Tom Welling, best known for his portrayal of Clark Kent on the hit TV series "Smallville," was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) early Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, in Yreka, California. The 47-year-old actor was taken custody by Yreka Police Department officers after being found in the parking lot of an Arby’s restaurant.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to the New York Post on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, details surrounding Welling's arrest, which happened shortly after midnight. His blood alcohol level reportedly registered at or above the legal limit of 0.08%, leading to his booking for misdemeanor DUI.
Welling was described on his booking sheet as having a clear complexion, short hair, and weighing 240 pounds. Interestingly, the report noted his speech was also clear. He was released without bail just before 7 a.m. on the same day after being cited for the violation.
Following the incident, Welling took to Instagram to celebrate his wife, Jessica Rose Lee Welling's birthday, sharing heartfelt posts expressing his love and appreciation for her. "Happy Birthday to our Angel who makes our dreams come true and inspires us even more! We love you to the moon and back!" he wrote, accompanied by photos from their life together.
Welling has been married to Jessica since November 30, 2019, and the couple shares two sons, aged six and three. They live together in Yreka, which is situated about 16 miles south of the California-Oregon border. Jessica is also active on social media, listing her location as Northern California on her Instagram profile.
On social media, reactions to Welling's DUI arrest circulated widely, especially after his mugshot was released by authorities. Many users commented on his appearance, with sentiments like "That's Tom Welling? Damn he aged a lot," or expressing surprise at how different he looks compared to his previous roles.
Regardless of the incident, some fans continued to express their admiration. One user stated, "He remains the best Superman," demonstrating how deeply Welling’s portrayal of the character still resonates fans, even amid his legal troubles.
Welling first gained fame for his leading role in "Smallville," which aired from 2001 to 2011, creating the backstory for Superman. The show had significant cultural impact and garnered Welling lasting recognition as the beloved superhero. His involvement progressed to notable appearances in various films and series, including the "Cheaper by the Dozen" movies and the series "Lucifer," where he portrayed police lieutenant Marcus Pierce.
Interestingly, Welling recently expressed interest in potentially reprising his role as Superman. "I think now because of the two boys I have, we have a bunch of costumes at home…and I asked my son why we don't have the Superman costume. He said, 'Because he’s taken,' and I thought, 'Alright, I think I’m open to the idea now,'" he noted during an October interview with Comicbookmovie.com.
The DUI arrest puts Welling’s recent musings about returning to the role of Superman on the back burner as he navigates this legal issue. His arraignment is set for March 11, indicating he will be addressing the charges and consequences of his actions soon.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, many of Welling’s fans have voiced their concern for the actor's well-being. Many of them recommended seeking recovery and learning from his mistakes, recognizing the impact this situation could potentially have on Welling and his family.
While societal reactions range from disappointment to supportive messages, this incident highlights the struggles many individuals face, even those who have once been symbols of hope and inspiration. The public still holds onto hope for Welling, both for his recovery from this incident and his potential return to the iconic role of Superman, which shaped his career and endeared him to fans across generations.