Childhood and Education Journey of Kim Novak in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Kim Novak. From birth to education, explore key events.

Kim Novak, born Marilyn Pauline Novak, is a retired American actress and painter recognized for her significant contributions to cinema. She has received two Golden Globe Awards, an Honorary Golden Bear, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, highlighting her successful career and lasting impact on the entertainment industry. She is remembered for her iconic performances in classic films.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

February 13, 1933: Kim Novak's Birth

On February 13, 1933, Marilyn Pauline "Kim" Novak was born. She would later become an actress and painter known for her contributions to cinema.

Others born on this day/year

1940: Broadway Play Release

In 1940, the Broadway play 'Pal Joey' was released, both written by John O'Hara.

1959: Engagement to Richard Quine

In 1959, Kim Novak was engaged to director Richard Quine, though the engagement did not lead to marriage.

1961: Bel Air Fire

In 1961, Kim Novak's Hollywood house survived the Bel Air Fire, but was later lost in a mudslide.

1962: Appearance in The Notorious Landlady

In 1962, Kim Novak's parents appeared with her in the film 'The Notorious Landlady'.

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1962: Starring in The Notorious Landlady and Home Purchase

In 1962, during the filming of 'The Notorious Landlady', Kim Novak discovered and purchased her future home near Big Sur, California.

March 15, 1965: Marriage to Richard Johnson

On March 15, 1965, Kim Novak married English actor Richard Johnson. The marriage lasted a little over a year, but they remained friends afterward.

May 26, 1966: Divorce from Richard Johnson

On May 26, 1966, Kim Novak and Richard Johnson divorced, though they maintained a friendship after their separation.

1966: Withdrawal from Acting

By 1966, Kim Novak withdrew from acting, choosing to work sporadically in films thereafter.

1966: Move to Big Sur

By the end of 1966, Kim Novak moved away from Hollywood to Big Sur after feeling emotionally drained and losing her home in a mudslide.

1966: Novak Leaves Hollywood for Big Sur

In 1966, Kim Novak left Hollywood and moved to Big Sur, California, where she focused on raising horses and painting, while occasionally acting in films.

1966: Mudslide and Loss of Home

In 1966, Kim Novak lost her Bel Air home and belongings in a mudslide.

1966: Divorce from Richard Johnson

In the spring of 1966, Kim Novak divorced Richard Johnson amicably.

1974: Met Robert Malloy

In 1974, Kim Novak met her second husband, equine veterinarian Robert Malloy, when he visited her home to treat one of her Arabian mares suffering from colic.

March 12, 1976: Marriage to Robert Malloy

On March 12, 1976, Kim Novak married equine veterinarian Robert Malloy after he treated one of her Arabian mares, leading to a long-term relationship.

1987: Death of Joseph Novak

In 1987, Joseph Novak, Kim Novak's father, passed away.

1989: Presenting at the 61st Academy Awards and Planning Autobiography

In 1989, Kim Novak appeared with James Stewart as a presenter at the 61st Academy Awards. She expressed openness to a comeback if the right script came along. At the same time, she declined movie offers and a second season of Falcon Crest to write her autobiography, tentatively titled Through My Eyes.

1991: Retirement from Acting

After a disappointing experience filming 'Liebestraum' in 1991, Kim Novak retired from acting.

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1997: Bought a Ranch in Sams Valley, Oregon

In 1997, Kim Novak and Robert Malloy purchased a 43-acre ranch in Sams Valley, Oregon, which they made their home and where Novak pursued her interest in painting.

July 2000: Home burns down

In July 2000, Kim Novak and Robert Malloy's home burned down, resulting in the loss of all her artwork and the only draft of her autobiography, which she had been working on for 10 years.

2004: Appearance on Larry King Live

In 2004, Kim Novak appeared on Larry King Live, stating she would consider returning to the screen "if it was the right role."

2004: Citing Liebestraum as Reason for Retirement

In 2004, Kim Novak cited her difficult experience with Liebestraum as the primary reason for her decision to retire from the film industry.

2006: Injured in horse-riding accident

In 2006, Kim Novak was injured in a horse-riding accident, suffering a punctured lung, broken ribs, and nerve damage, but she made a full recovery within a year.

October 2010: Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

In October 2010, Kim Novak was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment. Her doctors said she was in good physical shape and was expected to recover well, which she did.

April 2012: Honored at TCM Classic Film Festival

In April 2012, Kim Novak was honored at the TCM Classic Film Festival, where she introduced a screening of Vertigo and participated in a Q&A session with Robert Osborne, discussing her career and personal life.

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March 6, 2013: Kim Novak: Live from the TCM Classic Film Festival aired on TCM

On March 6, 2013, the hour-long interview "Kim Novak: Live from the TCM Classic Film Festival" aired on TCM, where Novak discussed her career and personal life, including her difficult experience with Liebestraum and her bipolar diagnosis.

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April 23, 2013: Death of Joan Gundlach

On April 23, 2013, Joan Gundlach, Robert Malloy's ex-wife and the mother of Kim Novak's stepchildren, died by suicide at the age of 70 in Post Falls, Idaho.

2014: Presenter at Academy Awards and TCM Classic Film Festival

In 2014, Kim Novak was a presenter at the 86th Academy Awards and appeared at the TCM Classic Film Festival, where she unveiled her painting Vertigo / Vortex of Delusion and introduced a screening of Bell Book and Candle.

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2014: Criticism after Academy Awards appearance

In 2014, following Kim Novak's appearance at the 86th Academy Awards, she faced media criticism and speculation about cosmetic surgery, leading her to write an open letter addressing the "bullies" and admitting to fat injections in her face, which she later regretted.

2016: Toronto and San Francisco Symphony Performances

In 2016, Kim Novak hosted special screenings of Vertigo featuring live performances of Bernard Herrmann's score by members of the San Francisco Symphony at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. Also, she was invited by Turner Classic Movies to be a guest on their Caribbean Cruise where she sold five of her paintings and was able to raise nearly $7,000 for the prevention of teenage suicide with the auction of a framed giclée of her.

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October 2019: Retrospective at the Butler Institute of American Art

From June until October 2019, the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, hosted a retrospective of Kim Novak's artwork. Novak was present at the opening on June 16.