Metropolis unveils statue of Superman's Lois Lane

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois city that calls itself the "official home of Superman" has unveiled a statue of the superhero's lady love, Lois Lane. Metropolis leaders unveiled the statue Friday. The city already has a 15-foot bronze statue of Superman in Superman Square.

The Lois Lane statue is modeled on actress Noel Neill, who played the female reporter with a crush on Superman in movies and on television in the 1940s and 1950s.

Artist Gary Ernest Smith created the statue and said making the piece was a dream come true because he grew up watching Superman. Neill said she was honored to memorialized with the statue.

Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel said the statue will be a source of pride for the city for years to come.