Bob Holiday facts for kids

Bob Holiday (born November 12, 1932 – died January 27, 2017) was an American actor. He is most famous for playing the superhero Superman. He took on the role in the 1966 Broadway musical It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman.

Bob Holiday was the first actor to play Superman in a live-action show after George Reeves. He played Superman more than any other actor. He performed in over 140 shows and made many live appearances as the character. From 1999 until he passed away in 2017, he was known as the oldest living actor to have played Superman in a live show.

Playing Superman on Stage

Bob Holiday was the main star in the 1966 musical. He played the title role of Superman. After the afternoon shows, he would stay in his Superman costume. He invited kids backstage to get his autograph. He was very tall, about 6 feet 4 inches. He would sign their programs and tell them to drink their milk and be good.

The show received great reviews. Some of his co-stars even got awards nominations. However, the musical closed after 129 performances.

Superman's Flying Adventures

In 1967, Bob Holiday played Superman again in two new versions of the show. These shows were held outdoors. To make Superman fly, they used a large crane. During the time "It's a Bird It's a Plane It's Superman!" was popular, Bob also appeared as Superman in commercials. He was in an ad for UniRoyal carpet. He also made guest appearances on TV shows like "I've Got a Secret" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson". He even appeared at a big fashion show in New York City. In 1971, Bob put on the Superman cape one more time for an Aqua Velva TV commercial.

On March 23, 2013, Bob Holiday went to a special concert version of the musical. It was held at the New York City Center. He met with the cast members of that show.

Meeting the Fans

Bob Holiday always loved hearing from fans of the show. In 2003, he celebrated his time as Superman. He visited the yearly Metropolis Superman Celebration in Illinois. A short movie was made about this visit. It was called "Holiday in Metropolis." You can find discussions and photos from his visit on his official website.

Bob Holiday passed away at his home in Hawley, Pennsylvania. He was 84 years old when he died on January 27, 2017.

Other Acting Roles and Life After Show Business

Before playing Superman, Bob Holiday also acted in other Broadway shows. He was in Fiorello! with Tom Bosley. He also played Sir Lancelot in the 1964 touring show of Camelot. In that show, he acted alongside Howard Keel.

After the Superman musical ended, Bob moved to Los Angeles. There, he co-starred with Anthony Roberts in the musical Promises, Promises. The producer of The Brady Bunch, Sherwood Schwartz, wanted Bob Holiday to play Mike Brady. But other studio bosses decided differently.

After his acting career, Bob Holiday started a new business. He opened Bob Holiday Custom Homes, LLC. For 30 years, he was a successful home builder. He built homes in the Pocono Mountains area. He retired from building homes in 2009. His assistant for the last ten years of his life was a very dedicated fan named Toni Collins.