<P> On May 17, 1966, Jonathan and Martha Kent (Eddie Jones and K Callan) witness the crash - landing of a small spaceship in Shuster's Field outside of Smallville, Kansas . When they investigate, they discover the baby Kal - El and decide to raise him as their own naming him, Clark Jerome Kent (Dean Cain). Throughout the series, Clark proudly states his mother made his Superman costume for him . Clark often consults his parents either by telephone or in person, after impromptu Superman flights to Smallville, about personal and moral concerns and dilemmas . </P> <P> The series opens twenty - seven years later, on the day Clark moves to Metropolis after leaving his position as a newspaper editor of Smallville Press, interviews for a job at the Daily Planet under editor Perry White (Lane Smith). Clark becomes acquainted with photographer Jimmy Olsen (Michael Landes in season 1, Justin Whalin thereafter) and gossip columnist Cat Grant (Tracy Scoggins). Soon after being hired, Clark is partnered with star reporter Lois Lane (Teri Hatcher). Clark falls in love with Lois at first sight . When Superman saves Lois from a space shuttle disaster, she instantly becomes infatuated with Clark's alter - ego and named him Superman . </P> <P> Superman's first mission interferes with the illegal dealings of Lex Luthor (John Shea), a Metropolis business giant and benefactor . After Luthor's plot was stopped, Superman let Luthor know he is watching him and the two become arch - enemies . However, Clark respects Luthor's life, even surreptitiously using his superpowers to save Lex from bleeding to death . Luthor sees Superman as a worthy opponent; he ultimately discovers his weakness to kryptonite and realizes he has a secret identity, vowing to learn it in hopes of making the hero's life difficult . </P> <P> DC Comics president Jenette Kahn had been working for several years to sell the concept of a Superman television series . The series would be different . In 1991 Leslie Moonves and Deborah Joy LeVine helped sell the series to ABC television network with a new title, Lois and Clark: The Adventures of Superman . </P>

Who played lex luthor in lois and clark