Starting his show business career as a chorus boy on Broadway and an entertainer in vaudeville , Kirk Alyn played bit parts and minor supporting roles in several low-budget films before getting his big break playing the title role in the serial Superman (1948). He wasn't able to sustain a film career after the serial ended, however, and after small parts in a few movies, retired to Arizona.

Played the title role in the 'Superman' movie serials from 1948 through 1950.Was the first screen Superman.Ex-brother-in-law of Mary O'Brien .Had two daughters and a son with Virginia O'Brien .