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".
1957: Film Appearance: Pal Joey
Kim Novak starred alongside Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth in "Pal Joey" in 1957.
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: 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.
1960: Film Appearance: Strangers When We Meet
In 1960, Kim Novak appeared in the film "Strangers When We Meet".
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: 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.
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: 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 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.
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: 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.
1991: Retirement from Acting
Following a negative experience filming "Liebestraum" in 1991, Kim Novak permanently retired from acting.
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.
2003: Eastman Kodak Archives Award
Kim Novak received the Eastman Kodak Archives Award for her contributions 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: 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.
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."
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.
2018: "Vertigo" Anniversary Events
In 2018, Kim Novak participated in a Q&A with Larry King for "Vertigo's" 60th anniversary and received a tribute from the Castro Theatre.
October 2019: Art Retrospective at Butler Institute
Kim Novak's artwork was featured in a retrospective exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art, running from June until October 2019.
November 27, 2020: Death of Robert Malloy
Kim Novak's husband, Robert Malloy, died on November 27, 2020.
2021: Publication of "Kim Novak: Her Art and Life"
In 2021, the Butler Institute of American Art published a book showcasing Kim Novak's paintings, titled "Kim Novak: Her Art and Life".
June 6, 2024: Art Exhibition Opening
On June 6, 2024, Kim Novak attended the opening of her art exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art.
August 2024: End of Art Exhibition
Kim Novak's art exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art concluded in August 2024, having run from June of the same year.