Kim Novak (Marilyn Pauline Novak, 13 Febbraio 1933, Chicago, USA) 

is an American actress who gained fame and success during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is known for her beauty and enchanting performances.

Her film career included memorable roles in movies such as "Vertigo" (1958), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, alongside James Stewart. Her role in "Vertigo" is considered one of the most iconic in cinema history.

Education and Training. Novak started as a model and later studied acting at the Actors Studio in New York under the guidance of Lee Strasberg.

Early Career. She began her film career in the 1950s and gained fame with her role in "Picnic" (1955). She became one of Alfred Hitchcock's favorite actresses, appearing in "Vertigo" (1958) and "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1958).

Personal Life. Kim Novak has often been in the media spotlight. She had various relationships, including a marriage to veterinarian Robert Malloy. After her marriage, she took a hiatus from acting for a period.

Interests and Hobbies. Novak is also a passionate painter and continued to paint even after her retirement from acting. She spent much of her life in the countryside, surrounded by nature.

Important Films:

"Picnic" (1955):

Kim Novak portrays Madge Owens, a beautiful young woman living in a small Kansas town. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a charming and charismatic drifter named Hal Carter (played by William Holden) arrives in town. Hal's arrival disrupts the lives of the town's residents, including Madge's, as his presence stirs up emotions and desires. Madge becomes the object of Hal's affection, leading to a passionate and forbidden romance that unfolds against the backdrop of a lively Labor Day picnic. The film explores themes of desire, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness.

"Vertigo" (1958):

In Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece "Vertigo," Kim Novak plays a dual role as Judy Barton and Madeleine Elster. The film follows retired San Francisco police detective Scottie Ferguson (played by James Stewart), who is hired to follow Madeleine Elster. She appears to be possessed by a ghost and is involved in mysterious activities. As Scottie becomes obsessed with Madeleine, he unravels a complex web of deception and illusion. The film takes the audience on a psychological journey of love, obsession, and identity, with Kim Novak's dual performance at its core.

"Bell, Book and Candle" (1958):

Kim Novak stars as Gillian Holroyd, a beautiful and modern witch living in New York City. Gillian leads a seemingly ordinary life but has magical powers at her disposal. Her world is turned upside down when she becomes infatuated with her neighbor, Shep Henderson (played by James Stewart), who is engaged to her old college rival. Gillian decides to use her powers to win Shep's heart, leading to a whimsical and enchanting romantic comedy filled with spells, laughs, and unexpected twists.

"Middle of the Night" (1959):

In her first leading role, Kim Novak portrays Lona Mclane, a sultry nightclub singer with a mysterious past. When a young and ambitious police officer, Frank Harris (played by Fredric March), becomes infatuated with her, their lives become entangled in a dangerous web of passion and intrigue. As secrets from Lona's past resurface, the film delves into the world of crime, deception, and romantic tension. Kim Novak's captivating performance adds depth and complexity to her character in this film noir classic.

Filmography

1954 - "Pushover" (Richard Quine)

1954 - "Phffft" (Mark Robson)

1955 - "5 Against the House" (Phil Karlson)

1955 - "Picnic" (Joshua Logan)

1955 - "The Man with the Golden Arm" (Otto Preminger)

1956 - "The Eddy Duchin Story" (George Sidney)

1957 - "Jeanne Eagels" (George Sidney)

1957 - "Pal Joey" (George Sidney)

1958 - "Vertigo" (Alfred Hitchcock)

1958 - "Bell, Book and Candle" (Richard Quine)

1959 - "Middle of the Night" (Delbert Mann)

1960 - "Strangers When We Meet" (Richard Quine)

1960 - "Pepe" (Cameo appearance, George Sidney)

1962 - "Boys' Night Out" (Michael Gordon)

1962 - "The Notorious Landlady" (Richard Quine)

1964 - "Of Human Bondage" (Ken Hughes, Henry Hathaway, Bryan Forbes)

1964 - "Kiss Me, Stupid" (Billy Wilder)

1965 - "The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders" (Terence Young)

1968 - "The Legend of Lylah Clare" (Robert Aldrich)

1969 - "The Great Bank Robbery" (Hy Averback)

1973 - "The Third Girl from the Left" (TV movie, Peter Medak)

1975 - "Satan's Triangle" (TV movie, Sutton Roley)

1977 - "The White Buffalo" (J. Lee Thompson)

1979 - "Just a Gigolo" (David Hemmings)

1980 - "The Mirror Crack'd" (Guy Hamilton)

1983 - "Malibu" (TV miniseries, E.W. Swackhamer)

1985 - "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (TV series, episode: "Man from the South")

1986 - "Falcon Crest" (TV series)

1990 - "The Children" (Tony Palmer)

1991 - "Liebestraum" (Mike Figgis)

Awards

Golden Globe Awards:

• Most Promising Newcomer: Won in 1955.

Cannes Film Festival:

• Best Actress: Nominated for "Vertigo" (1958).

Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival:

• Awarded for her contribution to cinema in 1997.