'Superman' actress Phyllis Thaxter dies

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Phyllis Thaxter, an actress best known for her role as Clark Kent's adoptive mother in the 1978 film "Superman," has died in Florida. She was 92.

Thaxter's daughter, Skye Aubrey, says the actress died Tuesday in Longwood, north of Orlando, after a nine-year fight with Alzheimer's disease.

The Maine native appeared in 17 movies. Thaxter also had dozens of television roles, including a run on "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" from 1956 to 1960 and a stint on the "Alfred Hitchcock Hour" from 1963 to 1964.

Thaxter was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Gilbert Lea. She was previously married to film executive James Aubrey.

Her daughter said funeral services will be private.-- AP