The Curse of Superman

Tuesday's announcement that the wife of Christopher Reeve has been diagnosed with cancer, has many again talking about the existence of the "Curse of Superman"...Now as a Red Sox fan the idea of curses seems ridiculous, however, the bizarre (or Bizzaro) number of tragedy's to befall those associated with Superman makes you wonder...

1. Bud Collyer

The first cartoon "Superman" was voiced by Bud Collyer from 1941-43. He went on to have a fine career in TV (he was one of the busiest radio actors and announcers on radio) before returning to play Superman during the sixties on record albums and on The New Adventures of Superman (1966-1967) for CBS in 1966 -- and three years later, he was dead of a circulatory ailment.

2. George Reeves

Reeves, who played the role of Superman in a TV series and several movies in the 1950s (friends said Reeves felt typecast as Superman), was found dead of a single gunshot wound to the head in 1959. The cause of death was listed as suicide, though controversy swirled around the death: Reeves' prints were never found on the gun, and he'd been having an affair with the wife of MGM exec Eddie Mannix. (Season 1 on sale October 18th)

3. Christopher Reeve

As the man of steel in the 70s and 80s, Reeve (not related to George Reeves) was paralyzed after falling off a horse, he died years later after founding The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF), which is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord. Reeve's widow Dana Reeve, who won worldwide admiration for the support of her husband during his nine years as a quadriplegic, announced she is facing a battle with lung cancer.

4. Margot Kidder

The curse has plagued women as well as men. Kidder, who played Lois Lane in the 4 movies with Christopher Reeve had a nervous break down and suffers from bipolar disorder. Her condition led to her becoming delusional. According to a story quoted in the Edmonton Journal, Kidder was missing for three days before being found by police in a state which was described as "dirty, frightened and paranoid." She was also involved in a serious car crash in 1990 meaning she couldn't work for two years, and she went bankrupt. In 2002 another road accident broke her pelvis.

5. Richard Pryor

Pryor, certainly not best known for his role in a Superman movie, headlined the 3rd film with Christopher Reeve, before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis years later. Today, Richard Pryor is confined to a wheelchair because of MS. In late 2004 his sister claimed that Pryor has lost his voice, however, on January 9, Pryor himself rebutted this statement in a post on his official website, where he stated, "Sick of hearing this (stuff) about me not talking... not true... good days, bad days... but I still am a talkin' mother(expletive)!"

6. Dean Cane and Teri Hatcher

The actors starred in the 90s television show "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman". Since then Cain's career has gone nowhere, highlighted by a hosting gig on "Ripley's Believe it or Not!" and a turn as convicted killer Scott Peterson. Cane was also overlooked for the upcoming "Superman Returns". Hatcher, who enjoyed a comeback in 2004 as one of the stars of ABC's Desperate Housewives, has faced rumors of fake breasts (they're real and they're spectacular!)

7. Superman Peanut Butter

What happened to this stuff?