The Show Was Set to Air for Two More Seasons
On Oct. 15, 1958, John Hamilton, who played newspaper editor Perry White, unexpectedly died of heart failure at his home at the age of 71. Producers had planned on continuing The Adventures of Superman for an additional two more years, starting in 1960.
However, Hamilton’s death put a wrench in their plans. To combat the problem, they hired actor Pierre Watkin to replace Hamilton. He was picked to play Perry White’s brother. Watkin had already played Perry White in two Columbia serials and had appeared on The Adventures of Superman as a guest star. But after Reeves died, the series’ future was sealed.
