Thomas John Patrick “Tom” Welling (born April 26, 1977) is an American actor, director, producer, and former model, best known for his portrayal of Clark Kent in the WB/CW series Smallville. Welling is one of four children. Originally a construction worker, Welling was discovered in 1998 at a party in Nantucket by a catalog camera scout who suggested he try modeling. Welling has stated that he did not like modeling and that he was not good at it because it was all on the outside or from an external point of view. He pursued acting because he wanted to express a range of emotions. Welling told TV Guide that he turned down the lead role twice, but after reading the script, decided to take the job. Comic book artist Alex Ross even did two sketches of Welling as the “Man of Steel” to see what the actor would look like in the famous costume.
