<P> Superman 's first mission interferes with the illegal dealings of Lex Luthor ( John Shea ) , a Metropolis business giant and benefactor . After Luthor 's plot was stopped , Superman let Luthor know he is watching him and the two become arch - enemies . However , Clark respects Luthor 's life , even surreptitiously using his superpowers to save Lex from bleeding to death . Luthor sees Superman as a worthy opponent ; he ultimately discovers his weakness to kryptonite and realizes he has a secret identity , vowing to learn it in hopes of making the hero 's life difficult . </P>
<P> Superman 's first mission interferes with the illegal dealings of Lex Luthor ( John Shea ) , a Metropolis business giant and benefactor . After Luthor 's plot was stopped , Superman let Luthor know he is watching him and the two become arch - enemies . However , Clark respects Luthor 's life , even surreptitiously using his superpowers to save Lex from bleeding to death . Luthor sees Superman as a worthy opponent ; he ultimately discovers his weakness to kryptonite and realizes he has a secret identity , vowing to learn it in hopes of making the hero 's life difficult . </P>
who played lex luthor in lois and clark
who played lex luthor in lois and clark
John Shea
John Shea