Kim Novak, an American former actor, rose to fame for her unforgettable role in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo.’ Despite being scouted by the chief of ‘Columbia Pictures’ and expected to follow in the footsteps of Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe, Novak refused to be typecast as a sex-symbol. Her strong-willed and outspoken nature often led to clashes with directors and co-actors. However, she proved her talent by sharing the screen with legendary actors and making a name for herself through her acting skills. When her film career declined, Novak successfully transitioned to television. Disappointed with her last film, ‘Liebestraum,’ she ultimately decided to retire and pursue her passion for painting. Today, Novak is not only a Hollywood Walk of Fame inductee but also a dedicated full-time painter.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Marilyn Pauline Novak
- Age: 90 Years, 90 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Robert Malloy, Richard Johnson (m. 1965–1966)
- Father: Joseph Novak
- Mother: Blanche Novak
- Siblings: Arlene Novak
- Born Country: United States
- Artists
- Actresses
- Height: 5’6″ (168 cm), 5’6″ Females
- City: Chicago, Illinois
- Ancestry: Czech American
- Notable Alumni: Farragut Career Academy, Wilbur Wright College, School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago
- U.S. State: Illinois
- Education: School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College, Farragut Career Academy
Childhood & Early Life
Kim Novak was born Marilyn Pauline Novak on February 13, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Her parents were Czech couple Joseph Novak and Blanche Kral Novak. Joseph worked as a history teacher and later as a freight dispatcher, while Blanche was a factory worker. Novak attended William Penn Elementary, Farragut High School, and Wright Junior College. She initially received two scholarships to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago but decided to pursue modeling instead. She ended up winning a beauty pageant in Los Angeles.
Career
Novak transitioned from modeling to acting after being scouted by Columbia Pictures while auditioning for “extras” in two RKO films. Columbia Pictures chief Harry Cohn saw potential in her and wanted to groom her into a sex-symbol, suggesting that she change her name to “Kit Marlowe.” However, Novak wanted to retain her real name and the two compromised on “Kim Novak.” She made her major film debut in the 1954 noir crime drama “Pushover” and had significant roles in films such as “Phffft” and “Picnic.” She gained recognition for her performance in “The Man with the Golden Arm” and starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo,” which is now considered one of his best works.
Later Career and Retirement
After a successful career in the 1950s and early 1960s, Novak’s career began to decline. She appeared in several films that were not well-received, and by the end of the 1960s, she decided to retire from Hollywood. Novak turned to her other passions, painting and songwriting. She made a comeback in the late 1960s with the film “The Legend of Lylah Clare” but faced criticism for her performance. She then appeared in TV movies and had brief roles in some films. Her last leading role was in the 1990 film “The Children,” and her last film appearance was in the 1991 thriller “Liebestraum.” Novak decided to retire from acting and focused on her painting career.
Personal Life and Legacy
Novak was married to Shakespearean actor Richard Johnson from 1965 to 1966 and later married Dr. Robert Malloy in 1976. She has two stepchildren from her second marriage. Novak has also dated several notable figures in the entertainment industry. She is known for her love of painting and has exhibited her artwork at various venues. Novak has faced challenges in her personal life, including the loss of her home in a fire and a battle with breast cancer. She has been honored for her contributions to the film industry and continues to be recognized for her talent and legacy.