Novak, Kim (1933–)

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Novak, Kim (1933–)

American actress. Born Marilyn Pauline Novak, Feb 13, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois; dau. of Joseph Novak (railroad employee), and Blanche Novak; attended Wright Junior College, Chicago; m. Richard Johnson (British actor), 1965 (div. 1966); m. Robert Malloy (veterinarian), 1976; no children.

With a combination of classic beauty and earthy sexuality, was one of Hollywood's most popular stars (1950s), particularly after her performance as the dreamy young ingenue in Picnic (1956); just as she was beginning to emerge as a capable dramatic actress (1962), purchased a ranch in Carmel, California, and cut back on her movie work; made film debut with bit part in The French Line (1954); came to prominence in The Man with the Golden Arm (1955), Picnic (1956), and The Eddy Duchin Story (1956); also starred in Jeanne Eagels (1957), Pal Joey (1957), Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958) and The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders (1965), among others.

See also Women in World History.