Famed Hollywood Boulevard Superman Christopher Dennis Found Dead

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Christopher Dennis, the man with the face of Superman who would go on to become the face of the Hollywood Walk of Fame street performers, was found dead over the weekend. He was 52 years old.

Homeless at the time of his death, Dennis was found inside a used clothing bin in Van Nuys, and authorities believe he was just looking for something to wear when he died, Deadline reported.

It was a tragic end to a Hollywood story.

Dennis was perhaps the best known of the 1,000 or more costumed actors who pose with tourists on Hollywood Boulevard for tips. Profiled in the documentary 2007 documentary “Confessions of a Superhero” and “The Kid: Adventures of Hollywood Superman,” a docuseries on his life, Dennis became a minor celebrity in the 25 years he worked the boulevard.

It all started way back when he was waiting tables. Customers noticed that Dennis bore an uncanny resemblance to the “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve.

“While I was waiting tables, these people that I’m waiting on, keep saying how much I looked like Christopher Reeve, or Superman,” he told The Guardian in a 2017 interview. “So I jimmy-rigged an outfit. They loved it.”

He discovered he was able to make a living off the tips he earned posing with tourists outside TCL Chinese Theatre. He became a fan favorite and landed recurring segments on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show. He also became an advocate for other street performers when police began cracking down on them in recent years.

But Dennis had his demons, including a battle with drug use. He became homeless in 2016, and was beaten and robbed while he was living on the streets, he told The Guardian.

“While I was homeless, one of the homeless guys, he beat me down with golf clubs, stole my outfit and left me for dead,” Dennis told The Guardian. “I felt like I was dead because I was now without a job, I lost my dignity and my pride.”

But his fans were there for him. When his sad story got out, they raised more than $7,000 to help him get back on his feet, and a costume designer made him a new Superman costume.

“I started losing faith in humanity,” he told CBS. “And these people who have donated have shown me there is humanity.”

His death at 52 shocked his friends and fans.

“Chris was a sweet guy who appeared on our show many times and was well-liked by everyone at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live.' We will miss him,” Kimmel told Deadline.

Even the Super Museum in Metropolis, IllInois, paid tribute to the Superman of Hollywood Boulevard.

"We've known Chris for many years. Many years ago he married the love of his life here in Metropolis in front of the Superman statue. He spent time with our family and showed lots of support for our museum and the Superman Celebration. Chris had a love for Superman, and an uncanny resemblance to Christopher Reeve,” the museum wrote on its Facebook page. “Chris has had many struggles and ups and downs over the years. We hope that he is at peace now. And we pray for comfort to those who loved and cared about him.”