Marc McClure has had a long and varied career in Hollywood, but it’s his enduring connection to the Superman universe that truly defines his legacy. Though acting is Marc McClure’s profession, he’s most beloved by fans as Jimmy Olsen, the eager young photographer at the Daily Planet. Marc McClure brought the character to life in the original “Superman” film starring Christopher Reeve, and his portrayal was so well-received that he returned for every sequel. In fact, among all of Christopher Reeve’s co-stars, Marc McClure stands out as the only one who also appeared in the spinoff “Supergirl,” cementing his place in DC lore.
But Marc McClure’s talents extend far beyond Metropolis. He became part of director Robert Zemeckis’s early creative circle, appearing in Zemeckis’s debut feature, “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” a fun, nostalgic dive into Beatlemania. The collaboration continued with the dark comedy “Used Cars,” where Marc McClure showcased his versatility in a story about cutthroat car salesmen. Then came the breakthrough: “Back to the Future.” In this iconic time-travel adventure, Marc McClure played Dave McFly, Michael J. Fox’s older brother—a role that evolved dramatically thanks to changes in the timeline. From slacker to suit-wearing yuppie, Marc McClure’s performance captured the humor and heart of a family reshaped by time.
Interestingly, Marc McClure had already been familiar with 1950s-style storytelling long before Hill Valley. One of his early gigs was on the classic sitcom “Happy Days,” and he later lent his charm to “Amazon Women on the Moon,” a zany satire of 1950s B-movies. His knack for blending nostalgia with comedy made him a natural fit across genres.
Even after the original Superman series faded like Krypton itself, Marc McClure stayed true to the cape. He made memorable cameos in Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns” and popped up in the TV prequel “Smallville,” delighting longtime fans with each appearance. And speaking of returns, Marc McClure even revisited one of his earlier comedic roles—reprising his part in the remake of “Freaky Friday.” Yes, he was in both versions, including the original alongside a young Jodie Foster when she was just 14.
Through decades of change, Marc McClure has remained a consistent, likable presence on screen—whether behind a camera in Metropolis or caught in a time-travel twist in 1985. Marc McClure may have played many characters, but his legacy as a fan favorite endures.
When it comes to Marc McClure’s film career, there’s a clear standout in terms of critical acclaim. Marc McClure’s highest rated movie is undoubtedly Apollo 13, released back in 1995—a film that earned widespread praise and performed exceptionally well both commercially and with critics. On the other hand, not every project in Marc McClure’s filmography reached the same heights. In fact, his lowest rated film tends to be Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, which came out in 1987 and received notably less favorable reviews over time. While Marc McClure has appeared in a variety of roles across decades, these two films represent the upper and lower ends of the spectrum when evaluating his body of work. It just goes to show that even within a long-standing career, some titles shine brighter than others—and in this case, Marc McClure’s legacy includes both triumphs and missteps.