Tom Welling, the actor famous for his role as Clark Kent in the long-running television series “Smallville,” found himself in the headlines for a less-than-heroic reason. On January 26, 2025, Welling was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Yreka, California. According to reports, Welling was found in a parked vehicle at an Arby’s drive-thru, and after police arrived, they discovered that his blood alcohol content was over the legal limit of 0.08%. The arrest occurred around 12:30 a.m., and he was taken into custody, charged with misdemeanor DUI.
The arrest raised eyebrows, especially considering Welling’s previous public image as a beloved actor and his recent active role on social media. He had just posted a tribute to his wife, Jessica, on her birthday, sharing sweet messages and photos. The couple, married in 2019, resides on a Northern California ranch with their two sons. Despite the controversy surrounding the DUI arrest, there has been no public comment from Welling or his representatives as of yet regarding the incident.
According to booking records, Welling was processed and released later that same morning, around 7 a.m., with no bail required. His booking sheet listed him as a self-employed actor with a reported weight of 240 pounds and a “clear” complexion. These details gave a glimpse into the administrative part of the process, though much of the public attention has been on the nature of the arrest itself.
In addition to his role as Superman in “Smallville,” Welling has appeared in several films, including “Cheaper by the Dozen” and “The Fog.” Recently, Welling had expressed a desire to revisit his Superman character, reportedly inspired by his children, who pointed out that they didn’t have a Superman costume in their collection. This revelation sparked curiosity about a potential return to the iconic role, though this DUI incident may complicate those prospects for now.
The media reaction to Welling’s arrest has been swift, with outlets such as the New York Post and Page Six reporting on the matter. The actor’s legal troubles have raised questions about his future projects, but it remains to be seen how this situation will impact his career in the entertainment industry.