Kim Novak, an acclaimed American actor, etched her name in cinematic history with her unforgettable performance in Alfred Hitchcock’s timeless masterpiece, ‘Vertigo.’
Discovered by ‘Columbia Pictures’ chief Harry Cohn, Novak was envisioned as the next Rita Hayworth or Marilyn Monroe.
However, her refusal to be confined to the stereotype of a sex symbol led to conflicts with directors and co-stars, prompting her transition to television when her film career faced challenges.
Despite the disappointments, Novak’s resilience and talent persisted, and she eventually embraced a new chapter as a full-time painter after her last film, ‘Liebestraum.’
Kim Novak Wiki & Biography
Name
Kim Novak
Nickname
The Lavender girl
Date Of Birth
February 13, 1933
Age
92 Years
Birth Place
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Gender
Female
Profession
Actress
Debut
Pushover (1954)
Famous For
Her dual performance as Madeleine Elster and Judy Barton in Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller Vertigo (1958)
Zodiac Sign
Aquarius
Nationality
American
Religion
Catholic
Kim Novak’s Net Worth
Salary
Not Known
Net Worth
USD $15 million (approx)
Height, Weight, and Color
Height in cm
168 cm
Height in Meters
1.68 m
Height in Feet Inches
5 feet 5 inches
Weight
57 kg
125 lbs
Body Type
Slim
Body Measurement
35-23-36 inches
Waist Size
23 inches
Shoe Size
8.5 US
Eye Colour
Green
Hair Colour
Blonde
Kim Novak Family and Relatives
Father
Joseph Novak
Mother
Blanche Novak
Kim Novak with her parents
Brothers
Not Known
Sisters
Arlene Novak
Kim Novak with her sister
Boyfriends / Girlfriends
Not Known
Marital Status
Married
Partner
Robert Malloy (m. 1976),
Kim Novak with her husband Robert
Richard Johnson (m. 1965-1966)
Kim Novak with her ex-husband Richard
Sons
Not Known
Daughters
Not Known
Kim Novak Education School and Colleges
Education Qualification
Graduate
School
Farragut Career Academy High School
College & University
Wright Junior College
Favourites Things Of Kim Novak
Favorite Colour
Not Known
Favorite Actor
Not Known
Favorite Actress
Not Known
Favorite Food
Not Known
Favorite TV Shows
Not Known
Favorite Movie
Not Known
Favorite Pets
Not Known
Hobbies
Not Known
Favorite Destination
Not Known
Interesting Facts About Kim Novak
Novak’s foray into acting began when ‘Columbia Pictures’ discovered her during auditions for “extras” in ‘RKO’ films. Despite Cohn’s vision of grooming her as a sex symbol under the name ”Kit Marlowe,” Novak insisted on retaining her real name, reaching a compromise with the industry titan on “Kim Novak.”
Her early films, such as the noir crime drama ‘Pushover’ and the romantic comedy ‘Phffft,’ established Novak as a versatile talent. Despite a setback with ‘5 Against the House,’ her role in the superhit ‘Picnic’ earned her a ‘Golden Globe Award’ and a ‘BAFTA’ nomination.
Novak’s career soared with pivotal roles in ‘The Man with the Golden Arm’ and ‘The Eddy Duchin Story.’ However, it was her collaboration with Hitchcock in ‘Vertigo’ that solidified her place in cinematic history. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film became a cult classic, showcasing Novak’s prowess in a double role.
Following the success of ‘Vertigo,’ Novak faced challenges with films like ‘Boys’ Night Out’ and ‘Kiss Me, Stupid,’ marking the beginning of a downturn in her career. Personal struggles, including the loss of her home and a divorce, further led her to contemplate leaving Hollywood.
Novak made a brief comeback with the drama film ‘The Legend of Lylah Clare’ but faced criticism. Her later years saw appearances in TV movies and some film projects, with notable success in the British mystery–thriller ‘The Mirror Crack’d.’ Eventually, she embraced her other passions, painting and songwriting.
Despite career ups and downs, Novak’s contributions were recognized with a ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’ induction in 1960 and an ‘Honorary Golden Bear Award’ in 1997. Her artistic endeavors, including a painting exhibition in 2014, showcased her multi-faceted talent beyond the silver screen.
In 1991, Novak bid farewell to Hollywood after her last film, ‘Liebestraum,’ faced challenges during filming. Recognized as one of the ”100 Sexiest Stars in Film History,” Novak’s legacy extends beyond cinema. Honors from the ‘San Francisco Museum and Historical Society’ and the ‘Kristián Award’ in 2015 underscore her enduring impact.
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