Joanne Siegel, Widow of Superman Co-Creator, Dies At 93

by Armand Vaquer

Above, a group photo from the Superman Week ceremony with Joanne Siegel and her daughter Laura at far right. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Sad news today in the world of Superman.

Joanne Siegel, the widow of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel and the model for Lois Lane (drawn by Joe Shuster) died today in California at the age of 93.

Daughter Laura Siegel Larson is currently making funeral arrangements.

It was my honor and privilege to meet Mrs. Siegel in July 2001 at the Superman Week ceremony at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. At that ceremony, Mrs. Siegel met actress Noel Neill for the first time. Neill played Lois Lane in to Sam Katzman Columbia serials and replaced Phyllis Coates in the role on the Adventures of Superman television show in 1953.

Mrs. Siegel later joined us for a luncheon at Cafe Pinot following the ceremony.

My condolences to the Siegel family.

Noel Neil Fractures Hip

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

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 starring Kirk Alyn and in the Adventures of Superman television show (1953-57) starring George Reeves. She is 89.



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