History of Sue Lyon in Timeline

Sue Lyon was an American actress best known for her role as the titular character in Stanley Kubrick's 1962 film adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita." Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award.

July 10, 1946: Sue Lyon's Birth

On July 10, 1946, Sue Lyon was born.

August 10, 1960: James Mason Cast as Humbert Humbert

On August 10, 1960, Variety magazine reported that James Mason had been cast as Humbert Humbert in the film adaptation of 'Lolita'.

September 28, 1960: Sue Lyon's Casting Announced

The Los Angeles Times reported on September 28, 1960, that Sue Lyon had been cast as Lolita.

1960: Nabokov's Ideal Lolita

Although initially supportive of Lyon's casting, Vladimir Nabokov later stated that Catherine Demongeot, who appeared in the 1960 film 'Zazie in the Metro,' would have been his ideal Lolita.

1960: Introduction to Lolita

In 1960, Sue Lyon's friend Michelle Phillips introduced her to the controversial novel Lolita, a year before Lyon auditioned for the part.

1960: Sue Lyon's Seven-Year Contract

Sue Lyon signed a seven-year contract with Stanley Kubrick, James B. Harris, and Seven Arts Productions in 1960 for her role in 'Lolita'.

1960: Original Casting Choices for Lolita

The role of Lolita was originally offered to Jill Haworth and Hayley Mills, but both were unavailable in 1960.

June 13, 1962: World Premiere of Stanley Kubrick's Lolita

Stanley Kubrick's 'Lolita' had its world premiere at Loew's State Theatre in New York City on June 13, 1962.

June 1962: Sue Lyon's Rise to Fame and Golden Globe Win

At 15 years old, Sue Lyon became an instant celebrity following the premiere of 'Lolita' in June 1962. She also won a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer—Female.

September 1962: Dwight McDonald's Review of Lolita

In September 1962, Dwight McDonald published a negative review of Kubrick's 'Lolita' in Esquire Magazine.

October 1962: Hays Code Amendment After Lolita's Release

Ironically, in October 1962, months after 'Lolita' premiered, the Hays Code was amended to permit the depiction of "sex aberrations" on screen.

1962: Casting as Lolita in Stanley Kubrick's Film

At the age of 14, Sue Lyon was cast as Dolores "Lolita" Haze in Stanley Kubrick's 1962 film adaptation of the novel 'Lolita'.

1962: Discussion of Lolita

In 1962, Sue Lyon mentioned in a German TV interview that she and her mother read and discussed the novel Lolita after she was cast in the film's title role.

1962: Golden Globe Award for Lolita

In 1962, Sue Lyon was awarded a Golden Globe for her role as Lolita in Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation.

1962: Release of Lolita Ya Ya Single

MGM Records released a 7" vinyl single in 1962 featuring Sue Lyon singing "Ya ya" in Nelson Riddle's 'Lolita Ya Ya'.

1964: The Night of the Iguana as a Seven Arts Production

'The Night of the Iguana' (1964), which featured Sue Lyon, was a Seven Arts production.

1964: Appearance in The Night of the Iguana

Sue Lyon appeared in John Huston's film 'The Night of the Iguana' in 1964.

1965: Relationship with Donovan

In 1965, early in her career, Sue Lyon had a relationship with Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan.

1966: Role in John Ford's 7 Women

In 1966, Sue Lyon took on a role in John Ford's film '7 Women'.

1967: Appearances in 7 Women, The Flim-Flam Man, and Tony Rome

In 1967, Sue Lyon appeared in three films: '7 Women', 'The Flim-Flam Man', and 'Tony Rome'.

1967: Sue Lyon's Reflection on Beauty and Happiness

In 1967, Sue Lyon reflected on the importance of maintaining beauty and happiness, emphasizing the need to think ahead and avoid harm to oneself and others.

1967: Appearances in Tony Rome and The Flim Flam Man

Sue Lyon had roles in two films in 1967: 'Tony Rome' and 'The Flim Flam Man'.

1967: Loving v. Virginia Decision

The Supreme Court's decision in Loving v. Virginia in 1967 declared state laws banning interracial marriage unconstitutional in the United States.

1969: Appearances in Four Rode Out, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Love American Style

Sue Lyon's career saw a decline in 1969, marked by appearances in the low-budget western 'Four Rode Out', a TV adaptation of 'Arsenic and Old Lace', and the TV comedy 'Love American Style'.

1971: Marriage to Roland Harrison and Appearance in Evel Knievel

Sue Lyon married African American football player Roland Harrison in 1971. The same year, she appeared in the film 'Evel Knievel'.

1972: Birth of Nona Merrill Harrison

Sue Lyon and Roland Harrison welcomed their daughter, Nona Merrill Harrison, in Los Angeles in 1972.

1973: Marriage to Cotton Adamson

In 1973, Sue Lyon married Cotton Adamson, who was imprisoned for murder.

1974: Divorce from Gary D. "Cotton" Adamson

Sue Lyon's marriage to Gary D. "Cotton" Adamson ended in 1974, a year after they wed in a Colorado state prison.

1977: Release of End of the World

In 1977, Sue Lyon played the wife of Christopher Lee's astrophysicist character in the sci-fi movie End of the World. The film received poor reviews and was part of a double-bill with another low budget sci-fi flick. Christopher Lee later expressed regret over his participation, citing misleading information from the producer.

1977: Appearance in Charles Band's Crash!

Sue Lyon appeared in the 1977 film 'Crash!', produced by Charles Band, alongside Oscar-winner Jose Ferrer.

1978: Role in The Astral Factor and Towing

In 1978, Sue Lyon appeared in The Astral Factor, a low budget sci-fi film that went through three directors. She also starred in the comedy film Towing, which was based on Mike Royko's expose of unethical towing companies. The film, also known as Who Stole My Wheels? and Garage Girls, featured early work by Dennis Franz and received a low rating from critic Roger Ebert.

1980: Final Role in Alligator

Sue Lyon ceased working in the entertainment industry after a bit part in the 1980 B-movie Alligator.

1980: Retirement from Acting after Alligator

Sue Lyon retired from acting after her appearance in the film 'Alligator', which was released in 1980.

1984: Final Appearance in Invisible Strangler

In 1984, a recut version of The Astral Factor, re-titled Invisible Strangler, was released, marking the last time Sue Lyon appeared in a motion picture.

1985: Marriage to Richard Rudman

Sue Lyon married engineer Richard Rudman in 1985.

1991: Featured on Manic Street Preachers Single Artwork

In 1991, Sue Lyon was prominently featured on the artwork for the single 'Stay Beautiful' by the Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers.

1996: Sue Lyon's Reflection on Lolita

In a rare public appearance in 1996, Sue Lyon expressed that she believed her involvement in 'Lolita' had a destructive impact on her life.

2002: Divorce from Richard Rudman

Sue Lyon's marriage to Richard Rudman ended in divorce in 2002.

2015: James B. Harris on Casting Sue Lyon

In a 2015 interview, producer James B. Harris explained that the casting of a 14-year-old Sue Lyon, who looked older, was intentional to make her a "definite sex object" for the audience.

December 26, 2019: Sue Lyon's Death

On December 26, 2019, Sue Lyon passed away.

2020: Controversial Revelation by Michelle Phillips

In 2020, Michelle Phillips alleged that producer James B. Harris became emotionally involved with Sue Lyon during the shooting of Lolita and was her first lover when she was 14 years old. Harris, who was nearly 18 years older and married at the time, refused to comment on the allegation when contacted by journalist Sarah Weinman.

2023: Box Office Success of Evel Knievel

'Evel Knievel', one of Sue Lyon's last major films, was a minor box office success, earning $4 million in rentals, equivalent to about $30,093,673 in 2023.