Superman is one of the most famous comic book superheros of all time and the actress who played his love interest got her start right here in Wichita Falls.

Phyllis Coates Born in Wichita Falls, Texas on January 15, 1927

Back in 1938, Action Comics introduced their new superhero to the world. Superman! The character has gone on to become one of the most recognizable superheros on the planet. The first time anybody ever saw Superman not in a comic was in the 1952 TV Show, 'Adventures of Superman'. The show ran for 104 episodes and many of the characters referenced in the comics came to life for a whole generation of kids.

Phyllis Coates Played Lois Lane for the First Season of the Show

Superman's love interest Lois Lane was played by Phyllis Coates who had an acting contract at just seventeen-years-old. Before becoming Lois Lane she had been in several westerns and shorts for 20th Century Fox. However her most famous role was her portrayal as Lois Lane in the first Superman TV Show and also the first Superman movie.

First Superman Movie 'Superman and the Mole Men' Starring Phyllis Coates

After her appearance as Lois Lane on the first season of the show, Phyllis Coates tried to distance herself from the character, worried she would be typecast as only being able to play Lois Lane. Phyllis Coates would appear in 145 different pieces of media throughout her career as an actress. Her final role would be in 1996, however she would play Mrs. Lane one more time in 1993.

Phyllis Coates Plays Lois Lane's Mother in "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman"

The last time Phyllis Coates would be associated with her Superman role would be in the 1993 season one finale of "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman".
Phyliis would play Lois' mother as a tribute to her original character from over fifty years ago.

R.I.P. to Phyllis Coates (Died October 11,2023)

Sadly the iconic actress is no longer with us after passing away at the age of 96. At her passing, she was the final remaining actor alive from the original 'Adventures of Superman' show. Although many actresses have played Lois Lane throughout the years, it all started with Phyllis Coates.