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Tom Welling
Tom Welling
Tom Welling
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Thomas Joseph Welling[1] (born April 26, 1977)[2] is an American actor, director, producer, podcaster, and model. He is best known for his role as Clark Kent in The WB (now The CW) superhero drama Smallville (2001–2011). He also co-starred in the third season of the Fox fantasy comedy-drama Lucifer as Lt. Marcus Pierce/Cain (2017–2018).

Key Information

A high school athlete, Welling initially worked in construction and, in 1998, he began modelling men's clothing for several popular brands. In 2000, he transitioned to television. He has been nominated and received several awards for his role as Clark Kent. In 2001, he had a recurring role as Rob "Karate Rob" Meltzer in the second season of the CBS legal drama Judging Amy. His films include Cheaper by the Dozen (2003), Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005), The Fog (2005), Draft Day (2014), and The Choice (2016). In 2022, he starred as Samuel Campbell in the dark fantasy series The Winchesters. He has also been involved behind the camera as an executive producer and a director.

Early life

[edit]

Welling was born in Putnam Valley, New York.[3][4] His family moved frequently, making stops in Wisconsin, Delaware, and Michigan.[4] Welling attended Okemos High School in Okemos, Michigan, where he started acting in plays, but then switched to sports. Welling played baseball and soccer, but his favorite sport is basketball.[4] Welling is one of four children, with two older sisters, Rebecca and Jamie,[5] and a younger brother, Mark Welling, who is also an actor.[3]

Career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Originally a construction worker, Welling was discovered in 1998 at a party in Nantucket by casting director Jennifer Starr who was there finding fresh faces for a Tommy Hilfiger campaign and suggested he try modeling.[6] Welling modeled for Louisa Modeling Agency until 2000,[4] when he relocated to Los Angeles. There he modeled for Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Calvin Klein while pursuing an acting career.[3] In 2000, Welling appeared in Angela Via's music video "Picture Perfect" where he played Vía's love interest. Welling has said that he did not like modeling and that he was not good at it because it was all on the outside or from an external point of view. He pursued acting because he wanted to express a range of emotions,[5] but Welling still models occasionally and appeared in the May 2008 issue of Vogue, the so-called Superhero Issue.[7] In his first major acting role, Welling played karate teacher Rob "Karate Rob" Meltzer, a younger love interest of Amy Gray (Amy Brenneman) in the second season of the CBS legal drama Judging Amy, which aired in 2001. Welling was originally signed for three episodes, but after receiving good feedback, the producers kept him for three more.[4] Welling also had a small role in the pilot episode of the UPN science fiction sitcom Special Unit 2, and he appeared in the pilot episode of the short-lived Fox sitcom Undeclared.[4]

Smallville

[edit]
Welling in 2009

Welling was cast in the WB superhero drama Smallville after a nationwide search for an actor to play Clark Kent. In an interview with a teen magazine, Welling spoke about the day he auditioned for the role: "I was on my way back from the Warner Bros. studio, and I stopped in a gas station to call my manager and tell him how it went. I called and got him on the phone and he said, 'Can you hold on a second?' Next thing I know, there are literally seven people on the other line and almost in unison they say, 'Tom, you got it!'"[4] The pilot aired in October 2001 and became the highest-rated debut for The WB, with 8.4 million viewers.[8] Welling told TV Guide that he turned down the lead role twice, but after reading the script, decided to take the job. Like Christopher Reeve, he was not a Superman fan before being cast as Clark Kent. In fact, he said, he continued to not read Superman comics: "I made a conscious decision to stay away from that material. We're doing something different at a time before all that, I don't want that to affect what I'm doing, even subconsciously."[9] He did get the chance to meet two previous Superman actors: Christopher Reeve, who appeared in season 2: episode 17 titled "Rosetta", and Dean Cain, who appeared in season 7: episode 4 titled "Cure".[10]

Welling was named one of People magazine's "Breakthrough Stars of 2001", and also won the Teen Choice Award as "Choice Breakout Star (Male)" in 2002 for his role as Clark Kent.[11] Following the third season, Welling was interviewed by Smallville Magazine and said that if he could play one character on the show that was not Clark Kent, it would be Lex Luthor; "Lex Luthor! I wouldn't mind having my head shaved—as an actor, [it is the ultimate,] getting to play the complete opposite of your character."[12]

In 2003, Welling said he met with director Brett Ratner about potentially playing Clark Kent/Superman in the superhero film Superman Returns (2006), but scheduling conflicted with Smallville.[13] Comic book artist Alex Ross even did two sketches of Welling as the "Man of Steel" to see what the actor would look like in the famous costume.[14] In August 2009, Welling won another Teen Choice Award as "Choice TV Actor (Action Adventure)" for Smallville.[15]

In 2019, Welling reprised his role as Clark Kent in the Batwoman episode of the CW Arrowverse crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths", along with his Smallville co-star Erica Durance as Lois Lane.[16][17] Welling's reprisal concluded his incarnation's story where it showed Clark gave up his powers, retired as an average farmer, and has at least two daughters with Lois.

On July 13, 2022, Welling and fellow Smallville actor Michael Rosenbaum launched the podcast Talkville, where the two co-stars comment on every episode of Smallville.[18][19]

Lucifer

[edit]

In 2017, Welling made his much-awaited return to television when he was cast to co-star in the third season of the Fox fantasy comedy-drama Lucifer. He played Marcus Pierce, a police lieutenant at the precinct and the main antagonist of the season who is the immortal Cain.[20]

When asked why he suddenly decided to return to television, he told Entertainment weekly: 'Shortly after I got a call from a very dear friend of mine, Greg Beeman, who was our showrunner on Smallville for many years and had directed episodes of Lucifer, and he goes, “I hear that your name’s in the mix to be on Lucifer. I know you, I’ve worked on the show, you’re going to love it, don’t overthink it.” So then I binge-watched about six episodes of the show, because I was familiar with the show, but they were like, “Take a look at these six that we recommend for you to watch, these are our favorites,” and I watched them all, and Wednesday morning the conversation was, “I don’t want to do 10 episodes,” and they said, “Well, you have to do 10, it’s 10 or nothing.” I said, “I want to do more, I want to do 15,” and so we signed on for 15 episodes, because I like it that much, and having met the cast and the crew they’re so much fun. They have a good time, they get their work done, they’re professional, but they’re enjoying themselves. I like the show, the show’s fun. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but they solve bit crimes and their issues and stuff like that.'[21]

Film

[edit]

In December 2003, Welling made his feature film debut as Charlie Baker, the oldest son and second-oldest in the Baker family which had 12 children, in the family comedy Cheaper by the Dozen with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, which is a remake of the 1950 movie starring Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy, based on the 1948 book about the family of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and written by two of their children.[11] Welling talked about why he was interested in the project in an interview with Paul Fischer: "The top three reasons I decided to do this film were, one, Steve Martin, two, Steve Martin and three, Steve Martin. That was the number one draw for me. Then, after reading the script, I really liked this character, Charlie. I liked what he went through, what he had to go through, and I felt I understood where he was coming from. And I just wanted to be a part of it."[5] Welling had always been a fan of Martin's and said that he "absolutely loved" working with him.[5]

In 2005, Welling co-starred in the horror film The Fog, a remake of John Carpenter's 1980 film of the same name, as Nick Castle (a character originally played by Tom Atkins).[22] At the same time The Fog was in production, Welling was still working on the last few episodes of the fourth season of Smallville. The same year, he reprised his role as Charlie Baker in Cheaper by the Dozen 2.

In 2013, Welling was among the all-star cast of the historical drama Parkland, based on the book Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy by author Vincent Bugliosi. The story centers on the chaotic events that occurred at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963.[23] In 2014, Welling co-starred in Ivan Reitman's sports drama Draft Day. He played a veteran quarterback whose career is at a crossroads.

Production

[edit]

For Smallville's ninth season, Welling served as a co-executive producer.[11] He returned as Clark Kent for the show's tenth and final season in Fall 2010 and became a full executive producer, as credited in a May 20, 2010 press release by the CW.[24]

Welling served as an executive producer of the CW comedy-drama Hellcats based on journalist Kate Torgovnick's book Cheer: Inside the Secret World of College Cheerleaders.[25][26] The series first aired on The CW beginning in the fall of 2010,[24] and was canceled on May 17, 2011. According to Welling, the reason of cancellation was because of the change of CW president of entertainment from Dawn Ostroff to Mark Pedowitz.[27]

Directing

[edit]

Welling made his directorial debut in 2006 with the Smallville episode "Fragile" (5.18). He also directed "Hydro" (6.10); the show's 150th episode, "Apocalypse" (7.18); "Injustice" (8.21); the second part ("Legends") of the two-hour episode "Absolute Justice" (9.11); and two episodes of Smallville's final season, "Patriot" (10.09) and "Booster" (10.18).

Personal life

[edit]

On July 5, 2002, Welling married model Jamie White[3] on Martha's Vineyard with Welling's friends and then-Smallville co-stars Kristin Kreuk and Michael Rosenbaum in attendance.[28] Welling and White resided in Vancouver, British Columbia,[5] but returned to Los Angeles in March 2011. On October 17, 2013, White filed for divorce from Welling. The divorce was finalized in November 2015.[29]

In 2014, Welling began dating equestrian and Saddle Club founder Jessica Rose Lee. In April 2018, they announced their engagement.[30] The couple has two sons, born in January 2019 and June 2021.[31][32][33] Welling and Lee married on November 30, 2019, at Sunstone Vineyards & Winery in Santa Ynez, California.[34]

Welling plays golf in his spare time.[35][36]

He said in YM that he dislikes interviews; "I don't want to be a celebrity for the sake of being a celebrity. I want to work and then go home and live in private."[37] Welling has also said he disliked modeling because it was not fulfilling and was not an expressive job.[38]

On January 26, 2025, Welling was arrested in Yreka, California for driving under the influence.[39] On May 19, 2025, the DUI charge was dropped after he pleaded no contest, which required him to serve one year of probation, pay $619 in fines and $150 in restitution,[40] and attend a DUI program.[40]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Cheaper by the Dozen Charlie Baker
2005 The Fog Nicholas "Nick" Castle
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 Charlie Baker
2013 Parkland Secret Service Agent Roy Kellerman
2014 Draft Day Brian Drew
2016 The Choice Dr. Ryan McCarthy
2024 Clear Cut Keen
Mafia Wars Terry

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2001 Judging Amy Rob Meltzer 6 episodes
Special Unit 2 Male victim Episode: "The Depths"
Undeclared Tom Episode: "Prototype"
2001–2011 Smallville Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman Main role
2017–2018 Lucifer Lt. Marcus Pierce / Cain 19 episodes
2019 Batwoman Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman Episode: "Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 2"
2020 Professionals Vincent Corbo 10 episodes
2022 The Winchesters Samuel Campbell 3 episodes

Crew role

[edit]
Year Title Notes
2006–2011 Smallville Director
Episode 5.18 "Fragile"
Episode 6.10 "Hydro"
Episode 7.18 "Apocalypse"
Episode 8.21 "Injustice"
Episode 9.11 "Absolute Justice Part 2"
Episode 10.09 "Patriot"
Episode 10.18 "Booster"
2009–2010 Co-executive producer
22 episodes
2010–2011 Hellcats Co-executive producer
22 episodes
2020 Professionals Executive producer
10 episodes

Music video

[edit]
Year Title Artist Role
2000 "Picture Perfect" Angela Via Vía's love interest

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Tom Welling awards and nominations
Awards and nominations
Award
Wins
Nominations
Teen Choice 2 10
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films 0 5
Totals[a]
Wins2
Nominations15
Note
  1. ^ Certain award groups do not simply award one winner. They acknowledge several different recipients, have runners-up, and have third place. Since this is a specific recognition and is different from losing an award, runner-up mentions are considered wins in this award tally. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.

The following is a list of awards and nominations received by Tom Welling throughout his acting career.

Nominations

[edit]
  • Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: 5 nominations, 0 wins
    • Saturn Award nomination, (2002), Best Actor in a Television Series (Smallville)
    • Saturn Award nomination, (2003), Best Actor in a Television Series (Smallville)
    • Saturn Award nomination, (2004), Best Actor in a Television Series (Smallville)
    • Saturn Award nomination, (2005), Best Actor in a Television Series (Smallville)
    • Saturn Award nomination, (2006), Best Actor in a Television Series (Smallville)
  • Teen Choice Awards: 10 nominations, 2 wins
    • Teen Choice Award nomination (2002), Choice Actor: Drama/Action Adventure (Smallville)
    • Teen Choice Award won, (2002), Choice Breakout Star: Male (Smallville)
    • Teen Choice Award nomination, (2003), Choice Actor: Drama/Action Adventure (Smallville)
    • Teen Choice Award nomination, (2004), Choice Actor: Drama/Action Adventure (Smallville)
    • Teen Choice Award nomination, (2004), Choice Breakout Star: Male (Cheaper by the Dozen)
    • Teen Choice Award nomination, (2005), Choice Actor: Drama (Smallville)
    • Teen Choice Award nomination, (2006), Choice Chemistry (Smallville)
    • Teen Choice Award nomination, (2006), Choice Actor: Drama/Action Adventure (Smallville)
    • Teen Choice Award nomination, (2008), Choice Actor: Action (Smallville)
    • Teen Choice Award won, (2009), Choice Actor: Action (Smallville)

Awards

[edit]
Year Award Category Film/TV Series Notes
2002 Teen Choice Award Choice Breakout TV Star – Male Smallville
2009 Choice Action TV Actor

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tom Welling

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Joseph Welling (born April 26, 1977) is an American actor, director, producer, and podcaster, standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall, best known for portraying Clark Kent, the young , in the long-running superhero television series (2001–2011). Born in , to Thomas Welling Sr., a retired executive, and Bonnie Welling, a homemaker, Welling grew up as the third of four children, with two older sisters, Rebecca and Jamie, and a younger brother, Mark. After graduating from in , he pursued modeling in and the before transitioning to acting, making his on-screen debut with a recurring role as Rob Meltzer, a instructor, in the CBS drama (2001). His breakthrough came with , where he starred in all 10 seasons as the alien-raised farm boy discovering his superpowers, earning critical acclaim for his earnest performance and winning for Choice Breakout TV Star – Male in 2002 and Choice TV Actor: Action in 2009. Welling expanded his film career with roles such as Charlie Baker, the eldest son in the family comedies Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) and Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005), alongside Steve Martin and Hilary Duff. He also appeared in horror films like The Fog (2005) and took on supporting parts in series such as Lucifer (2018–2021), where he played the villainous Marcus Pierce across 19 episodes. Behind the camera, Welling directed seven episodes of Smallville starting in 2006 and served as an executive producer on the action series The Professionals (2020). He also co-hosts a podcast exploring his career and personal insights. Nominated multiple times for Saturn Awards and Scream Awards for his superhero work, he has maintained a selective career post-Smallville, focusing on family and occasional guest appearances while reflecting on the show's enduring legacy in interviews as recently as 2025. In his personal life, Welling was first married to actress from July 5, 2002, to November 22, 2015, ending in with no children from the union. He began dating equestrian and entrepreneur Jessica Rose Lee in 2014, and the couple welcomed their first son, Thomson Wylde, in January 2019 before marrying on November 30, 2019, at Sunstone Vineyards & Winery in . Their second son, Rocklin Von, arrived in June 2021. In January 2025, Welling was arrested for in . Welling, who values privacy, resides with his family in and has occasionally shared glimpses of his life through , emphasizing his roles as a husband and father.

Early life

Family background

Thomas Joseph Welling was born on April 26, 1977, in , the third of four children to Thomas Welling Sr., a retired executive for , and his wife Bonnie, a homemaker. Welling's siblings include two older sisters, Rebecca and Jamie, and a younger brother, Mark, who has also worked as an . Due to his father's career with , the family relocated frequently during Welling's early childhood, living briefly in and then , before settling in , at the start of his sophomore year in high school (around age 15). These moves exposed the children to varied regional cultures and environments, fostering adaptability within the close-knit family dynamic before they put down roots in .

Education and early career

Welling attended in , where he graduated in 1995. Initially involved in theater productions during his high school years, he later shifted his focus to sports, participating in soccer and . Following graduation, Welling worked as a while living with his parents, forgoing college to take on odd jobs. Around age 21 in 1998, he was scouted for modeling and relocated to to pursue opportunities. In 1998, Welling signed with Louisa Models and launched his modeling career, which allowed him to travel internationally. He appeared in prominent campaigns for brands including and . Transitioning toward , Welling took on early pursuits such as commercials and guest television spots, including a recurring role as Rob "Karate Rob" Meltzer on the CBS series in 2001.

Career

Breakthrough with Smallville

In 2001, Tom Welling, then a 24-year-old model with limited acting experience, was cast as Clark Kent in the WB pilot for following a nationwide search for the role. His manager initially turned down the opportunity, but director personally persuaded Welling to audition after he signed a to read the script, emphasizing the show's focus on a teenage boy's human struggles rather than traditional tropes. Welling screen-tested alongside and competed against actors including , ultimately securing the part for its emphasis on embodying Clark's earnest vulnerability. His early modeling work for brands like had positioned him for such auditions, marking his transition from print ads to television. Welling portrayed Clark Kent, a young Kryptonian raised in rural Kansas, across all 10 seasons and 217 episodes of Smallville from 2001 to 2011, the longest continuous depiction of the character at the time. The series explored Clark's pre-Superman adolescence, depicting his gradual discovery and mastery of powers such as super strength, speed, invulnerability, x-ray vision, and heat vision, often triggered by emotional turmoil or meteor rock exposure in Smallville. Central to the narrative were Clark's evolving relationships, including his initial deep friendship with Lex Luthor—forged after saving Lex's life in a car accident—which deteriorated into rivalry due to secrets and moral conflicts, and his later romantic partnership with Lois Lane, evolving from banter-filled collaboration as reporters to marriage. Critics praised Welling's performance for capturing Clark's internal angst, youthful uncertainty, and moral growth, with Variety noting he "beautifully captured the angst of youth and the pressure of his powers while also dropping hints as to what his future held," and Entertainment Weekly describing him as "perfectly cast" for the role's emotional depth. Behind the scenes, Welling took on greater production responsibilities, directing seven episodes beginning with season 5's "Fragile" (episode 18) and including season 6's "Hydro," season 7's "" (episode 18), season 8's "," season 9's "Absolute Justice, Part 2," and season 10's "Patriot" and "Booster." He served as co-executive producer for season 9 and for the final season, contributing to creative decisions amid the show's demanding schedule. The role's physical challenges were significant, involving frequent like high falls, fights, and wire work to simulate Clark's abilities, which Welling often performed himself; in interviews, he recalled the grueling wire suspensions for flight sequences and the risks, such as a stunt double's severe injury during a tower fall in season 5. In a 2025 interview on the Inside of You , Welling revealed struggles during filming, stating he "wasn't very happy most of the time" due to isolation and the intense 10-year commitment, though a sense of duty to the cast and crew sustained him. Smallville achieved strong ratings success, becoming The WB's highest-rated series premiere with 8.1 million viewers and maintaining an average of 4-5 million weekly viewers across its run, culminating as The CW's longest-running scripted series and a cornerstone of DC adaptations. The show's devoted fanbase, evidenced by sustained conventions and online communities, celebrated its blend of teen drama and superhero lore, influencing subsequent CW DC properties like Arrow and Supergirl by prioritizing character-driven origins over immediate heroism. Welling's portrayal contributed to this legacy, though he expressed reluctance to don the full Superman suit in the series finale, arguing to executives that it would undermine the earned progression of Clark's journey; the episode instead used CGI to depict a suited, flying Superman from a distance, preserving the focus on Clark's humanity.

Television roles after Smallville

Following the end of in 2011, which established Welling as a prominent figure in television, he transitioned to more selective recurring and guest roles, often in genre series that allowed him to explore complex characters without committing to long-term leads. Welling's notable recurring television role came in the (later ) series , where he portrayed Lieutenant Marcus Pierce in season 3 from 2017 to 2018, appearing in 22 episodes. Pierce serves as the Los Angeles Police Department's new lieutenant and a skilled who initially acts as a foil to the Lucifer Morningstar, but is later revealed to be the biblical —the first murderer and brother to Abel—bringing a layer of mythological depth and antagonistic tension to the narrative. In addition to Lucifer, Welling made select guest appearances in other series, including a reprisal of Clark Kent in the 2019 Arrowverse crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths," featured in one episode of Batwoman. He also took on a recurring guest role as Samuel Campbell, the experienced hunter and patriarch of the Campbell family, in three episodes of The Winchesters during its 2022 season, connecting to the broader Supernatural universe as Mary's father. Welling has limited voice work in animated projects post-Smallville, but he and former co-star have been developing an animated sequel series since 2021, aiming to continue the story with the original cast providing voices for their characters, including Welling as Clark Kent/. As of late 2024 and into 2025, updates from Welling indicate ongoing pitches to Warner Bros., though the project remains stalled due to DC rights complications and lack of studio priority, with no confirmed production or release date.

Film appearances

Tom Welling made his feature film debut in the 2003 family comedy Cheaper by the Dozen, directed by , where he portrayed , the eldest son in a chaotic household of twelve children led by parents played by and . He reprised the role of in the 2005 sequel , again under Levy's direction, this time involving a family vacation rivalry with another large family portrayed by and . That same year, Welling appeared in the horror remake , directed by , playing , a local entangled in events off the alongside stars like . His rising fame from the television series helped secure these early supporting roles, showcasing his appeal in ensemble casts. Welling continued with supporting parts in dramatic features, including Parkland (2013), directed by , where he depicted Secret Service agent during the chaotic aftermath of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, sharing the screen with and . In the sports drama (2014), helmed by , he played Brian Drew, a veteran navigating career uncertainties amid the NFL draft, opposite . In the 2016 romantic drama The Choice, adapted from ' novel and directed by , Welling portrayed Dr. Ryan McCarthy, the stable fiancé of protagonist Gabby Holland (), in a story of love and life-altering decisions. His most recent film roles mark a return to action-oriented projects: in (2024), directed by Tom Shell, he starred as Detective Sean Dwyer, an embattled cop targeting organized crime while confronting personal struggles, co-starring with . Similarly, in Clear Cut (2024), directed by Brian Skiba, Welling played Keen, a character in a tense thriller about redemption and danger, featuring and . Overall, Welling's output has been limited to around eight credits since 2003, primarily supporting or roles, underscoring his emphasis on television commitments rather than pursuing extensive cinematic leads after his early successes.

Directing and producing work

Tom Welling began his directing during his tenure on , making his debut with the Season 5 episode "Fragile" in 2006. He went on to direct a total of seven episodes of the series through its tenth and final season in 2011, including "Hydro" (Season 6), "" (Season 7), "" (Season 8), "Absolute Justice, Part II" (Season 9), and season 10's "Patriot" and "Booster." These efforts showcased his growing interest in behind-the-camera work, often balancing directorial duties with his lead acting role as Clark Kent. In addition to directing, Welling took on producing responsibilities for Smallville starting in its later seasons. He served as co-executive producer for Season 9 (2009–2010) and for the tenth and final season (2010–2011), where he contributed to story development and script revisions during table reads. His producing role allowed him to influence key narrative arcs, particularly those involving his character's evolution into . Following the conclusion of , Welling expanded his producing efforts into pilots and short-form projects. He executive produced the CW series (2010–2011), a competitive drama developed from a pilot he backed alongside writer Kevin Murphy. Other ventures included the unproduced CBS pilot Section 13 (2016), an espionage thriller he developed but which did not advance to series. As of 2025, remains involved in discussions for a potential animated sequel to , collaborating with former co-star and original creators and to reprise the cast in voice roles with an emphasis on creative control. However, the project has stalled due to Warner Bros.' focus on James Gunn's DC reboot slate, leaving it off the table for the foreseeable future.

Podcast and other media ventures

In July 2022, Tom Welling co-launched the Talkville with his co-star , premiering on July 13 as a weekly rewatch series dedicated to revisiting episodes of the show. The 's format centers on casual discussions of behind-the-scenes anecdotes from filming, guest interviews with castmates such as and , and segments addressing fan-submitted questions. By late 2025, Talkville had produced over 150 episodes, progressing through the series' seasons and reaching coverage of Season 6 by mid-year, with plans to continue into subsequent seasons. The show has achieved notable popularity, consistently ranking in the top positions on ' TV and film after-show charts and earning a 4.9-star rating from thousands of reviews. In 2025, Welling used the platform to openly discuss challenges from his Smallville era, including anxieties related to on-set safety protocols and production pressures. Beyond podcasting, Welling maintains income streams from residuals tied to his early modeling work in the late and early 2000s. He continues to engage fans through convention appearances, notably participating in the Salute to event in in September 2025, where he joined Rosenbaum and other cast members for panels and reunions. Additionally, Welling shares glimpses of his family life on , posting about ranch routines, vacations, and time with his wife and children.

Personal life

Marriages and children

Tom Welling met his first wife, model , in the late while working in the modeling industry in . The couple married on July 5, 2002, in a private ceremony on , attended by close friends and Welling's Smallville co-stars and . Their marriage lasted over a decade but faced strains from Welling's demanding schedule during the height of Smallville's popularity. The pair separated in late 2012, and White filed for divorce on October 16, 2013, citing ; the divorce was finalized in November 2015 with no children from the union. Following his divorce, Welling began dating jewelry designer Jessica Rose Lee in 2014, bonding over shared interests like horses and outdoor activities. The couple announced their engagement in April 2018 and married on November 30, 2019, in an intimate ceremony at Sunstone Vineyards & Winery in . Their first son, Thomson Wylde Welling, was born on January 5, 2019, weighing 8 pounds 8 ounces. Their second son, Rocklin Von Welling, arrived on June 3, 2021. Since welcoming their children, Welling and Lee have prioritized a private family life away from the spotlight, residing in and focusing on while Welling maintains a reduced acting profile. The family occasionally shares glimpses of their life on , emphasizing values like love and simplicity, but Welling has consistently expressed a desire to balance any professional pursuits with family time.

Philanthropy and public image

Tom Welling has engaged in charitable efforts, notably supporting through a 2016 campaign where he released a limited-edition t-shirt, with all proceeds directed to the organization to aid children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Following the conclusion of in 2011, Welling's public image transitioned from that of a prominent to a more private figure, prioritizing a low-profile life that emphasized personal fulfillment over constant media exposure. In 2025 interviews, he reflected on this evolution, discussing the natural process of aging, including his graying hair, and how it has shaped his interactions with fans who appreciate his authenticity at events. His desire to protect family privacy has further influenced this reclusive approach, allowing him to step away from Hollywood's demands. Welling maintains a connection with fans through regular appearances on the convention circuit, including events like and in 2025, where he engages in panels and photo opportunities that celebrate 's legacy. He co-hosted the second annual Salute to Smallville convention in in September 2025, reuniting with castmates such as , , and to foster community among attendees and share behind-the-scenes stories. These gatherings highlight his approachable demeanor and enduring popularity within the fanbase. In 2025, Welling openly addressed the mental health challenges he faced during Smallville's production, describing the intense filming schedule and pressures of fame as sources of significant stress that left him unhappy at times. Through discussions on podcasts like Inside of You with , he promoted greater awareness of such issues in the entertainment industry, encouraging others to recognize and manage the emotional toll of long-term commitments without delving into personal therapeutic experiences. In January 2025, Tom Welling was arrested on suspicion of in the parking lot of an restaurant in , a small city in Siskiyou County near the border. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 26, when local police responded to reports of a possibly impaired driver and determined Welling's blood alcohol concentration was at or above the legal limit of 0.08%. He was booked into the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office around 2 a.m. and released later that morning without . Welling, who had no prior major legal incidents, faced formal charges of . On May 19, 2025, he entered a no-contest to a lesser infraction in Siskiyou County Superior Court, leading to the dismissal of the original DUI charge. As part of the resolution, he was placed on one year of informal , ordered to pay fines totaling $619 plus $150 in restitution, and required to complete an alcohol education program. The case concluded without further complications, allowing Welling to resume his low-profile career with enhanced . No additional legal matters involving Welling have been reported as of November 2025.

Filmography

Feature films

Tom Welling's career spans eight releases, primarily clustered in the early during his initial rise to prominence, with additional appearances in the and . His roles often portrayed relatable characters, from supportive family members in family comedies to more authoritative figures in dramas and thrillers. These appearances provided outlets for dramatic range beyond his work, though none achieved the cultural impact of his small-screen projects.
YearTitleRoleNotes
2003Cheaper by the DozenEldest son in a chaotic large family navigating their parents' coaching careers; the comedy grossed $190 million worldwide, marking Welling's film debut.
2005The FogLocal fisherman uncovering a in a coastal town remake of the 1980 ; earned $46 million worldwide despite mixed reviews.
2005Cheaper by the Dozen 2Reprising his role as the eldest son amid family rivalries on a lakeside vacation; the sequel grossed $130 million worldwide, continuing the franchise's family appeal.
2013Parkland agent managing the chaotic aftermath of the JFK ; the historical drama had limited release and grossed $1.4 million worldwide.
2014Draft DayBrian DrewStar quarterback pivotal to an team's high-stakes draft decision; sports drama grossed $30 million worldwide.
2016The ChoiceDr. RyanLong-term boyfriend of the protagonist in a romantic drama tested by tragedy; earned $23 million worldwide.
2024Clear CutKeenSupporting role in action thriller about loggers discovering a meth site and fighting a ; limited theatrical release July 2024.
2024Mafia WarsTerry JacobsUndercover paroled felon targeting a syndicate; digital release October 2024.

Television series

Tom Welling's television career commenced with several guest appearances in 2001, marking his transition from modeling to acting. These early roles showcased his versatility in supporting parts across drama and comedy genres. His breakthrough came with the lead role in the superhero series , where he portrayed Clark Kent over a decade, establishing him as a prominent figure in genre television. After concluded, Welling selectively returned to TV with recurring and guest spots, emphasizing complex characters in supernatural and action-oriented narratives, though he has not starred in another long-running series since 2011. Welling's confirmed television acting roles, excluding voice work and uncredited appearances, are as follows in chronological order:
  • Special Unit 2 (2001): He appeared as the Male Victim in the episode "The Depths," a one-off guest role in the science fiction series about a special police unit handling supernatural crimes.
  • Undeclared (2001): Welling guest-starred as Tom in the episode "Prototype," playing a fellow student in the Judd Apatow-created college comedy.
  • Judging Amy (2001): In a recurring capacity, he portrayed Rob Meltzer, a karate instructor and brief romantic interest for the lead character, across six episodes of the legal drama.
  • Smallville (2001–2011): Welling starred as Clark Kent (also known as Kal-El, Bizarro, and other alter egos), the young future Superman navigating his powers and destiny, in all 217 episodes of the WB/CW series that chronicled his adolescence in Smallville, Kansas.
  • Lucifer (2017–2019): He recurred as Lt. Marcus Pierce (revealed as the biblical Cain), a stoic police lieutenant entangled in supernatural mysteries, appearing in 19 episodes across seasons 3 and 4 of the fantasy police procedural.
  • Batwoman (2019): Welling reprised his Smallville character as Clark Kent / Superman in a guest appearance during the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover event, in the episode "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 2."
  • Professionals (2020–2022): Welling led as Vincent Corbo, a skilled mercenary and former intelligence officer protecting a tech billionaire, in all 10 episodes of the action-thriller series.
  • The Winchesters (2022): He guest-starred as Samuel Campbell, the seasoned hunter and father of Mary Winchester, in three episodes of the Supernatural prequel, contributing to the family's monster-hunting lore.

Directing credits

Tom Welling began his directing career during his tenure as the lead actor on the television series , making his debut in season 5. Over the course of the show's run from 2001 to 2011, he directed a total of seven episodes, demonstrating a growing command of pacing, character-driven drama, and action sequences within the superhero genre. These efforts highlight his transition from performer to behind-the-camera talent, though he has not directed any feature films or episodes outside of Smallville as of 2025. His directing credits on are as follows:
SeasonEpisodeTitleAir Date
518FragileApril 13, 2006
610HydroJanuary 11, 2007
718April 17, 2008
821April 30, 2009
911Absolute JusticeFebruary 5, 2010
109PatriotNovember 26, 2010
1018BoosterApril 1, 2011
These episodes often featured pivotal moments in the series' mythology, such as explorations of alternate realities in "" and team-up dynamics in "Absolute Justice" and "Booster," showcasing Welling's ability to balance emotional depth with visual effects-heavy scenes.

Awards and nominations

Wins

Tom Welling has received two awards in his career, both from the for his portrayal of Clark Kent in the television series . In 2002, Welling won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakout TV Star – Male, recognizing his emergence as a leading in the early seasons of . He earned a second Teen Choice Award in 2009 for Choice TV Actor – Action Adventure, honoring his sustained performance throughout the series' run.

Nominations

Tom Welling received a total of approximately 20 award nominations throughout his career, primarily for his portrayal of Clark Kent in the television series (2001–2011). These nominations spanned multiple years, with the majority occurring during the peak popularity of in the mid-2000s, highlighting his consistent recognition among teen and genre audiences.

Teen Choice Awards

Welling garnered 10 nominations from the between 2002 and 2011, reflecting his strong appeal to younger viewers during the era. Subsequent years saw annual recognition, including 2002 for Choice Actor: Drama/Action Adventure, 2003 for Choice TV Actor, and 2004 for Choice TV Actor: Action, demonstrating a pattern of steady acclaim as the series gained traction. The mid-2000s represented his peak, with nominations in 2005, 2006, and 2008 for Choice TV Actor: Action, underscoring the show's cultural impact. Nominations continued in 2009 for Choice TV Actor: Action, 2010 for Choice TV Actor: Fantasy/Sci-Fi, and 2011 for the same category, aligning with 's final seasons. Additional nominations include 2004 for Choice Movie Breakout Star – Male () and 2006 for Choice TV Chemistry (shared with ).

Saturn Awards

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films honored Welling with five Saturn Award nominations for Best Actor in a Television Series, all for Smallville. These included 2002, recognizing his debut season performance; 2003, amid the show's rising profile; 2005, during a period of heightened genre acclaim for the series; 2006; and 2008. These nods emphasized his contribution to science fiction television, though they came during a competitive era for the category.

Other Nominations

Beyond the Teen Choice and Saturn Awards, Welling received additional nominations from other prominent bodies. He was nominated for Best Superhero at the Scream Awards in 2010 and 2011. In 2003, he received a Kids' Choice Award (Mexico) nomination for Favorite International TV Star. No nominations followed after 2011, coinciding with the end of his major acting roles.

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