As a former model-turned-actor, Tom Welling rose to fame in the early 21st century as a teenaged Clark Kent, poised on the brink of discovering the powers that would one day make him Superman on "Smallville" (The WB/The CW, 2001-2011). Welling initially resisted taking the role upon the advice of his agent, who feared typecasting. But Welling was convinced by producers to play the young Clark, whose blend of physicality and earnestness won over both Superman fans and television viewers alike. During his reign on "Smallville," Welling began branching out into features and made his debut as the eldest son in the comedy remake of "Cheaper by the Dozen" (2003), a role he reprised in the 2005 sequel. In between, he starred in the John Carpenter-produced horror remake of his 1980 film, "The Fog" (2005). But his bread and butter remained "Smallville," where he spent a decade ably playing the budding Superman, even stepping behind the camera to direct several episodes. He went on to executive produce the short-lived "Hellcats" (The CW, 2010-11), which pointed to other areas of his talent that had yet to be fully explored or realized by his substantial "Smallville" fanbase.