Bob Holiday

Bob Holiday (November 12, 1932 – January 27, 2017) was an American actor born in Brooklyn, New York whose Broadway career spanned from 1959 to 1971. He is best remembered for originating the role of Superman in the 1966 Broadway musical It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman, a performance that made him historically significant as the next live-action Superman following George Reeves.

Holiday's Broadway work began with an appearance in Fiorello!, in which he performed opposite Tom Bosley. He later co-starred with Anthony Roberts in Promises, Promises. His casting as Superman in 1966 proved to be the defining chapter of his stage career. Standing six feet four inches tall, Holiday brought a commanding physical presence to the role and delivered more than 140 performances as the character across the original production and subsequent revivals. Despite strong critical notices and Tony Award nominations for co-stars Jack Cassidy, Michael O'Sullivan, and Patricia Marand, the original Broadway production closed after 129 performances. In 1967, Holiday reprised the role in two separate revival productions staged in open-air theatres, where the staging required Superman to fly with the assistance of a large crane.

Beyond the stage, Holiday's portrayal of Superman extended into television and advertising. During the run of the musical he made personal appearances on I've Got a Secret and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and attended the Sixth International Fashion Show at Macy's in New York City. He also appeared in a UniRoyal carpet advertisement in character. In 1971, he returned to the role once more for an Aqua Velva television commercial. From 1999 until his death, Holiday held the distinction of being the eldest surviving live-action Superman.

Away from the Superman role, Holiday was cast as Sir Lancelot in the 1964 touring production of Camelot, performing opposite Howard Keel. He was also considered for the role of Mike Brady on The Brady Bunch, having been cast by producer Sherwood Schwartz, though studio executives ultimately reversed that decision.

Holiday remained connected to his Superman legacy throughout his later years. In 2003, he traveled to the annual Metropolis Superman Celebration in Illinois, and a documentary titled Holiday in Metropolis was produced from that visit. On March 23, 2013, he attended the New York City Center Encores! staged concert of It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman and met with the cast. After leaving show business, Holiday founded Bob Holiday Custom Homes, LLC and spent thirty years as a home builder in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, retiring in 2009. He died at his home in Hawley, Pennsylvania on January 27, 2017, at the age of 84.