Ranking the live-action portrayals of Lois Lane
2. Margot Kidder, Superman I – IV
While Margot Kidder wasn’t the first actress to ever portray Lois in a film adaptation, she had the distinction of being the definitive Lois Lane for a very, very long time. Kidder’s Lois was smart, quick-witted, and tremendously capable of any and everything. Her interactions with Christopher Reeve’s Superman were fantastic, especially considering she completely bypassed him the first time so she could continue talking to Perry White about a story. Kidder’s Lois was charming and full of life and tenacity. She was serious about her job and took her ambition to new heights (and no, it’s not just because she ended up dangling from a helicopter in midair), and still had a considerable amount of wonder to spare.
“Homecoming” — Erica Durance as Lois Lane in SMALLVILLE, on The CW Network.
Photo: Ed Araquel/The CW
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1. Erica Durance, Smallville
Erica Durance is probably one of the most recognizable and iconic live-action Lois Lanes. Smallville went three seasons without her (to its own detriment, really), but once she was introduced in season four, the show benefited from her fiery spirit, her want and need to do the right thing, and her passion for finding the truth. Durance’s performance as Lois is essential viewing. She’s amazingly strong, curious, compassionate, and vulnerable. She was also never afraid to knock a jerk down a peg when need be, and her persistence and perseverance were admirable, especially when she found herself in the most dangerous of situations (which, of course, was quite often).
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Durance had the benefit of playing Lois the longest of any other actress and was afforded the space to evolve in the role and, with each season, she improved upon the material she was given. She was able to balance every single aspect of Lois Lane’s character, while also making her distinguishable from all the other actresses who have played her, and Smallville was all the better for it.