1959 Obituary
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — George Reeves
LesterFester — 12 years ago(December 15, 2013 08:06 PM)
The New York Times, June 17, 1959
George Reeves, TV Superman, Commits Suicide at Coastal Home
HOLLYWOOD, California, June 16 (AP) - George Reeves, television's Superman, killed himself early today, seconds earlier his fianc had predicted his death.
Friends said Mr. Reeves, 45 years old, had been depressed because he could find no other acting jobs.
Police Sgt. VA Peterson said Mr. Reeves and two houseguest - Miss Lenore Lemmon, 35, his fiance, and Robert Condon, a writer - had retired to their respective bedrooms late last night.
About 2:30 AM, the sergeant said, two friends, William Bliss and Mrs. Carol Van Ronkel, came by and awakened them.
Mr. Reeves argued with Mr. Bliss over the lateness of the hour, then apologized and said, "I'm tired: I'm going to bed." He went upstairs.
Miss lemon, who planned to marry the actor in Mexico Friday, said:
"He's going to shoot himself."
The others treated her remark as a joke, but she unexplainably continued:
"He's opening a drawer to get the gun."
Then a shot was heard. "See there - I told you!" Miss Lemmon exclaimed. Mr. Reeves was found dead on his bed, a bullet from a 30 caliber Luger pistol in his temple. No note was found.
Mr. Reeves was bornWoolstock, Iowa. He came to California in 1929 and studied dramatics at the Pasadena Playhouse. He had supporting roles in many films including "Gone with the Wind" and "From Here to Eternity."
In 1951 He Began a Television Career As Superman.
The series brought mr. reeves financial security - he was paid for each television showing - and the devotion of a vast audience of children. But friends said this had given him no fulfillment as an actor.
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