Michael Fitzmaurice

Michael Fitzmaurice (April 28, 1908 – August 31, 1967) was a radio actor, best known for his portrayal of Superman.

Early years Born in Chicago, Fitzmaurice was the son of Leonard Fitzmaurice and Hettie Kenton. His father was a singer, and his mother "was known as the youngest serpentine dancer in the United States [and] later worked in radio." His great-grandfather was Wesley Jukes, who Fitzmaurice said created the Cardiff Giant hoax for P.T. Barnum.

He graduated from the University of Dublin. He intended to join the British diplomatic corps, but followed the advice of Noël Coward to try acting.

Journalism Fitzmaurice was a reporter for the Los Angeles Times before becoming a newsman at KNX radio in Los Angeles, California.

Stage Fitzmaurice's stage debut came in London with the Harry Lonsdell troupe when he was 20.

Fitzmaurice was a regular on several soap operas. He played Jimmie Kent on Myrt and Marge, and he also appeared on Joyce Jordan, M.D., When a Girl Marries and Pepper Young's Family. He played Dr. Baxter on Her Honor, Nancy James, Captain Bob Hastings on This Life Is Mine and Dick Grosvenor on Stella Dallas.

Film Fitzmaurice signed a contract with Universal Studios in 1937. He "appeared in a half-dozen B-movie productions." and later to a wife whose first name was Lucille.

Death Fitzmaurice died of lymphoma at Memorial Hospital in New York August 30, 1967. (Another source says August 31, 1967.) He was survived by his wife, Lucille, and two children.