METROPOLIS - It was an eclectic cast of characters.

The panel of celebrities attending the press mixer for the annual Superman Celebration included a star from the serials and television shows of the '40s and '50s, the films of the '70s and an aspiring actor who has only recently slipped into the blue tights.

The panel consisted of Noel Neill, who starred as reporter Lois Lane along George Reeves' Superman; Ned Beatty, who played Lex Luthor's bumbling henchman, Otis, in "Superman: The Movie" and "Superman II," and Josh Boultinghouse, the latest to don the costume as the celebration's official Man of Steel.

Allison Mack, who plays reporter Chloe on the television show, "Smallville," could not be at the event because of a delayed flight. Beatty, Neill and Mack will sign autographs throughout the events today.

The three met in Harrah's Event Center as rain poured outside. Neill has become a regular visitor to the celebration and said she enjoys meeting the fans who remember seeing her character being rescued by Superman week after week.

"I always like it here," Neill said. "Everyone is so nice."

Beatty, who is making his first appearance at the celebration, reflected on his acting career and his role in the 1978 Superman film. Beatty said that although he had established a résumé by the time he took the role, the film led to a few more casting calls.

"It had something to do with breaking a barrier," Beatty said.

Beatty and Neill also reflected on the men who brought the Last Son of Krypton to life. Beatty recalled his time working with Christopher Reeve and the horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed before dying of a heart attack in 2004.

"I was very fond of him," Beatty said. "I hope I see him again."

Neill defended her co-star from the 2006 film, "Hollywoodland," which was a murder mystery that followed the events of Reeves' life and mysterious death.

"It was terrible," Neill said. "George was not a womanizer and not a drunk. When I saw it I nearly cried."

While the two actors talked about the some of the best times and some of the most somber times, Boultinghouse was just thrilled to be sitting next to them. The personal trainer and aspiring actor from Los Angeles was selected to portray the Man of Steel in the Search for Superman contest earlier this year.

Boultinghouse said he has always been a fan of the Superman franchise on film and television and said he was still in a bit of shock at the opportunity to sit next to the two actors.

"It's a dream come true," Boultinghouse said.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

351-5804

Superman Celebration

The celebration lasts from Thursday, June 12, to Sunday, June 15, throughout Metropolis.