Brandon Routh

Brandon Routh burst onto the Hollywood scene playing Superman but proved himself to have staying power beyond the confines of the Man of Steel. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, he left college after one year to pursue acting full time. He soon found work making appearances on television shows like "Gilmore Girls" (The WB, 2000-07) and "Will and Grace" (NBC, 1998- ). He had recurring roles on both "Undressed" (MTV, 1999-2002) and the daytime soap opera "One Life to Live" (ABC, 1968-2013). His big break came when he was cast as the title character in Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns" (2006). The film was unsuccessful at starting a new franchise for the comic book hero but raised Routh's profile considerably. The actor pressed ahead despite the box office setback, appearing in Kevin Smith's "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" (2008) and the drama "Fling" (2008). He would continue working steadily in films, picking up small roles in Samuel L. Jackson's "Unthinkable" (2010) and the cult hit "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" (2010). Turning to television improved his fortunes. He took a recurring role on "Chuck" (NBC, 2007-12), opposite Zachary Levi and Yvonne Strahovski. He also starred in the short-lived comedy "Partners (CBS, 2012-13). It was a return to playing a superhero that provided steady work. Routh began making guest appearances as Ray Palmer, the scientist alter-ego of DC Comics hero The Atom, on "Arrow" (The CW, 2012- ). Those spots led to the actor taking the role on permanently on "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" (The CW, 2016- ). That brought him squarely into television's "Arrowverse" and saw him continue making appearances on "Arrow" as well as the related show "The Flash" (The CW, 2014- ). In a fun twist, the DC television universe had the actor reprise his role as Superman on "Batwoman" (The CW, 2019- ).