Fans of the original Superman franchise were saddened to learn of the passing of one of its most iconic actors.

According to the New York Post, actress Phyllis Coates, known as Lois Lane in the first Superman feature film, died at age 96.

She starred as the iconic character in 1951’s "Superman and the Mole Men." She would play the character once again in the first-ever TV version of the hit movie, "Adventures of Superman."

Her daughter, Laura Press, confirmed that her mother died of natural causes, and passed peacefully in the comfort of her home.

Background

Coates, born January 15, 1927 in Witchita Falls, Texas, was born as Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell. Her family would later move to Hollywood, California, where her life would ultimately change.

In the 1940s, Coates acted as a chorus girl, and was would log several tours with the USO during the war, making a name for herself.

Sorry to hear of the passing of Phyllis Coates, my favorite Lois Lane. Give 'em hell, Phyllis!#LoisLane #PhyllisCoates #Superman #comicbooks #comicbookmovies #AdventuresofSuperman pic.twitter.com/jDd1d8rwKl

— Professor Bruno Lampini (@BrunoLampini) October 12, 2023

She would go on to star in a long list of movie classics.

The Post noted:

Her film career included roles in the Western “Panther Girl of the Kongo” (1955), “Girls in Prison” (1956), “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein” (1957), “Blood Arrow” (1958), “Cattle Empire” (1958), “The Incredible Petrified World” (1959), “The Baby Maker” (1970) and “Goodnight, Sweet Marilyn” (1989).

Her most popular role was the TV adaptation of the Superman film, in which she starred in 26 episodes.

Tributes pour in

Given her popularity as the original -- and arguably the best -- Lois Lane, Coates received an outpouring of tributes across social media.

Trailblazing actress Phyllis Coates, who played the original Lois Lane in the 1950’s TV series “Adventures of Superman”, has died at age 96. pic.twitter.com/601b69y7hx

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) October 13, 2023

R.I.P. Phyllis Coates 96 years old, the original Lois Lane in the 1952 TV series Adventures of Superman and in the 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men pic.twitter.com/nTnCDlluY4

— U.S.A.F. Vet 🇺🇸 America First (@EJ1469) October 12, 2023

Clearly, Coates left a wonderful legacy and will forever be adored and remembered for her work in the iconic American superhero franchise.