History of Kim Novak in Timeline
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.
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.
1940: Broadway Play Release
In 1940, the Broadway play 'Pal Joey' was released, both written by John O'Hara.
1953: Film Industry Exploration
In 1953, Kim Novak, along with two other models, traveled to Los Angeles to explore the film industry and worked as extras in 'Son of Sinbad' and 'The French Line'.
1954: Contract with Columbia Pictures
In 1954, Kim Novak signed a contract with Columbia Pictures, marking the beginning of her career in Hollywood.
1954: Roles in Pushover and Phffft
In 1954, Kim Novak's first role with Columbia Pictures was in 'Pushover', followed by a co-starring role in 'Phffft'.
1955: Release of Son of Sinbad
In 1955, 'Son of Sinbad', in which Kim Novak appeared as an extra, was released.
1955: Success with Picnic and The Man with the Golden Arm
In 1955, Kim Novak appeared in 'Picnic' and 'The Man with the Golden Arm', films that contributed to her rising stardom.
1955: Role in Picnic
In 1955, Kim Novak played Madge Owens in the film version of 'Picnic'. She also starred in The Man with the Golden Arm.
1955: Role in 5 Against the House
In 1955, Kim Novak starred in '5 Against the House', a crime drama.
1955: Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer – Female
In 1955, Kim Novak was honored with the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer – Female, marking an early achievement in her acting career.
February 5, 1956: Appearance on What's My Line?
On February 5, 1956, Kim Novak appeared as a mystery guest on the game show 'What's My Line?' to promote 'Picnic'.
1956: Starring in The Eddy Duchin Story
In 1956, Kim Novak starred in 'The Eddy Duchin Story' as Marjorie Oelrichs.
1957: Starring in Pal Joey
In 1957, Kim Novak gained further recognition for her role in 'Pal Joey'.
1958: Casting in Vertigo and Salary Negotiations
In 1958, Alfred Hitchcock cast Kim Novak in 'Vertigo', leading to salary negotiations and a temporary suspension due to her demands for higher pay. Ultimately, she secured a new contract with a significantly increased salary of $3,000 a week.
1958: Prominence in Vertigo
In 1958, Kim Novak achieved prominence for her performance in Alfred Hitchcock's thriller 'Vertigo'.
1958: Starring in Bell, Book and Candle
In 1958, Kim Novak starred in 'Bell, Book and Candle' with James Stewart.
1958: Bell Book and Candle release
In 1958, Kim Novak starred in Bell Book and Candle. In 2014 she introduced a screening of the film at the TCM Classic Film Festival.
1958: Box office draw
Kim Novak became one of the biggest box-office draws of 1957 and 1958, contributing to her success and popularity.
1959: Starring in Middle of the Night
In 1959, Kim Novak starred in 'Middle of the Night', which she has described as her favorite film and best performance.
1959: Engagement to Richard Quine
In 1959, Kim Novak was engaged to director Richard Quine, though the engagement did not lead to marriage.
February 8, 1960: Awarded star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On February 8, 1960, Kim Novak received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6332 Hollywood Boulevard, in recognition of her contributions to the film industry.
1960: Starring in Strangers When We Meet
In 1960, Kim Novak starred in the film 'Strangers When We Meet'.
1961: Bel Air Fire
In 1961, Kim Novak's Hollywood house survived the Bel Air Fire, but was later lost in a mudslide.
1962: Boys' Night Out Release
In 1962, Kim Novak's film 'Boys' Night Out', the first from her five-picture deal with Filmways Pictures, was released but proved unsuccessful.
1962: Appearance in The Notorious Landlady
In 1962, Kim Novak's parents appeared with her in the film 'The Notorious Landlady'.
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.
1964: Starring in Of Human Bondage
In 1964, Kim Novak starred in 'Of Human Bondage', filmed in Ireland, which went over budget and failed.
1964: Release of Kiss Me, Stupid
In 1964, the sex comedy 'Kiss Me, Stupid', starring Kim Novak and Dean Martin, was released after facing problems with the Legion of Decency and received scathing reviews.
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.
1965: Starring in The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders
In 1965, Kim Novak starred in the historical comedy 'The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders' in England with British actor Richard Johnson.
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: Departure from Eye of the Devil
In 1966, Kim Novak was cast in 'Eye of the Devil' but had to leave the film due to injuries sustained from a fall off a horse.
1966: Divorce from Richard Johnson
In the spring of 1966, Kim Novak divorced Richard Johnson amicably.
1968: Starring in The Legend of Lylah Clare
In 1968, Kim Novak starred in The Legend of Lylah Clare alongside Peter Finch and Ernest Borgnine, directed by Robert Aldrich, playing a dual role. She refused to do a German accent, and at the premiere, she discovered her voice had been dubbed by a German actress. The film was critically panned, and Novak regretted her role.
1969: Starring in The Great Bank Robbery
In 1969, Kim Novak starred in the Western comedy The Great Bank Robbery alongside Zero Mostel, Clint Walker, and Claude Akins. This marked the last film Novak made in the '60s.
1973: Return to the screen with Tales That Witness Madness and The Third Girl From the Left
In 1973, Kim Novak returned to the screen after a four-year break, taking part in two projects: the horror anthology film Tales That Witness Madness and the made-for-TV movie The Third Girl From the Left, where she starred as Las Vegas chorus girl Gloria Joyce, alongside her then-boyfriend Michael Brandon.
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.
1975: Starring in Satan's Triangle
In 1975, Kim Novak starred in the ABC movie Satan's Triangle, intrigued by its supernatural story.
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.
1977: Small role in The White Buffalo
In 1977, Kim Novak had a small role in The White Buffalo, a Western starring Charles Bronson.
1979: Playing Helga in Just a Gigolo
In 1979, Kim Novak played Helga in Just a Gigolo, opposite David Bowie. While the film was a flop, Novak was not blamed due to her minor role.
1980: Appearance in The Mirror Crack'd
In 1980, Kim Novak appeared in 'The Mirror Crack'd'.
1983: Acting in the television movie Malibu
In 1983, Kim Novak's acting credits included the ensemble television movie Malibu.
1984: Refusal to promote Vertigo
In 1984, Universal asked Kim Novak to make appearances at screenings of Vertigo, but she refused.
1985: Acting in The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents
In 1985, Kim Novak acted in the pilot episode of The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
1986: Appearing in Falcon Crest as Kit Marlowe
From 1986 to 1987, Kim Novak appeared in 19 episodes of Falcon Crest as the secretive "Kit Marlowe", a name she chose as it was the stage name Columbia had wanted her to use.
1986: Regular Role in Falcon Crest
From 1986 to 1987, Kim Novak had a regular role on the primetime series 'Falcon Crest'.
1987: Regular Role in Falcon Crest
From 1986 to 1987, Kim Novak had a regular role on the primetime series 'Falcon Crest'.
1987: Death of Joseph Novak
In 1987, Joseph Novak, Kim Novak's father, passed away.
1987: Continuing role in Falcon Crest as Kit Marlowe
In 1987, Kim Novak continued her role in Falcon Crest as Kit Marlowe.
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.
1990: Leading role in The Children
In 1990, Kim Novak returned to film with the leading role of Rose Sellers in The Children, opposite Ben Kingsley. The film premiered at the London Film Festival and received good reviews, but was later pulled from release due to disputes.
1991: Retirement from Acting
After a disappointing experience filming 'Liebestraum' in 1991, Kim Novak retired from acting.
1991: Starring in Liebestraum and Conflicts with Director
In 1991, Kim Novak starred in Liebestraum, directed by Mike Figgis. Novak's collaboration with Figgis was tense, leading to conflicts over the script and her role, causing her great pain and a sense of being manipulated.
1995: Ranked among sexiest stars in film history
In 1995, Empire Magazine ranked Kim Novak 92nd on a list of the 100 sexiest stars in film history, acknowledging her enduring appeal.
1996: Vertigo Re-release and Appearances
In 1996, after Vertigo was restored and re-released to theaters, Kim Novak agreed to make appearances at screenings, reversing her previous refusal from 1984. She also participated in the documentary Obsessed with Vertigo.
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.
1997: Receiving Honorary Golden Bear Award
In 1997, Kim Novak received an Honorary Golden Bear Award for lifetime achievement at the 47th Berlin International Film Festival.
1997: Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement
In 1997, Kim Novak received the Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement at the 47th Berlin International Film Festival, recognizing her career contributions.
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.
2001: Naomi Watts influenced by Novak in 'Mulholland Drive'
In 2001, Naomi Watts stated that her character interpretation in 'Mulholland Drive' was influenced by Kim Novak's look and performances in 'Vertigo,' demonstrating Novak's impact on contemporary actors.
2003: Receiving Eastman Kodak Archives Award
In 2003, Kim Novak was presented with the Eastman Kodak Archives Award for her major contribution to film.
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.
2005: Alexander McQueen names bag after Novak
In 2005, British fashion designer Alexander McQueen named his first It Bag "The Novak," inspired by Kim Novak's captivating presence and the allure Hitchcock found in her.
2005: Reflecting on Liebestraum Experience
In 2005, Kim Novak reflected on her difficult experience with Liebestraum, admitting to Movieline that she felt "unprofessional" for not obeying her director, Mike Figgis.
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.
March 2008: Renée Zellweger dresses as Novak's 'Vertigo' character
In March 2008, Renée Zellweger dressed up as Kim Novak's character from 'Vertigo' for a photoshoot featured in Vanity Fair, showcasing Novak's influence on other actresses.
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.
2010: American Cinematheque Tribute in Hollywood
In 2010, Kim Novak received a special tribute from the American Cinematheque in Hollywood, with screenings of her films at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, where she made a rare personal appearance and Q&A session.
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.
2012: Handprint and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre
In 2012, Kim Novak was honored with a handprint and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, solidifying her place in Hollywood history.
2012: Vertigo Voted Best Film
In 2012, the British Film Institute's Sight & Sound critics' poll voted 'Vertigo' as the best film of all time, highlighting the film's lasting impact and significance.
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.
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.
2013: Novak's Disappointment with Vertigo Performance
In 2013, Kim Novak expressed disappointment with her performance in 'Vertigo', feeling that both characters were exaggerated, despite the film's enduring legacy.
2013: Guest of honor at Cannes Film Festival
In 2013, Kim Novak was recognized as the guest of honor by the Cannes Film Festival, where she introduced a restored version of Vertigo and participated in the closing ceremony, earning a standing ovation.
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.
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.
2015: Kristián Award at Febiofest and Art Exhibition
In 2015, Kim Novak attended the 22nd Febiofest international film festival, where she received the Kristián Award for her contribution to world cinema and had an exhibition of her paintings at the Strahov Monastery.
2015: Kristián Award at Febiofest
In 2015, Kim Novak's contribution to world cinema was acknowledged with the Kristián Award at the 22nd Febiofest international film festival.
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.
2018: Vertigo's 60th Anniversary Celebration
In 2018, Kim Novak joined in conversation with Larry King at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre for a Q&A session, celebrating Vertigo's 60th Anniversary. She also received a special sold-out tribute from the Castro Theatre that year.
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.
November 27, 2020: Death of Robert Malloy
On November 27, 2020, Robert Malloy, Kim Novak's husband, passed away. They had been married since 1976.
2021: Publication of "Kim Novak: Her Art and Life"
In 2021, the Butler Institute of American Art published a book titled "Kim Novak: Her Art and Life," featuring a selection of her paintings.
June 6, 2024: Present at opening of exhibition at Butler Institute
On June 6, 2024, Kim Novak attended the opening of an exhibition featuring her more recent artworks at the Butler Institute of American Art.
August 2024: Artwork on exhibit at the Butler Institute
From June through August 2024, more recent artworks by Kim Novak were on display at an exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art.
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