Born as Marilyn Pauline Novak on February 13, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Kim Novak is widely recognized for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Beyond that iconic role, she received acclaim for her performances in films such as Picnic, The Man With the Golden Arm, Pal Joey, and others. Her illustrious career earned her two Golden Globe Awards, a Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite her impact on Hollywood, Novak’s career was relatively brief. She made her film debut in 1953, and by 1966, she had semi-retired, choosing to live a more secluded life on a ranch in Big Sur with her horses. Although she made occasional screen appearances over the following decades, Novak has not acted since 1991.
Now, she devotes her time to painting and enjoying life on the ranch she once shared with her late husband, Robert Malloy, an equine veterinarian. The couple met when Malloy made a house call to treat one of Novak’s Arabian mares that was suffering from colic.
Though her life as a Hollywood actress may seem glamorous, Novak has faced significant challenges. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she revealed, “I’ve had a lot of obstacles in my life. And I’m here.”
These obstacles included sexual abuse during her teenage years and threats against her life when she was rumored to be in an interracial relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. It’s been alleged that Columbia Pictures co-founder Harry Cohn threatened to have Davis Jr.’s legs broken unless he married a Black woman within 48 hours.
In contrast to Hollywood’s chaos, Novak now enjoys a peaceful life on her ranch. In 2021, she published her memoir, Kim Novak: Her Life and Art, where she shared intimate details about her life, including the hardships she endured. Despite facing adversity, she remains content in her tranquil life away from the spotlight.
In 2014, Novak made headlines after appearing at the Oscars, where she presented an award. However, her appearance sparked criticism, with some commenting on her looks and speculating about plastic surgery. Former President Donald Trump even criticized her on social media, to which Novak later responded, calling his remarks “bullying” and defending her decision to undergo cosmetic procedures.
In 2024, Novak celebrated her 91st birthday surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a picnic with “lots of fudge,” as shared by her close friend Sue Cameron. Despite the criticisms and challenges she has faced, Novak continues to embrace life on her terms, finding solace in her art, her animals, and the quiet beauty of her ranch.