The Smallville Cast Today: From Global Success in ‘This Is Us’ to a Shocking Scandal

5 3 minutes read

Almost 15 years after the end, see the fate of the Smallville cast. From TV stars to a cult to prison, the paths they took are unbelievable.

It may not seem like it, but almost 15 years have passed since the final episode of Smallville aired, ending a decade-long journey that redefined superhero origin stories for a generation. Before the Arrowverse or the MCU dominated everything, it was Tom Welling who made us believe a young Clark Kent could grow up in a small Kansas town.

For fans who grew up with Clark, Lana, Lex, and Chloe, the series is pure nostalgia. But what happened to the actors who brought these characters to life? Their real-life destinies proved more dramatic and unexpected than any series script. While some achieved global stardom and others embraced the legacy, one of the lead actresses followed a dark path that ended in scandal and prison.

The Return of Clark and Lois (and Tom Welling’s New Projects)

For years, Tom Welling (Clark Kent) kept a low profile, preferring behind-the-camera work and minor film roles. His post-superhero “disappearance” was triumphantly broken in 2017 when he stole scenes as Lieutenant Marcus Pierce (the villain Cain) in the series Lucifer.

However, his most celebrated return for fans came in 2019. Welling and Erica Durance (Lois Lane) reprised their iconic roles in the Arrowverse crossover, Crisis on Infinite Earths. In a brief but emotional appearance, we saw a Clark Kent who had given up his powers to build a family with Lois. More recently, Welling played Samuel Campbell (the Winchesters’ maternal grandfather) in The Winchesters, and Erica Durance also appeared in the Arrowverse as Supergirl’s mother.

Today, Welling’s strongest connection to his past lies in the present. He and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) host the successful podcast Talkville, where they rewatch every series episode and reveal behind-the-scenes secrets.

From Green Arrow to Global Star: Justin Hartley’s Success

If one Smallville cast member reached Hollywood’s A-list, it’s Justin Hartley (Oliver Queen/Green Arrow). Though his role as the DC hero was pivotal, it was his casting as Kevin Pearson in the phenomenon This Is Us (2016-2022) that turned him into a globally recognized name.

Hartley proved his success wasn’t fleeting. Shortly after the family drama ended, he scored another hit as the lead and executive producer of Tracker (2024), one of the highest-rated new series on American network television, cementing his star status.

Lex Luthor, the Candid Podcaster

Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) was, for many, the soul of Smallville. After leaving the series (and letting his hair grow), he acted in various comedies but found his true passion in a different format.

His podcast, Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, became a phenomenon. There, Rosenbaum interviews other celebrities (including many Smallville co-stars) in long, brutally honest conversations about anxiety, career, and mental health. Additionally, he has weekly fun with Tom Welling on the aforementioned Talkville, celebrating the series’ legacy.

The Shocking Twist: Allison Mack’s Scandal

The darkest and most shocking path undoubtedly belongs to Allison Mack (Chloe Sullivan). Clark’s best friend, who was the tech and moral heart of the series’ “Justice League,” had a real-life involvement that shocked fans.

In 2018, Mack was arrested for her leadership role in the NXIVM sex cult. She pleaded guilty to racketeering and racketeering conspiracy charges, admitting to manipulating women into becoming sexual slaves for the group’s leader, Keith Raniere. In 2021, she was sentenced to three years in prison. Allison Mack served two years of her sentence and was released in July 2023. Since then, she has remained out of the spotlight.

What Happened to Lana, Kara, and the Others?

Kristin Kreuk (Lana Lang): After Smallville and the end of her series Beauty and the Beast, Kreuk starred in the Canadian legal drama Burden of Truth for four seasons. More recently, she had a prominent role in the first season of Prime Video’s hit Reacher.
Annette O’Toole (Martha Kent): The eternal “Mrs. Kent” (who, ironically, played Lana Lang in the film Superman III) has a recurring starring role as Mayor Hope McCrea in the popular Netflix series Virgin River.
John Schneider (Jonathan Kent): The Kent patriarch has remained extremely active, acting in dozens of independent films and TV series, in addition to pursuing a country music career.
Aaron Ashmore (Jimmy Olsen): The Daily Planet photographer had leading roles in beloved sci-fi series like Warehouse 13, Killjoys, and most notably, Netflix’s Locke & Key.
Cassidy Freeman (Tess Mercer): Lex’s successor at LuthorCorp found a successful recurring role as Amber Gemstone in HBO’s acclaimed dark comedy The Righteous Gemstones.

Smallville’s Legacy Continues

Over a decade later, Smallville‘s impact is undeniable. The series not only paved the way for the superhero universe we have today, but its cast members’ lives took turns no one could predict: from superstardom in This Is Us to introspective mental health podcasts, and even one of Hollywood’s most bizarre criminal stories.

For fans wanting to relive the magic (without the real-life drama), the best way is to follow Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum dissecting the series that changed their lives on the Talkville podcast.

And you, which post-Smallville journey surprised you the most? Share your thoughts on social media and tag our profile @revistapixelofc!