Kim Novak Net Worth

Kim Novak’s Net Worth: A Look at the Actress’s Career, Life, and Fortune

Introduction

Kim Novak, a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour and the Golden Age of Cinema, carved a unique path in the film industry. Beyond her iconic roles, Novak’s life has been marked by personal choices, artistic pursuits, and resilience. This article delves into the life of Kim Novak, exploring her net worth, career highlights, personal journey, and lasting legacy.

Early Life and Education

Born Marilyn Pauline Novak on February 13, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Kim Novak’s early life laid the foundation for her future success. The daughter of Blanche Kral and Joseph Novak, a history teacher and freight dispatcher, Novak grew up in a family that would later play a small part in her career. Her parents even appeared in her film “The Notorious Landlady.” Her sister, Arlene, became a fashion designer. She attended William Penn Elementary and Farragut High School, later enrolling at Wright Junior College. Her artistic talents were evident early on; she earned two scholarships to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Before her final semester, she spent a summer traveling the U.S., modeling at trade shows for a refrigerator company, an experience that would serendipitously alter the course of her life.

Career Beginnings and Rise to Stardom

While modeling in Los Angeles, Novak’s captivating presence earned her the title of “Miss Deepfreeze.” It was during a casting call for extras in RKO films that an agent noticed her, leading to a contract with Columbia Pictures. The studio’s head, Harry Cohn, initially wanted her to change her name, but they settled on “Kim Novak.” Her film debut came in 1953 with an uncredited role in “The French Line.” This marked the beginning of her journey in the world of cinema.

Major Roles and Commercial Success

Kim Novak quickly rose to prominence in the mid-1950s. She achieved a Golden Globe for her role in “Phffft” (1954) and starred in several notable films. In 1955, she appeared in “5 Against the House,” “Picnic,” and the drama “The Man with the Golden Arm,” where she co-starred with Frank Sinatra. She starred in “The Eddy Duchin Story” (1956) and took on the title role in “Jeanne Eagels” (1957), further showcasing her versatility. Her performance as Judy Barton / Madeleine Elster in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” (1958), alongside James Stewart, solidified her status as a major star. The film is now recognized as a cinematic masterpiece and was preserved in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 1989. Following “Vertigo,” she starred in “Bell, Book and Candle” (1958), “Middle of the Night” (1959), and “Strangers When We Meet” (1960), among others. Novak’s ability to portray complex characters made her a sought-after actress.

Later Career, Television Work, and Retirement

After a period in the late 1960s where she took a break, Novak returned to acting. She starred in “The Great Bank Robbery” (1969), and in the 1970s, she appeared in “Tales That Witness Madness” (1973), “The Third Girl from the Left” (1973), “Satan’s Triangle” (1975), and “The White Buffalo” (1977). She also ventured into television, guest-starring on “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” in 1985 and playing Kit Marlowe on “Falcon Crest” from 1986 to 1987. Novak’s final film appearances were in the early 1990s with “The Children” (1990) and “Liebestraum” (1991), after which she retired from acting. In a 2004 interview, she reflected on her decision, citing the demanding nature of the film industry and the pressures of promoting her work.

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Personal Life and Relationships

Kim Novak’s personal life has been as captivating as her on-screen persona. She dated Sammy Davis, Jr. in the 1950s, a relationship marked by controversy, with allegations of threats from the mob. She was engaged to director Richard Quine, and she briefly dated basketball star Wilt Chamberlain. Novak married actor Richard Johnson in 1965, but they divorced the following year. In 1966, she moved to Big Sur, California, where she dedicated her time to raising horses and pursuing her passion for painting. She later married equine veterinarian Robert Malloy in 1976, and they remained together until his passing in 2020. Novak’s life away from the spotlight reflects her independent spirit and her dedication to her personal interests.

Health and Personal Challenges

Over the years, Kim Novak has faced health challenges. In 2006, she sustained injuries in a horse-riding accident, and in 2010, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she has since recovered from. Novak has also spoken publicly about difficult experiences, including an unsettling event at a party in the 1950s at Tony Curtis’s home, and she mentioned being a victim of rape in her youth. Through it all, she has demonstrated resilience and strength.

Awards and Accolades

Kim Novak’s contributions to cinema have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. She won two Golden Globes, for Most Promising Newcomer – Female (1955) and World Film Favorite – Female (1957). She was also nominated for a BAFTA Award and received several Laurel Awards. In later years, she was honored with the Honorary Golden Berlin Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival (1997), the George Eastman Award (2003), and the S.F. Cinematic Icon Award from the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society (2012). In 1960, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Real Estate and Assets

Kim Novak’s real estate holdings offer insights into her financial standing. From 1961 to 1973, she resided in a home in Carmel, California, which was later listed for sale in 2021. She has also owned properties in Oregon. Her financial success, combined with her passion for art and horses, paints a picture of a life well-lived.

Kim Novak Today

Since retiring from acting, Kim Novak has focused on her art, exhibiting her paintings and sharing her creative vision with the world. Her retrospective at Ohio’s Butler Institute of American Art in 2019, and the publication of “Kim Novak: Her Art and Life,” further cemented her legacy as a multifaceted artist. Novak’s life is a testament to her enduring appeal and her ability to reinvent herself beyond the realm of acting.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Kim Novak

Kim Novak’s life and career embody the glamour, artistry, and resilience of a Hollywood icon. From her early days as “Miss Deepfreeze” to her unforgettable roles in “Vertigo” and beyond, Novak left an indelible mark on cinema. Beyond the silver screen, her personal life, artistic pursuits, and ability to overcome challenges have added layers to her story. Kim Novak’s legacy extends beyond her net worth; it is a story of talent, beauty, and a life lived on her own terms, forever cherished by film enthusiasts worldwide.