Brandon Routh is an American actor best known for his role as ‘Superman/Clark Kent’ in the ‘DC’ superhero movie ‘Superman Returns.’ Brandon, who was born and reared in the Iowan town of Norwalk, has always desired to be an actor. His ambition to begin a career as a professional actor brought him to Los Angeles. Soon after, he made his cinematic debut in Christina Aguilera’s music video for ‘What a Girl Wants.’ He then made his television debut with a minor role in the series ‘Odd Man Out’ before landing a larger role in the 2000 soap opera ‘Undressed.’ He subsequently had a recurring role on the television series ‘One Life to Live.’ In 2006, he was offered the role of ‘Superman’ in ‘Superman Returns.’ The role brought him the fame he deserved, and he became a huge star very rapidly. However, his acting career was unable to gain the desired momentum. Later, he appeared in films like ‘Fling,’ ‘Table for Three,’ ‘Unknown,’ and ‘400 Days.’ His most recent significant appearance was in the superhero series ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ as ‘The Atom.’
Youth and Early Life
Brandon Routh was born in Norwalk, Iowa, on October 9, 1979, to parents Ronald Wayne Routh and Catherine LaVonne. He was the third child of four in his family of Methodist Christians. His father worked as a builder.
Brandon, who grew up in a small town, never considered that he could pursue a professional acting career. His fascination with acting began at an early age. Later on, he became interested in music and learned to perform the trumpet and the piano. Soon after, he decided he wanted to become a writer as well.
He attended ‘Norwalk High School’ and pursued his acting education at ‘The Norwalk Theatre of Performing Arts.’ He initially began acting as a diversion. In his spare time, he participated in a variety of sports and performed music at events to earn pocket money.
Brandon was always fascinated by comic books as a teen growing up in Iowa, particularly ‘DC’ comics. His favorite superheroes were ‘Batman’ and ‘Superman.’ At Halloween gatherings, he frequently donned ‘Batman’ and ‘Superman’ costumes.
After graduating from high school, Brandon intended to pursue a career as a full-time writer. In addition to enrolling at the ‘University of Iowa’ to study English literature, he continued to act on stage. His friends frequently told him that he resembled Christopher Reeves, the actor who portrayed ‘Superman’ before Brandon became prominent.
During college, he began to receive modeling offers, which allowed him to pay for his education. After a year of college, Brandon moved to New York City to pursue a career in professional acting, as the theater scene there was at its apex. Following a few months, he landed in Los Angeles.
Brandon Routh’s Career
After his arrival in Los Angeles, he had no trouble finding modeling employment. He appeared in the music video for Christina Aguilera’s ‘What a Girl Wants’ in 1999. After several unsuccessful auditions, he eventually landed a small role on the television series ‘Odd Man Out.’ The following year, he landed a supporting role on the late-night soap opera ‘Undressed.’ In 2000, he appeared in four episodes of the series.
In 2001, he appeared in only one episode of ‘Gilmore Girls.’ In the same year, he landed a recurring role on ‘One Life to Live.’ In the latter, he played the character ‘Seth Anderson.’ Brandon was soon able to attract the interest of additional casting agents.
He subsequently garnered small roles in television series including ‘Will & Grace,’ ‘Oliver Beene,’ ‘Cold Case,’ and ‘Awesometown.’ During this time period, ‘Warner Bros.’ intended to resurrect the renowned ‘DC’ superhero ‘Superman.’
The reboot of ‘Superman’ was planned for over a decade, but the studio was unable to put the necessary pieces in position. The most difficult task was finding a replacement for Christopher Reeve in the role of ‘Superman,’ which he previously portrayed. Several prominent actors were considered for the part, but director Bryan Singer desired a new visage.
Brandon was chosen after his audition for the role. Later, he claimed that his facial resemblance to Christopher Reeve was a significant factor in his selection. The film was released in 2006 to worldwide acclaim from critics. However, the broad public’s reaction to the film was lukewarm, and the film was a box office failure.
Two sequels were intended for ‘Superman Returns,’ but they were scrapped due to the film’s disappointing box office performance. However, Brandon Routh had become a national icon by that time. In addition to receiving multiple awards and nominations for his performance in ‘Superman Returns,’ he won a number of accolades.
Brandon starred in the 2008 independent comedy-drama film ‘Fling,’ which he also co-produced. The very next year, Brandon starred in the ensemble crime-drama film ‘Life Is Hot in Cracktown.’ The performance of Brandon as a destitute drug addict was admired. He subsequently appeared in films including ‘Table for Three,’ ‘Stuntmen,’ and ‘Miss Nobody.’
In 2009, he had a small role in the Indian film ‘Kambakkht Ishq,’ which starred “Bollywood” actors Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Even though he played the critically acclaimed role of ‘Superman,’ Brandon was not regarded as a bankable icon and did not receive many leading roles. 2010’s suspense film “Unthinkable” featured him in a supporting role.
In 2010, he also played the role of ‘Todd Ingram’ in the eccentric action-comedy film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The film was a critical and commercial triumph. Brandon played the starring role in the 2011 horror-comedy film Dylan Dog: Dead of Night. The film faltered at the box office and received some of the worst reviews in the history of American cinema. Brandon was devastated by the film’s failure, as it was his first leading role in a long time.
In the 2015 science-fiction film ‘400 Days,’ he also played the protagonist. Nonetheless, this film also failed at the box office and was severely criticized by critics. In 2014, Brandon was offered the role of ‘The Atom,’ a protagonist, on the television series ‘Legends of Tomorrow.’ His character also appeared in a number of crossover episodes with other superhero television series, including ‘The Flash’ and ‘Arrow.’
Brandon’s Personal Life
Brandon Routh became engaged to his fiancée, the actress Courtney Ford, in August 2006. The couple tied the knot in 2007. In August 2012, their son Leo James was born. During his early years of strife, Brandon lived with actor Kal Penn, and they have maintained their friendship over the years. Brandon is an ardent supporter of the ‘Democratic Party’ and openly supported Barack Obama in the 2008 US presidential election.
Estimated Net Worth
American actor and fashion model Brandon Routh have a net worth of $2 million. Brandon Routh is best recognized for playing Superman in the 2006 film “Superman Returns.” In addition, he has appeared in “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Chuck” (a television series), and “Dylan Dog: Dead of Night.”