Gertrude Vanderworth, the wealthy old woman whom Lex Luthor swindles right on her death bed, is played by an actress who is all too familiar to Superman fans. Noel Neil first played Lois Lane in the 1948 Superman serial, which starred Kirk Alyn as the Man Of Steel. She would later reprise the role in the 1950s Superman TV shows with George Reeves. She also played young Lois Lane's mother on the train in the 1978 Superman (a longer version of this scene, also featuring Alyn as Lane's father, can be seen in the 2000 extended version). Don't be alarmed at her sickly appearence in the Superman Returns, because it's just an act. As can be seen in the behind the scenes footage, Neil is in very good health.

Later in the film, when Clark and Jimmy kick back with a drink at a local bar, they are served by Bo The Bartender, who's played by Jack Larson. Larson played Jimmy Olsen through the entire run of the 1950s Superman TV show. He also appeared in the Superboy series that aired in the 1990s, as well as Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

And, finally, if you've noticed that the spokeswoman on the space shuttle flight looks very familiar, she is. It's Peta Wilson, who became famous a few years back for starring in the TV version of La Femm Nikita. A native of Australia, Wilson shines in her brief role as Bobbie-Faye, who becomes annoyed with the probing questions of Lois Lane. Wilson also starred as Mina Harker in the movie version of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.