TV's Lois and Jimmy return, too

Either way, Superman's first TV adventures ended. Neill largely gave up acting after that, though she did have a bit part in 1978's "Superman" starring Christopher Reeve, and she and Larson appeared together in an episode of TV's "Superboy" in the early 1990s.

Typecast as Jimmy Olsen, Larson became a producer, working on films directed by his longtime romantic partner, the late James Bridges, including "Urban Cowboy," "The Paper Chase" and "Perfect." Larson also has had a successful career as an opera librettist, and he played an older Jimmy Olsen in a 1990s episode of "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman."

"Once I adjusted that I was going to spend my life being Jimmy Olsen ..." Larson began.

"... And on your tombstone," Neill interjected.

"Yeah, and once I adjusted, I've been grateful for it," Larson said. "We've had 50 years of celebrity from that television show. It made a lot of people happy, and once I'd resolved that my acting career was over, it's been a great joy in my life, and I wish everyone _ certainly Brandon, who's got to carry the cape George and Christopher had _ I wish them the best and great happiness.

"I hope they have the success and joy that Noel and I have had, and I wish George had had it. Our George. But he died before he ever had a mature fan. Now he has millions."

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