Margot Kidder Net Worth

Margot Kidder: From Superman’s Lois Lane to a Life of Resilience

Margot Kidder, a name synonymous with Lois Lane, the intrepid reporter from the Superman films, led a life as captivating and multifaceted as the roles she portrayed. From her early days in Canada to her rise in Hollywood, Kidder’s journey was marked by both soaring successes and personal struggles. This article delves into the life and career of Margot Kidder, exploring her impact on the world of cinema, her activism, and her enduring legacy.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born Margaret Ruth Kidder on October 17, 1948, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, Margot Kidder’s early life was marked by frequent moves due to her father’s work as an explosives engineer. This transient upbringing instilled in her a sense of adaptability and a broad perspective on the world. Her mother, a history teacher, and her father, an American, cultivated her interest in both show business and political activism. She had three brothers, John, Michael, and Peter and a sister named Annie. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in both show business and politics.

Kidder attended numerous schools throughout her youth, eventually graduating from Havergal College in 1966. That same year, she faced a difficult personal situation, an illegal abortion after becoming pregnant. Her pursuit of higher education led her to the University of British Columbia, but she dropped out after a year to pursue her acting ambitions.

A portrait of actress Margot Kidder, photographed in Montreal. (Photo by David Howells/Corbis via Getty Images)

Film Career Takeoff: Early Roles and Breakthroughs

Kidder’s film career began in 1968 with “The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar,” a production of the Canadian participatory film project, Challenge for Change. This early work showcased her burgeoning talent and set the stage for her future success. She followed this with a role in the comedy “Gaily, Gaily.” In 1970, she starred opposite Gene Wilder in the comedy “Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx,” gaining further recognition for her versatility. In 1973, she starred in Brian De Palma’s acclaimed psychological horror film “Sisters,” where she played conjoined twins, demonstrating her ability to tackle challenging roles. The mid-1970s saw her appearing in a string of films including the drama “A Quiet Day in Belfast,” the crime comedy “The Gravy Train,” and the slasher film “Black Christmas.” She continued to build her repertoire with roles in “The Great Waldo Pepper,” “92 in the Shade,” and “The Reincarnation of Peter Proud.”

Superman and Global Stardom

In 1978, Kidder’s career reached new heights when she starred in “Superman: The Movie,” directed by Richard Donner. As Lois Lane, the spirited and resourceful love interest of Christopher Reeve’s Superman, she captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The film was a massive commercial success, launching Kidder to superstardom and solidifying her place in cinematic history. Her portrayal of Lois Lane was a blend of wit, intelligence, and vulnerability, making the character an iconic figure in the superhero genre. The film spawned three sequels: “Superman II”, “Superman III” and “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace”, all of which featured Kidder reprising her role as Lois Lane. Her performance in the Superman films not only defined the character for a generation but also set a standard for the portrayal of female leads in action-oriented movies.

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Post-Superman Career: Diverse Roles and Challenges

Following her success with Superman, Kidder continued to work in a variety of films. She starred in the supernatural horror film “The Amityville Horror”, which was another commercial success. In the 1980s, she took on roles in films like “Willie & Phil,” “Heartaches,” “Some Kind of Hero,” and “Trenchcoat.” Her film credits during this period included the action drama “Little Treasure” and the comedy “Mob Story.” However, she worked less frequently in the early 1990s due to mental health struggles. In 1996, she returned to the screen in the dramedy “Never Met Picasso.” She then appeared in the slasher film “The Clown at Midnight” and the romantic drama “The Annihilation of Fish.” The 2000s saw Kidder appearing in independent films, including the erotic thriller “Angel Blade,” an adaptation of “Crime and Punishment,” “The Last Sign,” and “Rob Zombie’s” “Halloween II.” She also appeared in “Redemption: For Robbing the Dead,” “No Deposit,” and “The Neighborhood.” Her final film role was in “Robber’s Roost.”

Television Work: Expanding Horizons

Kidder also had a notable presence on television throughout her career. Early on, she appeared in episodes of “Wojeck,” “Adventures in Rainbow Country,” and “The Mod Squad.” In the early 1970s, she had a recurring role on the Western series “Nichols” and guest appearances on shows like “Banacek” and “Barnaby Jones.” In the 1980s, she starred in several television films, including “Pygmalion,” “Louisiana,” and “Body of Evidence.” She continued to appear in television films in the 1990s with credits such as “White Room” and “To Catch a Killer.” During this time, she also lent her voice to the animated series “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” and “Phantom 2040.” In the new millennium, Kidder made appearances on “Amazon,” “The Outer Limits,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and “Earth: Final Conflict.” In 2004, she guest-starred on “Smallville” and appeared in the television film “Chicks with Sticks.” Later credits include “Robson Arms,” “The L Word,” and “Brothers & Sisters.” Her final television appearance was in 2014 on the anthology series “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour,” for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award.

Activism and Advocacy

Beyond her acting career, Margot Kidder was a passionate advocate for various causes. A staunch supporter of American democracy and liberal ideals, she was actively involved in activism throughout her life. In 2009, she served as the Montana State Coordinator for Progressive Democrats of America. She was also deeply involved in environmental and LGBTQ activism, using her platform to raise awareness and support for these important issues.

Mental Health Battles: A Personal Struggle

Kidder’s life was not without its personal challenges. In late 1990, she was severely injured in a car accident on the set of the television show “Nancy Drew and Daughter,” which left her partially paralyzed. The accident, combined with the onset of bipolar disorder, led to financial difficulties and a decline in her mental health. In 1996, she experienced a highly publicized nervous breakdown in Los Angeles. After being found in a distressed state, she was placed in psychiatric care and received treatment through orthomolecular medicine. Despite these struggles, Kidder was open about her experiences, helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and inspiring others to seek help.

Personal Life and Legacy

Kidder’s personal life included three marriages. She married writer Thomas McGuane in 1976, with whom she had a daughter, Maggie. They divorced in 1977. Two years later, she married actor John Heard, but the marriage lasted only six days. Her third marriage was to French film director Philippe de Broca, from 1983 to 1984. Margot Kidder passed away in her home in Livingston, Montana, in the spring of 2018, at the age of 69. Her death was ruled a suicide by an overdose of alcohol and drugs, a tragic end to a life filled with both triumphs and tribulations. Her legacy continues to live on through her work and her impact on popular culture.

Margot Kidder’s Net Worth

At the time of her death in 2018, Margot Kidder’s net worth was estimated to be $300,000. This figure reflects her earnings from a long and successful acting career, encompassing film, television, and voice work. While her net worth might not reflect the full scope of her impact, it does offer a financial snapshot of her life and career. Her contributions to the film industry and her lasting influence on generations of viewers ensure that her memory will be cherished.