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Brandon Routh

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Brandon Routh
Routh at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival
Born (1979-10-09) October 9, 1979 (age 45)
Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Iowa (attended)
OccupationActor
Years active1999–present
Spouse
​
(m. 2007)​
Children1
Signature

Brandon Routh (/ˈraʊθ/; born October 9, 1979)[1] is an American actor. He portrayed Superman in the 2006 film Superman Returns, which garnered him international fame. In 2011, he played the title character of the film Dylan Dog: Dead of Night. He also had a recurring role in the NBC series Chuck, as Daniel Shaw. Routh also played a supporting role in the film Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), and played Todd Ingram in the film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), reprising the role in the animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023).

In 2014, he was cast in a recurring role as Ray Palmer / The Atom on the TV series Arrow. He later played that role on two other series in the Arrowverse shared universe: The Flash (a guest role) and Legends of Tomorrow (a starring role). Routh also reprised his role as Superman in the 2019 Arrowverse crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths". His role on Legends of Tomorrow ended in 2020, and Routh made his final appearance as the character in The Flash in 2022.

Early life

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Routh is the third of four children born to Catherine LaVaughn (née Lear), a teacher, and Ronald Ray Routh, a carpenter. He was raised in nearby Norwalk.[2][3] Routh was raised in a Methodist family,[4] and has English, Scottish, German, Irish, Welsh and Dutch ancestry.[5][6]

Routh grew up in Norwalk, approximately 100 miles (160 km) south of Woolstock, the birthplace of George Reeves, the first actor to play Superman on television.[2] During his childhood, Routh thought a full-time acting career was unrealistic, citing his small-town background.[2] In his spare time, he played the trumpet and the piano.[2]

Routh attended Norwalk High School,[7] where he played sports, and participated in music and theatre. He attended this school at the same time as Jason Momoa, who would also later become an actor in film adaptations of DC Comics. He has described himself as a "momma's boy" and not "the most popular kid" during his school years.[8] Routh has also noted that during his younger years, he was fond of the Superman films and comic books.[9]

Routh attended the University of Iowa for a year, aspiring to be a writer.[2] During this time, he modeled and acted in order to earn his tuition expenses.[2]

Routh has said he was often told that he bore a physical resemblance to Christopher Reeve, who had previously portrayed Superman in a film series.[2] His former manager signed him on because of the resemblance, telling him that he thought Routh would be cast as Superman if there were another film in the series.[8]

Career

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Early career

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In 1999, Routh left the university and moved to Manhattan and then Los Angeles, where he pursued a full-time acting career, first appearing as an extra in Christina Aguilera's 1999 music video for "What a Girl Wants".[7] He was cast in his first acting role that same year, in an episode of the short-lived ABC television series Odd Man Out. In 2000, he had a four-episode role on season 3 of MTV's nighttime soap opera Undressed. Routh subsequently appeared on the WB's Gilmore Girls (in a February 2001 episode, "Concert Interruptus", playing a Bangles concert attendee), and earned steady work on the soap opera One Life to Live, playing Seth Anderson from May 23, 2001, until April 17, 2002.

Superman

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Prior to Routh's casting as Superman in the film Superman Returns, Warner Bros. had spent over a decade developing a plan to relaunch the franchise, entitled Superman Flyby, with possible stars including actors such as Nicolas Cage, Josh Hartnett, Brendan Fraser, Tom Welling (who previously played a younger version of Clark Kent in the 2001–2011 TV series Smallville), Paul Walker, Henry Cavill (who eventually became Superman in the 2013 film Man of Steel), James Marsden (who would go on to play Lois Lane's fiancée in the film), Ashton Kutcher, Keanu Reeves, Will Smith, Johnny Depp and James Caviezel,[10] and planned directors including Tim Burton, Wolfgang Petersen, McG, Brett Ratner, and Shekhar Kapur. When director Bryan Singer came aboard the project, however, he insisted an unknown actor be cast in the part, in the tradition of the casting of the best-known film Superman, Christopher Reeve.

Routh, then 24, had previously auditioned for director McG[2] and was spotted by Singer after he viewed Routh's videotaped audition.[10] Singer, who has since stated that Routh was the embodiment of "our collective memory of Superman,"[11] was impressed by Routh's resemblance to the comic book icon and found the actor's humble Midwestern roots perfect for the role, as well as his "combination of vulnerability and confidence", which Singer said reminded him of Christopher Reeve.[7] Singer decided to cast Routh after the two met on August 13, 2004, but did not tell Routh until two months later, when Routh's casting was announced in October 2004,[10] making him an "instant celebrity".[2]

Before filming began, Routh bulked up for the role, gaining 22 pounds to reach a high of 218 pounds. Filming for Superman Returns began in Sydney in February 2005. The film was released in the U.S. on June 28, 2006, and earned decent reviews from most critics, but was a box office disappointment, grossing only $200 million in the US compared to its estimated budget of $270 million.[12] Routh was signed on to appear in two potential sequels, but due to mediocre box office results those never materialized.

Reviews of Routh's performance were generally positive, with Newsweek noting he "effortlessly lays claim to the iconic role."[13] On the other hand, film critic Roger Ebert felt that "Routh lacks charisma as Superman, and I suppose as Clark Kent, he isn't supposed to have any."[14]

At the 2006 Spike TV Awards, Routh won the award of "Best Superhero" as Superman in Superman Returns, beating out among others, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

In August 2008, Warner Bros. officially announced they intended to reboot the Superman franchise. Routh was still set to reprise the role, according to DC Comics president Paul Levitz. In 2009, however, Routh's contract to play Superman in another film expired, but he said at the time that he would like to return if given the chance.[15] However, British actor Henry Cavill was cast to play Superman in the reboot of the series, Man of Steel.

Subsequent projects

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Routh in 2011

After the release of Superman Returns, Routh signed on to play CIA agent John Clark in Without Remorse, under the direction of John Singleton with a screenplay by Stuart Beattie. Routh would be the third actor to portray the character, after Willem Dafoe and Liev Schreiber. The film was intended for a late-2007/early-2008 release. However, Paramount Pictures put the film into turnaround. Routh's future participation on the project is unknown.

Routh appeared in the independent drama Fling (formerly titled Lie to Me) (2008), co-starring his wife Courtney Ford, and the ensemble film Life is Hot in Cracktown (2009).

Routh was signed to star in The Informers (2009), an ensemble film based on Bret Easton Ellis' novel, with Kim Basinger, Amber Heard, and Billy Bob Thornton,[16] but his scenes ended up scrapped with the decision to excise the "vampire" subplot from the film entirely.[17]

At Comic Con 2008, it was revealed Routh was to have a cameo in the Kevin Smith comedy Zack and Miri Make a Porno – he instead appeared as a minor character, Bobby Long – and would serve as a judge on Platinum Studios 2008 Comic Book Challenge. In addition, he has a cameo where he plays himself in the Bollywood film Kambakkht Ishq (2009).

Routh played Todd Ingram in the action comedy Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) which was directed by Edgar Wright, based on the Scott Pilgrim series by Canadian artist Bryan Lee O'Malley. His character is an arrogant, narcissistic bass player who derives psychic powers from his vegan lifestyle, and is the third of the seven Evil Exes the title character must fight.

Routh plays Daniel Shaw in season 3 of spy series Chuck, in a recurring, supporting role. He again played this character in the show's fifth season.

He portrayed supernatural detective Dylan Dog in the 2011 film Dylan Dog – Dead of Night.[18] The film is based on the Italian comic series created by Tiziano Sclavi.[19] The film was a box office flop.

In 2012, Routh starred in David Kohan and Max Mutchnick's CBS half-hour, multicamera comedy series, Partners. He played Michael Urie's character's steady partner, alongside David Krumholtz and his Table for Three co-star Sophia Bush.[20] The show was cancelled after only six episodes had aired.

In 2013, Routh appeared in the video game Call of Duty: Ghosts. Routh has since appeared in one episode of The Millers and multiple episodes of Chosen and Enlisted in 2014. That same year, he starred in the Hallmark Channel's Christmas-themed romantic comedy The Nine Lives of Christmas, which drew good reviews and high ratings.

In 2014, Routh once again played a superhero for DC Comics as Ray Palmer / The Atom on The CW's Arrow. He was a recurring character throughout season three.[21]

In January 2015, Arrow's co-creator and executive producer Greg Berlanti stated that they were in the midst of "very early" preliminary talks for an additional spin-off series centered on Ray Palmer/The Atom.[22][23]

In the superhero series Legends of Tomorrow (2016–2022), Routh co-starred as The Atom, along with Arthur Darvill, Wentworth Miller, Victor Garber, and Caity Lotz.[24]

Routh reprised his role as Clark Kent / Superman in the 2019–2020 Arrowverse crossover "Crisis on Infinite Earths",[25] affected by events adapted from the Kingdom Come storyline.[26] His suit was based on the one worn by the storyline's version of the character.[27] The following month, it was announced that Routh would depart Legends of Tomorrow as a series regular during the fifth season.[28] His final episode as a series regular was "Romeo v. Juliet: Dawn of Justness".[29]

Following this, Routh made three returns to the franchise. First, he returned to Legends for its 100th episode,[30] and to The Flash for the first part of its season eight-opening event "Armageddon".[31] He would then return in the season's eighteenth episode, "The Man in the Yellow Tie".[32]

In 2021, Routh appeared in The Nine Kittens of Christmas, a sequel to The Nine Lives of Christmas. In 2023, Routh appeared in an episode of Quantum Leap portraying a naval commander: Alexander Augustine. That same year, Routh reprised his role as Todd Ingram in the Netflix animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

Personal life

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Courtney Ford and Brandon Routh in February 2006

On August 23, 2006, Brandon became engaged to his girlfriend of three years, actress Courtney Ford;[33] the couple married on November 24, 2007, at the El Capitan Ranch in Santa Barbara.[34] In 2012, the couple had a son, Leo James.[35]

Routh's sister, Sara, has a musical track entitled "You're Never Gone" on Sound of Superman, the companion soundtrack of the Superman Returns. Routh is a fan and player of the video game World of Warcraft.[36] During the 2008 Presidential Election, Routh spoke at an Iowa rally in support of Democratic candidate Barack Obama.[37]

Routh is a distant relative of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.[38]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2006 Karla Tim Peters
Denial Man  Short film
Superman Returns Clark Kent / Superman
Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman Himself Documentary
2008 Fling James Also co-producer
Zack and Miri Make a Porno Bobby Long
2009 Life Is Hot in Cracktown Sizemore
Stuntmen Kirby Popoff
Table for Three Scott Teller
Kambakkht Ishq Himself Cameo
Miss Nobody Milo Beeber
The Informers Bruce Deleted scenes
2010 Unthinkable Agent Jackson
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Todd Ingram
2011 Dylan Dog: Dead of Night Dylan Dog
Cost of Living Silus Short film
Number Nine John
2012 Crooked Arrows Joe Logan
2014 Missing William James Anderson
2015 400 Days Captain Theo Cooper
2016 Lost in the Pacific Mike
2020 Anastasia: Once Upon a Time Tsar Nicholas II
2024 Ick Hank Post-production
2025 Fate Sam Ellis Post-production

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1999 Odd Man Out Connor Williams Episode: "You've Got Female"
2000 Undressed Wade 4 episodes
Gilmore Girls Party Guy at Concert Episode: "Concert Interruptus"
2001–2002 One Life to Live Seth Anderson Recurring role
2003 Cold Case Young Henry Phillips Episode: "A Time to Hate"
2004 Will & Grace Sebastian Episode: "A Gay/December Romance"
Oliver Beene Brian Episode: "Dibs"
2005 Awesometown Officer Dino Wong Television short
2006 The Batman John Marlowe / Everywhere Man (voice) Episode: "The Everywhere Man"
2008 Fear Itself Bobby Episode: "Community"
2010–2011 Chuck Daniel Shaw 12 episodes
2012–2013 Partners Wyatt Plank 13 episodes
2013–2014 Chosen Max Gregory 6 episodes
2013 Newsreaders Miles Van Cleef Episode: "Hedge Fun"
2014 The Exes Steve 2 episodes
Enlisted Brandon Stone 2 episodes
The Millers Officer Dixon Episode: "Carol's Surprise"
The Nine Lives of Christmas Zachary Stone Television film
2014–2016,
2020 		Arrow Ray Palmer / The Atom 21 episodes
2015–2016,
2019,
2021–2022 		The Flash 5 episodes
Clark Kent / Superman (Earth-96) Episode: "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Three"
2016–2021 Legends of Tomorrow Ray Palmer / The Atom Main role (Seasons 1–5), Special guest (season 7)
Clark Kent / Superman (Earth-96) Episode: "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Five"
2016 Vixen Ray Palmer / The Atom Web series; voice role; 3 episodes
Lady Dynamite Jack Tripper Episode: "Jack and Diane"
2017 Vixen: The Movie Ray Palmer / The Atom Voice role
2019 Black-ish Banner Copeland Episode: "Is It Desert or Dessert?"
Are You Afraid of the Dark? Theo Coscarelli Episode: "Part Two: Opening Night"
Supergirl Ray Palmer / The Atom Episode: "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One"
Batwoman Episode: "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two"[39]
Ray Palmer / The Atom / Clark Kent / Superman (Earth-96)
2020 Home Movie: The Princess Bride Westley Episode: "Chapter Six: The Fire Swamp"
2021 The Rookie Officer Doug Stanton Recurring role (Season 3)
The Nine Kittens of Christmas Zachary Stone Television film
Slugfest Joe Simon Roku Channel documentary series
With Love Leo Recurring role
2023 Quantum Leap XO Alexander Augustine Episode: "S.O.S."
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Todd Ingram Voice role[40]
Magic: The Gathering Gideon Jura Voice role;[41] in production

Video games

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2006 Superman Returns Clark Kent / Superman
2013 Call of Duty: Ghosts David "Hesh" Walker
2018 Lego DC Super-Villains Ray Palmer / The Atom [42]
2019 Magic: The Gathering Arena Ral Zarek


Music videos

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Year Artist Title
1999 Christina Aguilera "What a Girl Wants"
2006 The Lonely Island "Part 1: The Avon Lady"
2018 Sugarland "Babe"

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2006 Golden Schmoes Awards Breakthrough Performance of the Year Superman Returns Nominated
Scream Awards Best Superhero Won
Breakout Performance Nominated
ShoWest Awards Male Star of Tomorrow Won
Teen Choice Awards Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male Nominated
Choice Movie Chemistry (Shared w/ Kate Bosworth) Nominated
Choice Movie Rumble Nominated
Saturn Awards Rising Star Won
2007 Saturn Awards Best Actor Won
Empire Awards Best Male Newcomer Won
2010 IGN Awards Best Villain Chuck Won
Detroit Film Critics Society Awards Best Ensemble Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Nominated
2011 Scream Awards Best Villain Nominated
2019 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Action Legends of Tomorrow Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "UPI Almanac for Sunday, Oct. 9, 2020". United Press International. October 9, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2021. ...actor Brandon Routh in 1979...
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "TimesLeader.com". Routh flies high in debut as Superman. Archived from the original on June 23, 2006. Retrieved June 19, 2006.
  3. ^ "Our Routh Family". 1983.
  4. ^ "The Religious Affiliation of Comic Book Character Clark Kent/Kal-El Superman". Adherents.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2006. Retrieved June 19, 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ "If the tights fit: Newcomer Brandon Routh takes to the sky in 'Superman Returns'". MetroWest Daily News. Retrieved June 25, 2006.[dead link‍]
  6. ^ Adams, Thelma (June 8, 2012). "Former Man of Steel, 'Crooked Arrows' star Brandon Routh talks Superman curse, lacrosse and gay marriage | The Reel Breakdown – Yahoo! Movies Canada". Ca.movies.yahoo.com. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  7. ^ a b c "The man behind the cape". DesMoinesRegister.com. Retrieved June 25, 2006.
  8. ^ a b Lawrence, Will (June 30, 2006). "From zero to superhero". The Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on July 7, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  9. ^ "Superman passes cape; boots still hard to fill". The Beacon Journal. July 6, 2006. Retrieved July 11, 2006.
  10. ^ a b c "Word of Routh". News.com.au. Archived from the original on July 7, 2006. Retrieved June 19, 2006.
  11. ^ "Interview : Superman Returns cast & crew". MovieHole. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved July 3, 2006.
  12. ^ "Superman Returns". boxofficemojo.com. Retrieved October 11, 2008.
  13. ^ "Superman charms critics". Sydney Morning Herald (Australia). Sydney. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  14. ^ "Superman Returns (PG-13)". RogerEbert.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2013. Retrieved July 1, 2006.
  15. ^ Clint Morris (July 2, 2009). "Routh talks Superman sequel". moviehole.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2012. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  16. ^ "Billy Bob and Kim Basinger Joining The Informers". Not An Exit. August 30, 2007. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved October 10, 2008.
  17. ^ Aftab, Kaleem (March 10, 2008). "Exclusive: Undead Removed From Informers". IGN UK. Retrieved March 30, 2008.
  18. ^ "The Official Dead of Night Production Blog". Deadofnightmovie.wordpress.com. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  19. ^ "New Dead of Night Images Show Off Dylan Dog's Desk". dreadcentral.com. February 24, 2010. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  20. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 23, 2012). "Brandon Routh, Lucy Davis & Elizabeth Regen Join CBS' Comedy Pilot 'Partners'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  21. ^ Ausiello, Michael (July 7, 2014). "Arrow Targets Brandon Routh to Play Major DC Comics Superhero in Season 3". TVLine. Retrieved July 7, 2014.
  22. ^ "CW Eyeing 'Atom' As Next DC Series – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. January 11, 2015. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  23. ^ "Exclusive: Arrow Executive Producer Marc Guggenheim Talks Brandon Routh Atom Spin-off Show!". Nerdist. January 11, 2015. Archived from the original on January 13, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  24. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 26, 2015). "Arrow/Flash Superhero Team-Up Spinoff In Works At CW; Brandon Routh, Victor Garber, Wentworth Miller, Caity Lotz Star". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  25. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 19, 2019). "Tyler Hoechlin & Brandon Routh To Suit Up As Superman For Arrowverse Crossover On the CW". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 19, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
  26. ^ Beedle, Time (September 27, 2019). "First Look: Brandon Routh Suits Up as an Older Superman".
  27. ^ Holub, Christian (July 20, 2019). "Brandon Routh is going to play the Kingdom Come Superman in Arrowverse crossover". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 24, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2019.
  28. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 22, 2019). "'DC's Legends Of Tomorrow': Brandon Routh & Courtney Ford To Depart the CW Drama As Series Regulars". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 23, 2019. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  29. ^ Burlingame, Russ (February 28, 2020). "Legends of Tomorrow Says Goodbye to Brandon Routh in "Romeo v. Juliet: Dawn of Justness" Synopsis". ComicBook. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  30. ^ Agard, Chancellor (October 13, 2021). "'Legends of Tomorrow' brings back 7 heroes in 100th episode photos". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  31. ^ Damore, Meagan (August 25, 2021). "Team Flash's Season 8 Roster Is Basically the Arrowverse's Justice League". CBR. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  32. ^ Anderson, Jenna (June 16, 2022). "The Flash Has a Surprising Legends of Tomorrow Cameo in "The Man in the Yellow Tie"". ComicBook. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  33. ^ "About Brandon". brandonrouth.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2007. Retrieved January 6, 2007.
  34. ^ "Superman Returns Star Brandon Routh Gets Married". People. Retrieved November 25, 2007.
  35. ^ "Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford Welcome Son Leo James". People. March 14, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  36. ^ "Superman Plays World of Warcraft? Yep". FiringSquad. Retrieved July 10, 2006.
  37. ^ "Superman swoops in to defend Obama". CNN. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  38. ^ "Family relationship of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Brandon Routh via Henry Head".
  39. ^ Agard, Chancellor (November 19, 2019). "New 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' photos reveal Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne". Entertainment Weekly.
  40. ^ "'Scott Pilgrim' Netflix Anime Series Reunites Film's Cast, from Michael Cera to Chris Evans". March 30, 2023.
  41. ^ Maas, Jennifer (August 24, 2021). "Netflix's 'Magic: The Gathering' Series to Launch in 2022, Brandon Routh to Voice Gideon (Photo)". The Wrap. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  42. ^ Oneto, Petey (October 25, 2019). "Brandon Routh Says Goodbye to DC's Legends of Tomorrow". IGN. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
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