Kim Novak
Actor
About Kim Novak
Kim Novak was one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses of the 1950s and 1960s, known for her distinctive platinum blonde beauty and enigmatic screen presence. Discovered while working as a dental receptionist, she signed with Columbia Pictures in 1954 and quickly rose to stardom under the guidance of studio head Harry Cohn. Her breakthrough role came in 'Picnic' (1955), which established her as a major star and led to her most iconic performance in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' (1958). Throughout her career, Novak struggled with the pressures of Hollywood stardom and often clashed with studio executives over her roles. She took a hiatus from acting in the late 1960s, returning occasionally for television and film roles before largely retiring from the entertainment industry. Novak later became a successful painter and sculptor, finding artistic fulfillment away from the Hollywood spotlight while maintaining her status as a beloved classic cinema icon.
The Craft
On Screen
Novak was known for her cool, enigmatic, and often mysterious screen presence, with a distinctive husky voice and deliberate, measured delivery. Her acting style combined vulnerability with a underlying strength, often portraying complex women with hidden depths and psychological complexity. She specialized in roles that required both glamour and emotional depth, bringing a naturalistic quality to her performances that contrasted with the more theatrical styles of some of her contemporaries.
Milestones
- Signed with Columbia Pictures in 1954
- Breakthrough role in 'Picnic' (1955)
- Starred in 'The Man with the Golden Arm' (1955)
- Iconic dual role in 'Vertigo' (1958)
- Golden Globe win for 'Picnic'
- Starred opposite Frank Sinatra in 'Pal Joey' (1957)
- Left Hollywood in the late 1960s
- Became successful painter and sculptor
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress (1955)
- Golden Globe Award for World Film Favorites – Female (1958)
Nominated
- BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress for 'Vertigo' (1959)
- Golden Laurel for Top Female Dramatic Performance (1958)
- Golden Laurel for Top Female Star (1959)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (6336 Hollywood Blvd)
- Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kim Novak represented the epitome of 1950s Hollywood glamour while simultaneously challenging the studio system's constraints on female performers. Her work in 'Vertigo' created one of cinema's most enduring and analyzed female characters, influencing generations of filmmakers and actresses who sought to portray complex, psychologically rich women on screen. Novak's career trajectory, from contract player to independent artist, reflected the changing landscape of Hollywood and the increasing desire among performers for creative autonomy and personal fulfillment beyond the confines of stardom.
Lasting Legacy
Kim Novak's legacy endures through her iconic performances, particularly in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo,' which has been recognized as one of the greatest films ever made. Her portrayal of both Judy and Midge created a dual character that continues to fascinate film scholars and audiences alike, representing complex themes of identity, desire, and transformation. Beyond her film work, Novak's successful transition to visual arts demonstrated her multifaceted artistic talents and inspired other performers to explore creative outlets beyond their primary careers. She remains a symbol of Hollywood's golden age while also representing the possibility of reinvention and artistic growth beyond the entertainment industry.
Who They Inspired
Novak's distinctive acting style and screen presence influenced numerous actresses who followed, particularly in her ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and expressions. Her work with Hitchcock helped establish new possibilities for female characters in psychological thrillers, moving beyond the traditional roles available to women in classical Hollywood cinema. Her later career as a visual artist also inspired other performers to pursue multiple artistic disciplines and find fulfillment outside the entertainment industry's traditional boundaries.
Off Screen
Novak has been known for her reclusive nature and preference for privacy away from the Hollywood spotlight. She struggled with the pressures of fame during her peak years and often felt typecast by her glamorous image. After largely retiring from acting, she found fulfillment in visual arts, becoming an accomplished painter and sculptor. Novak has lived in Oregon for many years with her husband, focusing on her art and maintaining a relatively private life away from media attention.
Education
Attended the Art Institute of Chicago, studied at the Goodman School of Drama
Family
- Richard Johnson (1965-1966)
- Robert Malloy (1976-2020)
Did You Know?
- Discovered by an agent while working as a dental receptionist
- Her birth name Marilyn Pauline Novak was changed to Kim Novak to avoid confusion with Marilyn Monroe
- Columbia Pictures head Harry Cohn refused to let her use her real name, claiming 'Marilyn' was too close to Monroe
- She was a skilled horse rider and performed her own stunts in several western films
- Novak turned down the lead role in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' which went to Audrey Hepburn
- She was originally cast in 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' but was replaced by William Holden's wife
- Her famous green dress in 'Vertigo' was created specifically for the film and became iconic in fashion history
- She was an accomplished painter before her acting career and returned to art after retiring from films
- Novak was one of the few actresses of her era to successfully negotiate better contracts with studios
- She lived on a ranch in Oregon for many years, raising llamas and pursuing her art
In Their Own Words
I don't think that you can invent a character on the screen. You have to have something inside.
I've always been a loner. I've always been a little bit on the outside.
I'm not a Hollywood star. I'm an actress. I was never a star, really.
I don't like to be called a sex symbol. I don't like that at all.
I was never comfortable with the image that was created of me. I never felt like that person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kim Novak?
Kim Novak was a prominent American actress of the 1950s and 1960s, best known for her roles in classic films like 'Vertigo,' 'Picnic,' and 'The Man with the Golden Arm.' She was one of Hollywood's biggest stars during the golden age of cinema, known for her distinctive beauty and enigmatic screen presence.
What films is Kim Novak best known for?
Kim Novak is best known for Alfred Hitchcock's psychological thriller 'Vertigo' (1958), where she played dual roles, as well as 'Picnic' (1955), 'The Man with the Golden Arm' (1955), 'Pal Joey' (1957), and 'Bell Book and Candle' (1958). Her performance in 'Vertigo' is particularly celebrated and considered one of cinema's greatest achievements.
When was Kim Novak born and when did she die?
Kim Novak was born on February 13, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. She is still alive as of 2024, living in Oregon with her focus on painting and sculpture rather than acting.
What awards did Kim Novak win?
Kim Novak won two Golden Globe Awards: one for New Star of the Year in 1955 for her work in 'Picnic,' and another for World Film Favorites in 1958. She also received a BAFTA nomination for her performance in 'Vertigo' and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Kim Novak's acting style?
Novak's acting style was characterized by her cool, enigmatic presence and deliberate, measured delivery. She specialized in portraying complex women with hidden depths, bringing naturalism to her roles that contrasted with more theatrical styles of her era. Her husky voice and subtle emotional expressions became her trademarks.
Why did Kim Novak retire from acting?
Novak gradually stepped back from acting in the late 1960s due to disillusionment with Hollywood and the pressures of stardom. She found the studio system restrictive and wanted more creative freedom. She later found fulfillment as a painter and sculptor, preferring the privacy and artistic control that visual arts provided.
Did Kim Novak work with Alfred Hitchcock?
Yes, Kim Novak worked with Alfred Hitchcock on the 1958 masterpiece 'Vertigo,' where she played the dual roles of Judy Barton and Midge Wood. This collaboration resulted in what many consider her finest performance and one of the most iconic female characters in cinema history.
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Films
1 film
