Imagine this: Dean Cain, the guy we all know as Clark Kent, could’ve been a household name in the NFL instead of Hollywood. Born and raised in California, Dean’s journey began on the football field, not the silver screen. Before he donned the iconic glasses of Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, he was training to become a professional athlete. “I was all in,” Dean exclusively told Closer Weekly, reflecting on his time with the Buffalo Bills. “But injuries happen, and life takes unexpected turns.” Despite the setback, he’s grateful for the experience: “At least I made it to the NFL.”
Transitioning to acting wasn’t a stretch for Dean. With parents in the entertainment industry—his dad a director and his mom an actress—it was practically in his blood. And let’s not forget his college years at Princeton, where he famously dated model and actress Brooke Shields. “Brooke’s one of my favorite people,” he fondly recalls. “We’ve stayed friends over the years, and it feels like no time has passed.”
Dean’s career has been as diverse as his interests, but nothing compares to the role of being a father. Raising his son Christopher, born from his relationship with Samantha Torres, became his top priority. “I’ve always put my son first,” he explains. “I coached his teams, attended every game I could, and turned down starring roles in TV series to focus on him. Being a dad is the most important thing I’ve ever done.” Scroll down for our exclusive Q&A with Dean!
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Dean, Hosting the Kitten Bowl: A Purr-fect Experience
When Super Bowl Sunday rolls around, Dean doesn’t just sit back and watch the game. Instead, he hosts the Hallmark Channel’s Kitten Bowl, a heartwarming event that promotes pet adoption. “It’s such a blast!” he says. “We’re not just entertaining; we’re helping these adorable kittens find forever homes. And having Rodney Peete, another former NFL player and a close friend, doing color commentary makes it even better. We share stories about the ‘players’ and their backgrounds, adding a personal touch.”
Football Roots: A Legacy That Shaped Him
Football wasn’t just a hobby for Dean—it was a way of life. “I played the sport for over a decade,” he recalls. “It shaped who I am, taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. My first experience with sports was on the basketball court when I was around seven years old. A kid kept guarding me, so I tackled him to the ground. My dad saw that and said, ‘This kid’s got potential in football.’ And here we are!”
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Life After Superman: Embracing New Challenges
Living in Malibu, Dean shares his neighborhood with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. “I’m just one of many here,” he jokes. “But occasionally, people recognize me as Superman. It’s flattering, though. That role opened so many doors for me. I’ve done over 150 movies since then, and I’m proud of every single one.”
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What About Being Typecast?
Some actors might be annoyed by being associated with one character, but not Dean. “Why would I be bothered by being called Superman? I’ve been through worse,” he laughs. “Plus, I’ve had an incredible career. It’s tough when you’re on the field and people shout, ‘Hey, Superman!’ after you mess up a play, but hey, it’s all part of the experience.”
Choosing Acting Over Princeton: A Decision He Doesn’t Regret
Dean’s path to acting wasn’t straightforward. Growing up, he was surrounded by the film industry, appearing in projects since he was five. “It was fun, but I never thought of it as a career,” he admits. “When an agent suggested I skip Princeton to pursue acting, I thought it was absurd. College gave me so much more than just an education. Meeting people like Brooke Shields was priceless. I’m glad I made that choice.”
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Love and Life: Finding Balance in Hollywood
Dean’s love life has been as colorful as his career. “I’ve been in love many times,” he admits. “I’d love to get married someday, but I want it to be with the right person. At 52, if I do tie the knot, I want it to last.” Dating in Hollywood, however, comes with its own set of challenges. “It’s not hard to get a date, but finding someone you want to see again can be tricky. Physical attraction is
