Kim Novak (who is Kim Novak?)
Kim Novak, born Marilyn Pauline Novak on February 13, 1933, is a retired American film and television actress. She began her career in the mid-1950s after signing a contract with Columbia Pictures, and she became one of Hollywood's most popular and glamorous stars.
Early Life: Kim Novak was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph Novak, a history teacher, and Blanche Kral Novak, who also worked as a factory worker. Her parents were of Czech descent, and she has one sibling, a sister named Arlene.
Career Highlights: Novak's film career took off when she starred in the film noir Pushover (1954) followed quickly by her role in Picnic (1955), for which she received Golden Globe Award recognition. However, it was her performance in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958), opposite James Stewart, that cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. Despite the film’s initially mixed reviews, it has since become recognized as one of the greatest films of all time, with Novak's portrayal of the dual roles of Madeleine Elster and Judy Barton being a key component of its enduring legacy.
Throughout her career, she appeared in a variety of movies such as Pal Joey (1957) with Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth, Bell Book and Candle (1958) also with James Stewart, and Middle of the Night (1959) with Fredric March.
In the 1960s, her career continued with films like Strangers When We Meet (1960) and The Notorious Landlady (1962) with Jack Lemmon. As the decade progressed, Novak took on fewer roles and started distancing herself from Hollywood.
By the 1970s, Novak had largely retreated from public life. She made occasional appearances in film and television, including a role in the movie The Mirror Crack'd (1980), and she starred in the horror film Satan's Triangle (1975).
Personal Life: Kim Novak married English actor Richard Johnson in 1965, but the marriage was short-lived; they divorced the following year. In 1976, she married Dr. Robert Malloy, a veterinarian, and their marriage was much more enduring. Away from the lens, Novak enjoyed painting and raising horses and llamas on her ranch in Oregon, which showcases her strong connection with nature and her preference for a private life over Hollywood's spotlight.
Legacy: Kim Novak's contribution to the film industry has been recognized with several accolades. Apart from her box office successes, Novak was awarded two Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to both Motion Pictures and Television. She was honored at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013 with a special tribute.
Later Years: In her later years, Novak has occasionally granted interviews, discussing her career and personal life. She also attended public events, such as a hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in 2012 and a screening of Vertigo at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival where she received a standing ovation.
For further in-depth information, her extensive biography can be found on resources like:
Please note that the above details are based on the historical record up until early 2023, with no account of any events or developments that may have occurred after that point.