Tom Welling, the actor famous for portraying Superman on Smallville, was arrested early Monday morning in Yreka, California, after allegedly driving under the influence. The 47-year-old actor was taken into custody in the parking lot of an Arby’s restaurant. According to reports, Welling’s blood alcohol content was at or above 0.08%, the legal limit.
Fans who saw his mugshot were quick to comment on his unrecognizable appearance. One social media user remarked, “That’s Tom Welling? Damn, he aged a lot.” Another user echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Wow, he did age.”
The New York Post obtained Welling’s booking sheet, which described him as having a “clear” complexion, stubble, and short hair, weighing 240 pounds. His occupation was listed as “actor—self-employed,” and it was noted that his speech was “clear.” Welling was cited and released without bail around 7 a.m. the following morning.
Before the incident, Welling had been active on social media, posting a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Jessica Rose Lee, for her birthday. He shared several images of the couple, writing, “Happy Birthday to our Angel who makes our dreams come true and inspires us even more! We love you to the moon and back! @jessicarosewelling.” The couple married in 2019 after five years of dating and share two children, sons Thomson Wylde, 6, and Rocklin Von, 3.
This isn’t the first time a Smallville star has faced legal issues. Actress Allison Mack, who played Chloe Sullivan, was sentenced to three years in prison in 2021 for her involvement with NXIVM, a cult led by Keith Raniere. Mack served nearly two years in a low-security prison after cooperating with authorities and helping build a case against Raniere.
Despite these setbacks, both Welling and Mack remain connected to the Smallville legacy, each continuing to make headlines for their personal lives post-show.