Helen Slater's 'Supergirl' Lessons for New Star

More than four decades after her breakthrough role, Helen Slater, the original cinematic Supergirl, is reflecting on her career and embracing new iterations of the hero. Slater, who first portrayed Kara Zor-El in the 1984 film at age 18, recently shared her support for the upcoming 2026 Supergirl reboot starring Milly Alcock. She expressed gratitude for the unique experience of working alongside screen icons Faye Dunaway and Peter O'Toole, noting her youthful innocence prevented her from being overly intimidated by their presence.

Slater recalled Faye Dunaway's advice on the importance of image in film, teaching her to be mindful of camera angles. A cherished memory involves Peter O'Toole, who guided her through a Shakespearean scene, enhancing her understanding of poetic delivery. These experiences remain vivid, deeply impactful moments from her early career.

Currently, Slater, armed with a PhD in mythological studies, applies her expertise to assist writers and actors in uncovering the archetypal stories within their work. She finds joy in this research, emphasizing that most new concepts have underlying, timeless resources. Her career has seen other actresses, including Melissa Benoist and Sasha Calle, take on the Supergirl mantle since her portrayal.