How Sara Sampaio Went From Supermodel To Actress

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Sara Sampaio made quite the impression on fans while filling the role of Lex Luthor's girlfriend, Eve Teschmacher, in the new "Superman" film, which debuted in July 2025.

The thing is, the actress is no stranger to spending time in front of the cameras, as she's made a name for herself as a model walking for some of the biggest brands out there.

We're going to check out how the performer made her way from the fashion industry to the entertainment industry -- and what she's got planned for her future.

Sara Started Out In The Modeling Industry

Sampaio began her career in fashion at the age of 16, when she won a contest in her home country of Portugal to become the face of a hair brand, according to Vogue Australia.

She subsequently signed with a modeling agency, and she first appeared in a Victoria's Secret catalog in 2011.

Sampaio eventually earned the title of Victoria's Secret Angel in 2015, two years after she first walked in the brand's annual fashion show ... and she held the title until 2021.

She's since appeared on the cover of numerous publications, including Nylon, Harper's Bazaar Arabia and Vogue Portugal.

She Always Had Acting Aspirations

Although Sampaio's spent the majority of her professional life in the modeling industry, she's been open about her desire to establish herself as an actress.

While the model originally wanted to study drama during her university years, she told Nylon her "parents were like, 'Just go take a normal degree and then we can do that on the side.'"

The fashion industry figure has appeared in a handful of films and shows so far in her career, mostly filling supporting roles.

Sampaio's also been in several music videos for various artists, including Nick Jonas and Kanye West.

The Model Did The Most While Preparing To Appear In 'Superman'

The model -- who moved to Los Angeles in 2018 to pursue her acting dreams -- saw her luck change in 2023 when she was cast as Teschmacher.

Sampaio told Nylon she closely identified with her character -- an attractive secretary who has more going on behind her good looks than many of her contemporaries realize -- and she said taking on the role felt "therapeutic."

She said her modeling work had inadvertently prepared her for her acting career, in the sense that she'd become comfortable being in front of the camera.

She quipped, after having to wear lingerie in front of hundreds of people, "there's not much left to be ashamed of."

Her Experience On Set Solidified Her Dedication To Acting

Sampaio's also spoken about how "Superman" has changed her outlook on her professional life in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

The fashion industry personality talked about her experience on set during her sit-down, and said the moment she recited her first line became the point "where I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life."

She admitted she felt as if modeling "wouldn’t fulfill me" in the long run, and a switch to acting "was always in the back of my mind."

Sampaio added, while she's "so thankful for the opportunity that I had with modeling," she's very enthusiastic about the prospect of more acting in the future.

Superman Merch Flown In Straight from Krypton Krypto, Toys, Crocs & More!

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The new era of the DC Cinematic Universe is upon us ... and after a record-breaking weekend at the box office, you can bring Superman home now!

With James Gunn's new release, Warner Bros. made sure Amazon was stocked with all the best Man of Steel merch -- from toys and Crocs to all things Krypto ... because that powerful pup is clearly the star of the show!

Superman Up in The Sky! Flying Krypto

Superman now has a new companion joining him in flight: Krypto the Superdog! And now you can snatch this cute pupper too, with this DC Comics, Superman Up in The Sky! Flying Krypto!

Up, Up And Away! Superman Actors Throughout The Years

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TMZ TIMELINE: SUPERMAN
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There's been plenty of actors who've donned a red cape and blue costume to play Superman in film and television over the years -- and we're here for all of them!

You've got performers like George Reeves, Dean Cain and Tom Welling, all of whom portrayed the character on the small screen, plus Tyler Hoechlin, whose run as the Man of Steel throughout the "Arrowverse" lasted for nearly a decade.

And following Christopher Reeve's classic portrayals of Superman on the big screen, there were guys like Brandon Routh and Henry Cavill filling the role, with David Corenswet being the most recent actor who's played the Last Son of Krypton.

Check out our video for a super look at each one!

Celebrity Scramble Guess The Superhero!

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Squished and swizzled inside this photo edit is a talented star here to save the day ... but first things first, you gotta guess who he is! Follow the clues and see if you can swoop in and put a name to this handsome fella ...

Born and raised in Philly, he followed in his father's acting footsteps. In 2016, he graduated from Juilliard. He's acted alongside stars like Ben Platt and Lili Reinhart. This weekend was a big one for this shining star -- his action/sci-fi film premiered!

His red bow-tie is reminiscent of his cape ... can you guess who he is?

'Superman' The Man Of Steel Through The Years

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It's a bird ... it's a plane ... it's a gallery about Superman! We're looking back at some of the actors who've portrayed the Man of Steel over the years -- like Christopher Reeve, who filled the character's tights for the first time in 1978.

Then we've got David Corenswet, who got tapped to play the Last Son of Krypton in James Gunn's start to the new DC Universe.

And then there's Tom Welling, who portrayed the young Clark Kent in "Smallville" for nearly a decade and reprised his role in 2019 for the "Crisis On Infinite Earths" crossover event ... how's that for longevity?!

Up, up and away!

Ben Shapiro 'Superman' is Super-Meh!!! ... Calls James Gunn's Immigration Theme 'Weak'

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Superman or Super-Meh? Ben Shapiro has labeled James Gunn's "Superman" film the latter -- and is telling those worried it's full of preachy political propaganda to fly back to the ground ... 'cause they're worrying for nothing.

Check out the political commentator's review of the movie ... he's trolling Gunn's claim that this action film is about an "immigrant" and the "basic human kindness" that he believes America has lost.

He notes ... "This is not a movie about illegal immigration. This is not a movie about ICE, Russia-Ukraine, Israel and the Palestinians ... there may be references there if you have politics on the brain, but other than that, I really don't think there's much of this there."

Donald Trump It's A Bird, It's A Plane ... It's Super-POTUS!!!

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Donald Trump is fighting for truth, justice and HIS version of the American way ... 'cause the White House is portraying him as Superman amid the new movie's release.

The White House's social media account dropped a Photoshopped pic of Trump dressed up in the iconic red and blue costume Wednesday night ... calling him a "SYMBOL OF HOPE" -- adding he's "SUPERMAN TRUMP."

The image matches the poster for James Gunn's new movie -- out now -- starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan ... and, Trump's looking pretty heroic in it as the planetary immigrant superhero ... despite his own admin's contempt for illegal immigrants.

'Superman' David Corenswet Lex Luthor's Jacking My Style!!!

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"Superman" star David Corenswet is trolling the guy who plays his on-screen nemesis ... playfully chiding Lex Luthor actor Nicholas Hoult, who he says stole his style.

David stepped out Wednesday in New York City wearing an outfit that was awfully similar to what we saw Nicholas wearing last week ... black dress shoes, white trousers, white tank top, sweater tied over one shoulder and under the other armpit, black sunglasses, and a bag in hand.

Difference is ... Nicholas seemed to be taking the look very seriously, and David's totally trolling Clark Kent's longtime foe.

'Superman' OG Dean Cain James Gunn's Immigration Soapbox Is Fan Kryptonite ... But I'll See it!!!

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UN-WOKEIFY SUPER HEROES
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"Superman" hasn't even opened -- and it's taking a beating in conservative media over possible pro-immigration messages due to comments from the director ... and one former Superman says that super-sized mistake might hurt the box office.

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SUPERMAN IS AN IMMIGRANT!!!
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Here's the deal ... James Gunn told The Sunday Times the movie is about an "immigrant" and "basic human kindness" -- a value he says we've lost as a country. Those remarks were pounced on by conservatives as a clear indicator the flick will be "woke" and preachy amid ICE raids via the Trump administration's relentless deportation efforts.

Dean Cain, who wore the red cape in "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," tells TMZ ... he was so excited for the new movie ... until Gunn had to break out the political Kryptonite -- and sour a portion of the fandom.

'Superman' Extended Trailer Released ... More Krypto & The Fortress of Solitude!!!

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A new trailer for "Superman" has dropped ... and, it's giving fans a longer look at Krypto the Superdog -- and, a peek inside the Fortress of Solitude.

The new clip -- which runs about five minutes long -- came out Thursday, and while it features much of the same footage from the trailer that was dropped in December, it's got a whole lot of new content too.

Check out the clip ... the first three and a half minutes features an extended look at the original trailer's opening scene where Superman, played by David Corenswet, calls on his dog Krypto to save him.

Christopher Reeve's Son Will I'm Flying In My Dad's Same Path!!!

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FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS
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Christopher Reeve's son, Will, has a new doc dropping -- where he travels to all the places his dad visited around the globe ... and the journey's made him feel closer to his father.

TMZ caught up with Will ... and he tells us he literally followed in the footsteps of his iconic "Superman" dad -- hitting spots from a tiny Alaskan village to a remote lagoon in Mexico, even linking up with the sons of the men who guided Christopher back in the day for the full experience.

Will tells us the ABC doc "Will Reeve: Finding My Father" has been years in the making ... driven by his desire to experience the adventurous, action-packed life his dad lived before a horse-riding accident incapacitated him.

'Superman' First Trailer Packed with Action, Lovin' ... and Superdog!!!

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The first trailer for James Gunn's "Superman" finally arrived ... and it does not disappoint.

Packed with action, Clark Kent and some Lois Lane lovin', plus a ton of action -- fans were immediately freaking out with joy.

David Corenswet dons the red cape this time ... and from the way the trailer opens with a bloodied and beaten Superman -- seems he has his work cut out for him.

Christopher Reeve's Son Will Nerves NOT of Steel During 'Superman' Cameo!!!

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STAYIN' PUT
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Will Reeve was feeling the butterflies filming a cameo for James Gunn's new 'Superman' flick ... even though he's got serious TV chops.

We got the ABC News Correspondent and asked him about his recent experience on the Cleveland, Ohio movie set.

Will, the son of late OG 'Superman' star Christopher Reeve, tells us he was more nervous about his small film role than he's ever been working as a TV newsman.

JAMES GUNN'S 'SUPERMAN' CHRISTOPHER REEVE'S SON LANDS CAMEO ... First Pics From Set!!!!

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A full-circle moment is unfolding on James Gunn's 'Superman' set -- Will Reeve, son of the iconic Christopher Reeve, is flying into the DC Universe with a cameo in Gunn's film.

As you know, Christopher donned the red cape for the 70s and 80s 'Superman' movies ... and, undoubtedly, he would've been thrilled to see these heartwarming pics on X of his youngest son hugging Gunn on set in Cleveland, Ohio, carrying on his legacy.

Unclear what Will's role is exactly, but as you can see, he's dressed to the nines in a slick Clark Kent-style suit while dapping up Gunn, and then giving him a hug -- all while others on set clap, so looks like he had just wrapped filming his scenes.

David Corenswet It's a Bird, It's a Plane ... It's 1st 'Superman' Set Pics!!!

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David Corenswet looks about ready to take flight on the set of the new 'Superman' flick ... 'cause he's out in full costume and looking real beefed up in the first on-set pics.

The actor was donning the classic blue and red suit while filming in Cleveland, OH Monday ... looking picture-perfect as the revamped Man of Steel. David wasn't alone on set ... and his scene partner is sure to get comic book fans excited.

Next to Supes, you can see a glimpse of Edi Gathegi's take on Mister Terrific -- another superhero in the DC Universe, who goes on to join the Justice League. He's in this scene with DC too ... confirming that James Gunn's throwing a lot of superheroes in this movie.

David Corenswet Se muestra en traje como el nuevo Superman ¿Parecido a Cavill?

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Por fin podemos ver al nuevo Superman -el cual se suponía iba a aportar un aire totalmente nuevo al personaje- pero la verdad es que se parece mucho a Henry Cavill.

James Gunn dio a conocer la primera foto de David Corenswet en traje como el renovado Hombre de Acero para su próxima entrega de "Superman", la cual se supone que va a marcar su primera incursión real como jefe de DC, y aunque se ve bastante bien, creemos que se parece demasiado al Superman de Cavill.

¿La razón?, Dave y su atuendo son muy similares al que Henry solía llevar en sus películas, y francamente no se nota la gran diferencia por ninguna parte.