History of Kim Novak in Timeline

Kim Novak, born Marilyn Pauline Novak, is a retired American actress and painter. She achieved fame in the 1950s and 60s, known for her roles in films like "Vertigo" and "Picnic." Throughout her career, she received accolades such as two Golden Globe Awards, an Honorary Golden Bear, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Novak's transition from acting to painting marked a significant shift in her career, although she remains a recognized figure for her contributions to cinema.

February 13, 1933: Birth of Kim Novak

Kim Novak was born on February 13, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois.

1940: Source Material for Pal Joey

The novel and Broadway play "Pal Joey," which served as source material for the 1957 film adaptation starring Kim Novak, were written in 1940.

1953: Early Film Appearances and Discovery

In 1953, Kim Novak worked as an extra in films such as "Son of Sinbad" and "The French Line". She was subsequently discovered by an agent and signed with Columbia Pictures.

1954: Kim Novak's Career Beginnings

In 1954, Kim Novak began her acting career after signing a contract with Columbia Pictures.

1954: Film Debut: Pushover and Phffft

Kim Novak made her film debut in "Pushover" and also starred in "Phffft" in 1954.

1955: Release of Son of Sinbad

"Son of Sinbad," in which Kim Novak appeared as an extra, was released in 1955.

1955: Film Appearance: 5 Against the House

In 1955, Kim Novak appeared in the film "5 Against the House".

1955: Early Film Appearances

Kim Novak appeared in films like "Picnic" and "The Man with the Golden Arm" in 1955, quickly rising as a Hollywood star.

1955: Film Appearance: The Man with the Golden Arm

Kim Novak co-starred with Frank Sinatra in "The Man with the Golden Arm" in 1955.

1955: Golden Globe Award

Kim Novak won the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer – Female in 1955.

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?".

1956: Film Appearance: The Eddy Duchin Story

Kim Novak starred in "The Eddy Duchin Story" in 1956.

1957: Film Appearance: Jeanne Eagels

In 1957, Kim Novak portrayed Jeanne Eagels in a biopic of the same name.

1957: Notable Film Roles

In 1957, Kim Novak starred in "Pal Joey" and "Jeanne Eagels".

1958: Casting in Vertigo and Salary Dispute

In 1958, Kim Novak was cast in Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo." She engaged in a salary dispute with Columbia Pictures during this time, ultimately securing a better contract.

1958: Novak Stars in Bell, Book and Candle

In 1958, Novak starred alongside James Stewart in the successful comedy "Bell, Book and Candle," a story about modern-day witchcraft.

1958: Box-Office Draw

Kim Novak became one of the biggest box-office draws of 1957 and 1958.

1958: Vertigo and Box-Office Success

Kim Novak starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" in 1958, marking a high point in her career. She also achieved significant box-office success during this year.

1958: Release of "Bell, Book and Candle"

Kim Novak's film "Bell, Book and Candle" was released in 1958.

1959: Engagement to Richard Quine

Kim Novak was engaged to director Richard Quine in 1959.

1959: Novak Stars in Middle of the Night

Novak starred in the romantic drama "Middle of the Night" in 1959, which she considered her best film and performance.

February 8, 1960: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

On February 8, 1960, Kim Novak received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1960: Film Appearance: Strangers When We Meet

In 1960, Kim Novak appeared in the film "Strangers When We Meet".

1960: Novak Stars in Strangers When We Meet

In 1960, Novak starred opposite Kirk Douglas in the romantic drama "Strangers When We Meet," a financial success despite mixed reviews.

1961: Novak's Hollywood Home Survives Bel Air Fire

Novak's Hollywood home survived the major Bel Air Fire of 1961.

1962: Film Appearance with Parents: The Notorious Landlady

In 1962, Kim Novak appeared in the film "The Notorious Landlady" alongside her parents.

1962: Novak Starts Independent Film Deal and Releases Boys' Night Out

Novak began a five-picture deal with producer Martin Ransohoff in 1962, with the first film being the unsuccessful comedy "Boys' Night Out."

1962: Novak Discovers Her Future Home and Films The Notorious Landlady

While filming "The Notorious Landlady" in 1962, Novak discovered and purchased her future retreat near Big Sur, California.

1964: Film Appearance: Of Human Bondage

In 1964, Kim Novak starred in the film "Of Human Bondage".

1964: Novak Films Of Human Bondage in Ireland

Novak filmed the drama "Of Human Bondage" in Ireland in 1964. The film went over budget and was unsuccessful.

1964: Novak Stars in Kiss Me, Stupid

Novak starred in the controversial comedy "Kiss Me, Stupid" in 1964. Despite initial negative reception, the film later gained acclaim for its forward-thinking themes and Novak's performance.

March 15, 1965: Marriage to Richard Johnson

Kim Novak married Richard Johnson on March 15, 1965.

1965: Novak Marries Richard Johnson and Stars in The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders

In 1965, Novak married Richard Johnson and starred in the moderately successful historical comedy "The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders."

May 26, 1966: Divorce from Richard Johnson

Kim Novak divorced Richard Johnson on May 26, 1966.

1966: Novak Leaves Hollywood and Focuses on Art

Following a series of personal and professional setbacks, including the loss of her home and disillusionment with Hollywood, Novak moved to Big Sur in 1966 to focus on her visual arts and writing.

1966: Novak Injured on Set of Eye of the Devil

In 1966, Novak was injured on the set of "Eye of the Devil" after falling off a horse, forcing her to leave the project.

1966: Novak Loses Home in Mudslide

In 1966, a mudslide destroyed Novak's Hollywood home, leading to significant financial loss.

1966: Withdrawal from Acting

Kim Novak largely withdrew from acting by 1966.

1966: Move to Big Sur

Kim Novak left Hollywood and moved to Big Sur in 1966.

1966: Novak and Johnson Divorce

Novak and Richard Johnson divorced amicably in 1966.

1968: Novak Returns to Screen in The Legend of Lylah Clare

In 1968, Novak returned to the screen after a self-imposed break, starring in the critically panned film "The Legend of Lylah Clare."

1969: Novak Stars in The Great Bank Robbery

Novak appeared in the Western comedy "The Great Bank Robbery" in 1969.

1973: Novak Appears in Tales That Witness Madness and The Third Girl From the Left

Novak returned to acting in 1973, appearing in the horror anthology film "Tales That Witness Madness" and the TV movie "The Third Girl From the Left."

1974: Meeting Robert Malloy

Kim Novak met her second husband, Robert Malloy, in 1974.

1975: Novak Stars in Satan's Triangle

Novak starred in the TV movie "Satan's Triangle" in 1975.

March 12, 1976: Marriage to Robert Malloy

Kim Novak married Robert Malloy on March 12, 1976.

1977: Novak Appears in The White Buffalo

Novak had a small role in the Western film "The White Buffalo" in 1977.

1979: Novak Appears in Just a Gigolo

Novak appeared in the film "Just a Gigolo" in 1979.

1980: Film Appearance: The Mirror Crack'd

In 1980, Kim Novak appeared in the film "The Mirror Crack'd".

1980: The Mirror Crack'd

In 1980, Kim Novak starred in the British mystery-thriller "The Mirror Crack'd," alongside Angela Lansbury, Tony Curtis, Rock Hudson, and Elizabeth Taylor.

1983: Malibu

Kim Novak appeared in the ensemble television movie "Malibu" in 1983.

1984: Declined Vertigo Screening Invitation

In 1984, Kim Novak declined an invitation to appear at screenings of "Vertigo."

1985: The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents

In 1985, Kim Novak appeared in the pilot episode of "The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents."

1986: Television Role: Falcon Crest

From 1986 to 1987, Kim Novak had a regular role on the television series "Falcon Crest".

1986: Falcon Crest

Kim Novak began her role as "Kit Marlowe" in the television series "Falcon Crest" in 1986.

1987: End of Falcon Crest Role

In 1987, Kim Novak concluded her 19-episode run on "Falcon Crest."

1987: Death of Joseph Novak

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

1987: End of Role on Falcon Crest

Kim Novak's role on "Falcon Crest" ended in 1987.

1989: Appearance at the 61st Academy Awards and Comeback Considerations

In 1989, Kim Novak presented at the 61st Academy Awards and expressed openness to a comeback with the right script. She declined other offers to focus on her autobiography.

1990: The Children

Kim Novak starred in "The Children" opposite Ben Kingsley in 1990, which premiered at the London Film Festival but was never distributed due to disputes.

1991: Retirement from Acting

Following a negative experience filming "Liebestraum" in 1991, Kim Novak permanently retired from acting.

1991: Liebestraum and Conflicts with Director Mike Figgis

In 1991, Kim Novak starred in "Liebestraum," experiencing conflicts with director Mike Figgis due to creative differences and feeling manipulated, reminiscent of past experiences.

1995: Empire Magazine Ranking

In 1995, Kim Novak was ranked 92nd on Empire Magazine's list of the 100 Sexiest Stars in Film History.

1996: Vertigo Restoration and Screenings

In 1996, Kim Novak appeared at screenings of the restored "Vertigo" after declining previous requests.

1997: Purchase of Oregon Ranch

Kim Novak and Robert Malloy bought a ranch in Sams Valley, Oregon, in 1997.

1997: Honorary Golden Bear Award

Kim Novak received the Honorary Golden Bear Award for lifetime achievement at the 47th Berlin International Film Festival in 1997.

1997: Berlin International Film Festival Award

Kim Novak was honored with the Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1997.

July 2000: House Fire

In July 2000, Kim Novak's home burned down, destroying her art and autobiography manuscript.

2001: Naomi Watts' Performance in "Mulholland Drive"

Naomi Watts stated that her performance in the 2001 film "Mulholland Drive" was influenced by Kim Novak.

2003: Eastman Kodak Archives Award

Kim Novak received the Eastman Kodak Archives Award for her contribution to film in 2003.

2004: Appearance on Larry King Live

In 2004, Kim Novak appeared on "Larry King Live" and expressed a willingness to return to acting under the right circumstances.

2004: Retirement and Potential Return

In 2004, Kim Novak discussed her retirement and the possibility of returning to the screen if the right role came along.

2005: Alexander McQueen's "The Novak" Bag

In 2005, Alexander McQueen named his first "It Bag" The Novak after Kim Novak.

2005: Reflection on Liebestraum

In 2005, Kim Novak reflected on her experience filming "Liebestraum," acknowledging her own unprofessionalism while also expressing hurt and feelings of manipulation.

2006: Horse-riding Accident

In 2006, Kim Novak was injured in a horse-riding accident but recovered within a year.

March 2008: Renée Zellweger Vanity Fair Photo Shoot

In March 2008, Renée Zellweger dressed as Kim Novak's character from "Vertigo" for a Vanity Fair photo shoot.

October 2010: Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery

In October 2010, Kim Novak was diagnosed with breast cancer but made a full recovery.

2010: American Cinematheque Tribute

Kim Novak received a tribute from the American Cinematheque in 2010, making a rare personal appearance and receiving a standing ovation.

April 2012: TCM Classic Film Festival and Grauman's Chinese Theatre Ceremony

In April 2012, Kim Novak was honored at the TCM Classic Film Festival, participated in a Q&A, and received a handprint and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. She also received the San Francisco Cinematic Icon Award.

2012: Vertigo Acclaimed as Best Film of All Time

In 2012, Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo," starring Kim Novak, was voted the best film of all time in the British Film Institute's Sight & Sound critics' poll.

2012: Grauman's Chinese Theatre Ceremony and S.F. Cinematic Icon Award

In 2012, Kim Novak participated in a handprint and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre and received the S.F. Cinematic Icon Award.

March 6, 2013: TCM Interview and Revelation of Bipolar Disorder

On March 6, 2013, Kim Novak's TCM interview aired, during which she discussed her career, revealed her bipolar disorder, and expressed sadness over unfulfilled potential.

April 23, 2013: Death of Joan Gundlach

Robert Malloy's ex-wife, Joan Gundlach, died on April 23, 2013.

2013: Novak Expresses Disappointment with Her Performance in Vertigo

Despite the critical acclaim for "Vertigo," Novak expressed disappointment with her own performance upon rewatching the film in 2013. She felt her characters were exaggerated, although she acknowledged some scenes where she felt her acting was "wonderful."

2013: Cannes Film Festival Appearance

In 2013, Kim Novak was a guest of honor at the Cannes Film Festival, where she introduced a restored version of "Vertigo" and presented at the closing ceremony, receiving a standing ovation.

2014: Response to Criticism After Oscars Appearance

Following criticism of her appearance at the 2014 Academy Awards, Kim Novak addressed the negative comments in an open letter, admitting to and expressing regret over cosmetic surgery.

2014: Academy Awards and TCM Festival Appearances

In 2014, Kim Novak presented at the 86th Academy Awards and the TCM Classic Film Festival, where she unveiled her painting "Vertigo / Vortex of Delusion" and introduced a screening of "Bell, Book and Candle". She also spoke on a Cunard Line cruise, introducing screenings and doing a Q&A.

2015: Febiofest Award and Film Festival Appearances

In 2015, Kim Novak received the Kristián Award at the Febiofest film festival and hosted screenings of "Vertigo" with live orchestral performances at the Toronto International Film Festival.

2015: Kristián Award at Febiofest

In 2015, Kim Novak received the Kristián Award at the Febiofest international film festival.

2016: Vertigo Screenings and TCM Cruise

In 2016, Novak hosted screenings of "Vertigo" with the San Francisco Symphony and was a guest on a Turner Classic Movies Caribbean Cruise, where she raised money for suicide prevention through art sales.