Tom Welling Debut

In 1998, Tom Welling was discovered by a catalogue camera scout at a party in Nantucket who suggested he try modeling. In 2000, Welling relocated to Los Angeles where he modeled for Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, Calvin Klein and other print ad campaigns, while pursuing an acting career. He appeared in some commercials and a music video. Welling's first major acting role was as karate teacher Rob Meltzer, a younger love interest of Amy Brenneman's character on the CBS series Judging Amy, that aired in 2001. Welling also had a small role in UPN's Special Unit 2, and he also appeared in the debut episode of the FOX sitcom Undeclared.

He was cast in the television series Smallville, after a nationwide search for an actor to play Clark Kent. Smallville explores the early years of Clark growing up, in the times before he is Superman. The pilot aired in October 2001, and became the highest rated debut for The WB, with 8.4 million viewers. He told TV Guide that he originally turned down the lead role twice, but after reading the script, decided to take the job. Like Christopher Reeve, he was not a big Superman fan prior to being cast as Clark Kent, and in fact continues to not read Superman comics. He 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.

In December 2003, Welling played Charlie Baker, the oldest son in a family of 12 children in the film Cheaper by the Dozen, a remake of the 1950 original. The film also starred Steve Martin and Hilary Duff. In 2005, Welling appeared in two films. He played Nick Castle in The Fog, a remake of John Carpenter's 1980 film of the same name. He also reprised his role as Charlie Baker in Cheaper by the Dozen 2. Despite internet rumors, Welling was not considered for the part of Superman in the 2006 film Superman Returns. Welling also marked his directorial debut in 2006, with the season five episode of Smallville, "Fragile". He directed a second episode during season six, Hydro, also the show's 150th episode, "Apocalypse", and the episode "Injustice" in season 8. He also played Bizarro and a young Jor-El on Smallville.

Welling has the distinction of having portrayed the Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman character for more filmed content than any other actor.

via: wikipedia Tom Welling