Neill continued to appear in "Superman"-related productions. She originated the role of Lois Lane's mother, Ellen (alternatively, Ella) Lane, in a cameo for the 1978 film "Superman", with Kirk Alyn as Lois' father, Sam Lane – as was the case in reverse with the role of Lois in 1951, Phyllis Coates would later succeed Neill in the role of Ella in '; "Lois & Clark" star Teri Hatcher continued the tradition when she made a guest appearance on "Smallville" as Ella Lane. In an episode of the TV series "Superboy", Neill appeared alongside her former castmate Jack Larson, who had played Jimmy Olsen on TV. Her personal appearance at the Metropolis, Illinois, "Superman Festival" was featured on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno". As "Aunt Lois", she made a guest appearance in the independent superhero film ', and she played Gertrude Vanderworth (the dying elderly wife of Lex Luthor) in the 2006 film "Superman Returns".