Kim Novak

Date of Birth: February 13, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Kim Novak, born Marilyn Pauline Novak, is an American actress best known for her performances in the 1950s and 1960s. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and began her career as a model before transitioning to film. Novak’s breakout role came with the 1955 film “Picnic,” which established her as a leading actress in Hollywood. She went on to star in numerous successful films, including “The Man with the Golden Arm” (1955), “Pal Joey” (1957), and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” (1958), which is considered one of the greatest films ever made. Despite her success, Novak often struggled with the pressures of fame and the controlling nature of the Hollywood studio system. She took a step back from acting in the late 1960s, choosing to live a quieter life focused on her art and family. In the 1970s and 1980s, she made occasional returns to acting, including a notable role in the 1980 film “The Mirror Crack’d.” Throughout her career, Novak received several awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. She has also been recognized for her contributions to film with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

5 Interesting Facts about Kim Novak

1. Kim Novak was discovered by a talent scout while working as a model for a refrigerator company at a trade show.

2. She was often compared to Marilyn Monroe, another blonde bombshell of the same era, though Novak sought to differentiate herself with more serious and varied roles.

3. Novak is an accomplished visual artist, focusing on painting and sculpture after stepping back from her acting career.

4. She has been married twice, first to English actor Richard Johnson and later to veterinarian Robert Malloy, to whom she has been married since 1976.

5. Novak has been open about her struggles with bipolar disorder, advocating for mental health awareness.