Claim: Tom Well played a superhero.

Thomas John Patrick `` Tom '' Welling -LRB- born April 26 , 1977 -RRB- is an American actor , director , producer , and model best known for his role as Clark Kent in The WB/CW superhero drama Smallville -LRB- 2001 -- 11 -RRB- .   A high school athlete , Welling initially worked in construction and , in 1998 , he successfully modeled men 's clothing for several popular brands . In 2000 , he made a successful transition to television . He has been nominated for and received several awards for his role as Clark Kent . In 2001 , he had a recurring role as Rob `` Karate Rob '' Meltzer in the second season of the CBS legal drama Judging Amy . He has also been involved behind the camera as an executive producer and a director . His films include Cheaper by the Dozen , Cheaper by the Dozen 2 , The Fog , The Choice and Draft Day .