editor of the website CapedWonder.com.

* Steve Younis, Sydney, Australia, (video contribution), editor of the website: supermanhomepage.com.

* Larry Blankley of Granite City, Illinois.

* John Field of San Diego, CA (video contribution).

* Lisa Gower & Karla Ogle of the Metropolis, Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

* Terry Ryan of Sydney, Australia.

* Stephanie Perrin of Romeo, Michigan.

* Angie Sivori of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

* Larry Thomas Ward of Tucson, AZ, author of Truth, Justice, & The American Way: The Life & Times of Noel Neill, and Beyond Lois Lane.

Of course, while in Metropolis, I will be touring Jim Hambrick's Super Museum.

I don't know when I will be departing Metropolis for Memphis. That depends if there's anything planned for Sunday or not. 

Today's Metropolis Planet Front Page

The newspaper of Metropolis (Illinois), the Metropolis Planet, has a front-page article on the upcoming celebration of the life of the "Original Lois Lane", Noel Neill.

Jim Nolt posted the top image and Noel's manager and biographer, Larry Thomas Ward, sent out the full front page as a file. I made a snapshot of the article for your reading pleasure (below).

I will be heading there in The Beast and when I told Larry of this, he said:

Wow, Armand.  That's incredible!  It'll be great to see you again.  Just great.

Larry

Above, Superman adorns the Metropolis Planet masthead.

I am looking forward to seeing Larry and many other friends at the event and, also, the Super Museum.

Memorial Celebration of Noel Neill

Biographer Larry Ward has sent out the following news release:

On Saturday, November 5, 2016, we will be honoring
the life and career of the late actress Noel Neill, best known
for her role as "Lois Lane" in the 1950s television
series, The Adventures of Superman.  

The event will be held, appropriately enough, in the
Southern Illinois town of Metropolis, where Noel was
present in 2010 for the dedication of a statue of Lois Lane,
modeled after her likeness.

Miss Neill passed away of natural causes on July 3, 2016,
in Tucson, Arizona.  She was 95.

As of this writing, the scheduled speakers/presenters
include the following:

* Dr. Pam Munter of Palm Desert, CA. She is the author of
     Almost Famous, and When Teens Were Keen.  Pam
     will discuss Noel's life in Hollywood before Lois Lane.
     Website:  pammunter.com

* Jim Nolt of Lancaster, PA, editor of The Adventures
     Continue.   Website:  jimnolt.com

* Jim Bowers of Las Vegas, Nevada: editor of the website
     CapedWonder.com

* Steve Younis, Sydney, Australia, (video contribution),
      editor of the website: supermanhomepage.com

* Larry Blankley of Granite City, Illinois

* John Field of San Diego, CA (video contribution)

* Lisa Gower & Karla Ogle of the Metropolis, Illinois
      Chamber of Commerce

* Terry Ryan of Sydney, Australia

* Stephanie Perrin of Romeo, Michigan

* Angie Sivori of  Lake Charles, Louisiana

* Larry Thomas Ward of Tucson, AZ, author of
      Truth, Justice, & The American Way: The Life &
      Times of Noel Neill, and Beyond Lois Lane.  

Music will be performed by The Melungeons.  

### 

The above poster appeared in the
October 2016 edition of Classic Images magazine.

Noel Neill, R.I.P.

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neill at Noel's 85th birthday luncheon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This came sooner than expected, but Noel Neill is now reunited with Jack Larson, John Hamilton, Bob Shayne and George Reeves. When I say "sooner than expected", I mean that we all figured that Noel Neill would live to 100. But, that was not to be. The good Lord had other plans for her.

Noel's friend and biographer Larry Ward notified Jim Nolt on Facebook:

From Larry Ward:

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my very close friend, actress Noel Neill, the original "live action" Lois Lane from Superman. Noel passed away yesterday at her home in Tucson, Arizona after a long illness. She was 95. 

Noel Darleen Neill was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1920, the daughter of Minneapolis Star Tribune news editor David Neill and New York vaudeville performer LaVere Neill. She hit the stage early in life in local productions at the age of five, and also offered dramatic radio performances on local Minneapolis stations as early as 1929. She was childhood friends with the Andrews Sisters as they attended dance school together, with Noel eventually branching out as a solo singer and dancer. Noel and the Andrews Sisters barnstormed middle America together playing many of the RKO Orpheum Theatres throughout the region, as well as performing at countless county and state fairs throughout the midwest in the 1930s. 

After graduating from Central High in Minneapolis in 1938, Noel and her mother headed west by automobile, reaching Los Angeles a week later where she would eventually make her permanent home. Soon after her arrival, at almost 18 years of age, she was hired to sing with Bing Crosby's band at the Del Mar Racetrack. Other singing jobs followed in San Francisco, Tucson, and in Los Angeles. 

And then Hollywood came calling. With the help of Crosby, Noel signed a seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures in 1941. She initially made several short films, then appeared in mostly non-speaking roles, gradually gaining leading lady status beginning with 1944's Are These Our Parents? 

In total, Noel made close to 100 films in her long and incredible career, and surprisingly, most were Western films made in the 1940s and 1950s. She worked with many noted directors such Cecil B. DeMille, Vincent Minnelli, and Hal Roach, and starred with actors Bob Hope, Crosby, Gene Kelley, Clayton Moore, Johnny Mack Brown and William Holden. 

But it was her role as Lois Lane in the 1948 Columbia movie serial Superman that caught the interest of fans everywhere. She was bright, funny, assertive but with a quick sense of humor; and opposite film's first Superman, Kirk Alyn, the serial was a hit which necessitated a sequel, 1950's Atom Man Vs Superman, again starring Alyn with Tommy Bond as Jimmy Olsen. 

Her work in the iconic 1950s television series, The Adventures of Superman with the late George Reeves, however, best defined and cemented her legacy as "the intrepid reporter." After years of playing bit parts in bad films and great roles in forgotten films, she finally found her niche. As a teenager she knew all about the newspaper business from her father and she had also actually written for Women's Wear Daily in the late 1930s, so it was a role she believed she was born to play. And as she would admit in interviews later in life, she simply played herself. 

Arguably the most prolific actor in the Superman science fiction genre, Noel would also go on to work with Christopher Reeve in the 1978 film Superman, in the 1980s in the Superboy series with Gerard Christopher, the 2004 Jerry Seinfeld webisode Hindsight is 20/20; and finally, in Brandon Routh's 2006 feature film Superman Returns. 

The recipient of many awards over the years, she had long professed that her 2004 Golden Boot Award - for her many Western films - as presented to her by her friend and fellow actor Tom Selleck - was likely her favorite. 

The town of Metropolis, Illinois, which had proclaimed Noel Neill First Lady of Metropolis some years ago, also dedicated a Lois Lane statue in her likeness in 2011 for her love of the role and her many visits to Metropolis over the years. The statue is a popular attraction and has been visited by thousands of her admirers since its dedication. 

As Noel's close friend, companion and biographer, I found Noel to be generous with her time and the same person off the screen as she appeared to be on the screen. Her stamina was legendary as she happily made personal appearances and attended book signings well into her 90th year. She was kind, selfless, hardworking, funny with a quick wit, and assertive - all the same qualities that embodied the character of Lois Lane. Noel truly was Lois Lane, and for many of us, she was the first working woman seen on television. Few of her fans actually knew her real name, almost always simply calling her "Lois" to which she would unfailing answer with a bright smile and a kind word. It was more than a role to her. "Lois" was someone she believed in and a character she happily and warmly embraced. 

Noel Neill maintained that bright, perky and engaging personality up until her death.
Funeral services will be private with a public memorial held later this year. 

Larry Thomas Ward, July 4, 2016

Above, Noel and Armand at the TV Land Convention in Burbank.

I first met Noel Neill in 2001 when we held the "Superman Week" ceremony at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and luncheon immediately after. Over the years, we got to know each other at various conventions, including the TV Land Convention in Burbank.

Above, Noel addresses the "Superman Week" ceremony as Supervisor Michael D.
Antonovich looks on. Photo courtesy of the offfice of Sup. Michael D. Antonovich.

In 2005, a big luncheon celebration was held at the Beverly Garland Hotel for Noel's 85th birthday. I, along with many other fans and celebrities, attended. It was a memorable event.

Above, Noel and Armand at the Hall of Administration in 2001.

Around about that time, Noel and I had an email discussion about the state of education. I may still have those printed emails. She was a very thoughtful person and was concerned how young people today weren't being educated as well as they should be.

Above, Noel with George Reeves.

She had been in frail health for the past several years and had to retire from conventions and fan events. She could not attend the 2014 plaque dedication, but I understand that she was pleased about the plaque that was placed in Tarzana honoring her and her co-stars of the Adventures of Superman. We've missed her these past few years, but thanks to Larry Ward, we were able to keep tabs on her and to send greetings on her birthdays.

Above, the Superman plaque in Tarzana, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I will always have fond memories of Noel. She lived a good, long and active life. We will now miss her even more.

A Message From Larry Ward, Noel Neill's Manager and Biographer

Above, Larry Ward at last year's Superman Celebration. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Larry Ward, Noel Neill's manager and biographer, sent Jim Nolt the following message within the last hour:

I received this e-mail from Larry Ward a few minutes ago: 

Hey, Jim - I wanted to let you know that all of Noel's impressive-looking flowers and Teddy Bear arrived yesterday. I took them - along with a ton of birthday cards - over to her this morning and she was simply thrilled. And she wouldn't let go of that bear, for crying' out loud. Well, you all sure did make her day. 

And I hear that at least two television stations here will be doing pieces on Noel's milestone birthday today. All wanted to do interviews, but you know that unfortunately that can't happen. Regardless, they're going to do those pieces anyway. I'll let you know if they're any good. 

Again, thank you for making Noel's special day a very happy one. 

Larry

It is great to hear that we made her day! 

Some Details On Jack Larson's Passing

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neill in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The sudden and unexpected passing of Jack Larson shocked his friends and fans.

Jim Nolt, who runs The Adventures Continue website, posted yesterday:

A short while ago I learned that Jack's only complaint of late was being more tired than usual... and he died peacefully on his patio with his dog by his side.

Given this, I would hazard a guess that he probably suffered a massive heart attack and slipped away without even being aware that the end was near. He essentially "died on his feet". We should all be so lucky to depart in this way. There's no word as yet on any funeral services for Jack.

Larry Ward reported that the news of Jack's passing saddened and devastated Noel Neill, although she took the news well. She considered Jack to be her oldest and closest friend. Actress Phyllis Coates was also saddened by the news.

Noel and Phyllis are now the remaining two stars of the Adventures of Superman.

CBS News paid tribute to Jack during their network news broadcast last night.

UPDATE: Phyllis Coates posted the following at Legacy.com:

I've always cherished working with you so many years ago in the 'Adventures of Superman'. You were always so good-natured among the entire cast and crew. I know you're with all our other cast members who've preceded you in their journey to Heaven. 

Message From Noel Neill's Manager

Above, Larry Ward at the Superman Celebration luncheon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jim Nolt, the head honcho over the Superman Celebration weekend of last August, received the following message from Larry Ward (Noel Neill's manager) this morning:

Hi, Jim - I wanted to let you know that I received the DVD of the George Celebration and I wanted to thank you for your kindness and generosity. I'll haul it on over and show it to Noel in a few days, but I'll skip over my little part in the luncheon. I know Noel will enjoy seeing some of her friends again; it'll bring her much joy. 

Again, thank you for everything. Larry

It is nice to know that, although Noel couldn't attend the celebration, she will be seeing for herself all of the events of that weekend, including the dedication of the plaque with her image on it.

She will definitely enjoy seeing the DVD, which was professionally made.

The Superman Luncheon At The Beverly Garland Hotel

Above, Jack Larson talks with Jacqueline and John Hamilton, Jr.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another event took place on Saturday following the Adventures of Superman plaque dedication. A luncheon was held at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood to celebrate the show and honor George Reeves, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for their 100th birthdays this year.

Above, screenwriter (Hollywoodland) Paul Bernbaum and Armand in the hotel bar.

The luncheon was attended by 200 fans and celebrities. They included actor Jack Larson, actresses Ruta Lee, Beverly Washburn and Stephanie Shayne Parkin and actor/stuntman/wrestler Gene LeBell. I sat with LeBell during the luncheon and we talked about my dad's meeting George Reeves at a Los Angeles area gym where Reeves practiced judo and my dad boxed. I can see why George Reeves liked LeBell, he's quite a character!

Above, Gene LeBell and Armand.

Before the luncheon, I talked with Hollywoodland screenwriter Paul Bernbaum in the hotel bar. It was a good and lively conversation and we were joined by Don Rhoden, who started The Adventures Continue fan magazine.

Above, Gary Grossman chatting with Jack Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon was an enjoyable event. Each attendee was given a commemorative coin that included the images of Reeves and Siegel & Shuster.

Above, the video greetings by Alejandro Vacio. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speakers included Beverly Washburn, Laura Siegel Larson, Ruta Lee, Brian McKernan, Paul Bernbaum, Jim Beaver, a video greeting by Alejandro Vacio (whose father was George Reeves's best friend, Natividad Vacio), Stephanie Shayne Parkin, Edward Lozzi, Larry Ward, Bruce Dettman and Gene LeBell. The program ended with video clips of some of the best scenes of Jack Larson and John Hamilton.  Following the video, Jack Larson addressed the luncheon.

Above, Jack Larson talking with Ted Newsom and Jim Beaver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon was also attended by John Hamilton, Jr., his wife and daughter. This was the first time Jack Larson has seen John Hamilton, Jr. since 1958. The Hamiltons seemed to enjoy the program.

Above, some of the displays of Superman and George Reeves memorabilia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actress Ruta Lee spoke of the Superman episode she appeared in. She appeared as a teen dancer in the 1953 episode, "My Friend Superman."

Above, actress Ruta Lee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actor Jim Beaver spoke on what George Reeves has meant to him over the years.

Above, actor/author Jim Beaver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Screenwriter Paul Bernbaum spoke of the making of Hollywoodland and of his disappointment that the movie didn't show George Reeves's benevolent side, although that was in the original script.

Above, screenwriter Paul Bernbaum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Stephanie Shayne Parkin spoke of her father's role as Inspector Henderson and what it was like to visit Disneyland when one of her parents was a big celebrity.

Above, Stephanie Shayne Parkin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Edward Lozzi spoke of his life living at the estate of Toni Mannix and brought along a brochure that Toni Mannix helped design for George Reeves.

Above, Edward Lozzi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Wrestler/stuntman/actor Gene LeBell spoke on his friendship with George Reeves.

Above, Gene LeBell. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Biographer Larry Ward spoke of the current life of Noel Neil, who now lives in an Arizona assisted-living home at age 93.

Above, Larry Ward. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actress Beverly Washburn spoke on working with George Reeves twice during her career.

Above, Beverly Washburn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Laura Siegel Larson spoke on what Superman has meant to pop culture, her father's enjoyment in writing on the Bizarro World in the early 1960s for DC Comics and of her father's influence on her writing.

Above, Laura Siegel Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jack Larson spoke on his work as Jimmy Olsen on the show and what it was like to have to adjust to becoming famous virtually overnight in New York once the show began airing on television.

Above, Jack Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon also included displays of Superman and George Reeves memorabilia.

Noel Neill Makes Surprise Appearance In Metropolis, Illinois

Above, Noel Neill and Armand in July 2001.

At 91, actress Noel Neill is proving you can't keep a good Lois Lane down.

She made a surprise appearance at this weekend's Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois.

Her manager and biographer, Larry Thomas Ward, provided a report on Noel over at the Superman Homepage website.

Noel Neill News

Above, Noel Neill and George Reeves.

Larry Thomas Ward, Noel Neill's biographer/manager, provided an update on her health:

Dear Friends,

As an update regarding Noel's health, I am happy to report that her hip fracture has healed. She can now gingerly walk with assistance - mostly with a walker - but continues to be in constant danger of falling. She does walk with a noticeable limp. She has, however, developed other serious health concerns - most notably severe arthritis in both hips - that will not be healed as quickly, if at all.

Just so you know, Noel's personal appearance days are now over. At this time, Noel remains in her Tucson home, enjoys the 85 degree Fall weather, and seems to take pleasure in watching television, reading the newspaper, and reading mail from fans and friends. She has 24-hour supervision and is receiving superior care and attention.

Attached, please find a pic of Noel and her cow, a life-size fiberglass dairy cow that she took a liking to and purchased a few months ago. It took two of us to both load and unload this little gal out of my pickup. The photo was taken earlier this year. Noel loves her cow, which is now "lounging" in her dining room, of all places.

Noel continues to be smilingly unpredictable.

Larry

As some of Noel's fans don't have Facebook accounts, here's the photo of Noel and her cow:



Special thanks to Steve Brant for passing along the good news!

Noel Neill Update

Biographer and manager of Noel Neill, Larry Ward has provided an update on her condition:
Noel Neill Update

Dear Friends:

Noel was doing moderately well enough recently that she was transferred from the physical therapy center to an assisted living facility in Tucson. Unfortunately, yesterday Noel unexpectedly fell from her wheelchair, necessitating an MRI.

Thankfully there were no broken bones, but her fall set her back considerably in her recovery. To that end, in a long talk with her doctors, it was agreed that Noel's road to recovery has just gotten longer and more difficult and it will be many months before she will be able to once again become mobile.

Also in this equation will be her inability to travel anytime soon. What this means is that Noel's long-awaited 90th Birthday Party (long-awaited by us, but not necessarily by Noel) has been cancelled, and it would not be prudent to attempt to reschedule this private event.

Noel was well-aware of the party, and I think she was probably working too hard to recover too soon, mostly by trying to do her own physical therapy - never a good idea.

Well, the pressure is off her now, so perhaps she can attempt to recover in a more relaxed manner and not try to overdo it.

As I have said previously, all we can do at this stage is help Noel become more comfortable and encourage her in her efforts to recover.

Larry .

Original Lois Lane Making Progress

Above, Noel Neill unveiling the statue of her as "Lois Lane" in Metropolis, Illinois last month. Photo by Bill Dillane.

Noel Neill's manager/biographer Larry Ward has sent out a progress report on Noel's condition, and it is encouraging:

I am happy to report that Noel is doing much better today.

For the first couple days after she was in the hospital with her broken hip, she was confused and in a lot of pain. That pain has now subsided and she has been transferred to a quiet, private physical rehab facility in an undisclosed location. Apparently her reputation arrived prior to her arrival, so the staff is treating her like royalty, and she's soaking it all up. She is not happy being there, though, because she knows she has a long and stressful road ahead of her. Because of the nature of her break, the fragility of her bones, and her age, she cannot put any weight on her hip for at least 6 weeks. It's going to be a long recovery process, and that frustrates her. It doesn't help that Noel isn't exactly the ideal patient, as she always prefers to do things her way, but they're trying to
work around her cantankerousness.

The good news is that Noel Neill is expected to make a full and complete recovery, with the entire process taking perhaps as long as three months.

Larry

Details On Noel Neill's Injury

Above, Noel Neill with Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich in July 2001. Photo courtesy L.A. County Board of Supervisors, Office of Michael D. Antonovich.

Jim Nolt, the founder of The Adventures Continue website was first notified of Noel Neill's injury by Noel's manager/biographer Larry Ward yesterday by this message:

[From Jim Nolt]

I received this new this evening from Larry...

Noel is not well. This past Friday, July 23rd, Noel somehow tripped as she was walking across her living room and hit the ground hard. An ambulance was called and she was rushed to the Tucson Medical Center Emergency Room (Noel permanently moved to Tucson in April). The resulting x-rays confirmed that Noel broke her hip, the same hip she badly bruised back in March. Surgery was performed yesterday morning. While it was a successful surgery, and she survived the ordeal well, the lingering pain from that surgery is overwhelming. She is on morphine and other pain medication. I am honestly not sure Noel will be able to survive the aftereffects of the surgery and the fall. The one good thing she has going for her is her determination - along with the fact she as been athletically sound all these years. The big thing she has against her is her age - 90 in November.

At this point all we can do is keep her comfortable and hope the pain subsides soon. If that occurs, she'll be transferred to a rehab facility for physical therapy, which might take months in order for her to recover. But at this point it is day to day.

On a lighter note, and talk about ironies, while I was in the emergency room with Noel on Friday, I was standing next to her bed chatting with her doctor when I suddenly collapsed and passed out. They plopped me into a bed close to Noel and hooked me up to a bunch of machines. Eight hous later I was released. Owe it to exhaustion, fatique and stress. Noel and I have shared a lot of things together over the years, but I never thought we'd ending up sharing the same floor at the ER.

If you have any questions, please contact me directly at my email address (since I don't check this one very often) which is:

larrythomasw...@yahoo.com

Take care,
Larry

Jack Larson, Noel's co-star on the Adventures of Superman and longtime friend, has been notified of her injury and is distressed and concerned.

Here is a link to one news story: KOLD-TV.

UPDATE (7/28/10): Noel's manager/biographer Larry Ward gave the initial okay to post her address, but has since had second thoughts. Accordingly, it has been removed. Perhaps a P.O. box may be set up.

Noel Neill Breaks Hip

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neil in November 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some distressing news arrived this morning.

Actress Noel Neil, the original Lois Lane, broke her hip in a fall.

Neill first played Lois Lane in the two Columbia Superman serials (1948 and 1950) starring Kirk Alyn and then in the Adventures of Superman television show (1953-57) starring George Reeves. She is 89.



UPDATE (7/28/10): Noel's manager/biographer Larry Ward gave the initial okay to post Noel's address, but he's since had second thoughts. Accordingly, I removed it. Perhaps a P.O. box number will be set up.

Noel Neill Spring Appearances Cancelled

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neill at her 85th birthday celebration in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Larry Ward, Noel Neill's biographer and manager, has cancelled Neill's spring convention appearances due to illness and injury. This was reported today at the Superman Homepage.

She has recently been fighting a bout with a cold/flu and is slowly recovering from that. However, it was reported that she also recently took a fall and injured her right hip and leg. Thankfully, she sustained no broken bones, but it was a deep bruise and Ward told the Superman Homepage that "Traveling is not an option."

It has been reported at the Superman Homepage that her appearance at the April WonderCon is among the cancelled appearances. Noel Neill will be 90 this November.

Best wishes to Noel for a speedy and thorough recovery!

"Noel Neill Month"

Today is November 1. November should be proclaimed "Noel Neill Month" as the great lady from the Adventures of Superman will celebrate her 89th birthday on November 25.

Noel was born November 25, 1920 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her father was a newspaper editor in Minneapolis.

She started in show business at a young age as a singer and dancer. She fell in love with the beach while on a visit to Southern California.

She performed at the Turf Club in Del Mar, California and on Hollywoood's Sunset Strip including Ciro's, the Mocambo and the Trocadero night clubs.

She appeared in many features in the 1940s and first became Lois Lane in the 1948 Columbia serial, Superman, with Kirk Alyn in the title role. She repeated her Lois Lane role in Atom Man vs. Superman (1950).

The advent of television did not leave Noel behind, as she made many television appearances along with her movie work in the early 1950s.

Noel re-claimed her Lois Lane role in 1953 when the Adventures of Superman, starring George Reeves, began filming its second season. She replaced the first season's Lois Lane, Phyllis Coates, and hasn't looked back since.



In the 1970s, Noel discovered just how popular she was with the baby-boomer generation when she made an appearance at a university to discuss her career as Lois Lane. She was met with a standing-room-only crowd. She made more college appearances in the 1970s and had a cameo role in Christopher Reeve's Superman (1978).

From the 1980s onward, Noel has been busier than ever. She took on the duties of handling Tom Selleck's fan correspondence and has made appearances on television talk shows (generally with co-star Jack Larson) and fan conventions.

Her appearance schedule would tax the energies of someone half her age, but Noel Neill still goes out and makes appearances at conventions around the country. It appears that she was blessed with good genes and benefited from years of beach volleyball.

Above, Supervisor Mike Antonovich and Noel Neill.

In 2001, she appeared at a 50th anniversary reunion (above and below) of Superman participants at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors at a ceremony declaring "Superman Week."





Noel was the subject of a biography (below) by Larry Thomas Ward, Truth, Justice, & The American Way - The Life & Times Of Noel Neill, The Original Lois Lane (Canon City, Colorado: Nicholas Lawrence Books, 2003).



In November 2005, a large gathering of fans and Noel's show business colleagues took place in Studio City, California to celebrate her 85th birthday.

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neill at Noel's 85th birthday luncheon.

Noel proved that she hadn't lost has her acting chops when she made her appearance as Gertrude Vanderworth in Superman Returns (2006).

Like the Energizer Bunny, Noel Neill keeps going and going. Today, she still makes appearances at fan conventions and collector shows.

Happy Birthday, Noel!