Kim Novak | Source: Getty Images
- Kim Novak, the iconic actress of the 1950s and 1960s, has recently become the focus of online debates about her changing facial appearance.
- Critics have accused her of ruining her stunning looks with plastic surgeries.
- Now 91, Novak pursued a different career path with passion and embraced a life of peace and love away from Hollywood.
Kim Novak, a renowned actress of the 1950s and 1960s, captivated audiences with her striking beauty and compelling performances. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she began her career as a model before transitioning to acting, where she quickly became a leading lady in Hollywood.
An undated image of Kim Novak | Source: Getty Images
Despite stepping away from the limelight in the late 1960s, Novak has remained a topic of public fascination. Recently, discussions about her physical appearance have sparked controversy. Online users have commented on her dramatic transformation, attributing it to plastic surgeries.
Kim Novak in 1951 | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1955
Novak is best known for her iconic roles in films such as “Picnic,” released in 1955. She starred as Madge Owens in this film directed by Joshua Logan.
Kim Novak as Madge Owens in "Picnic" in 1955. | Source: Getty Images
In 1954, the actress starred in “Phffft,” a film that earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer-Female in 1955. This award showcased how she was making a mark in the entertainment industry.
Kim Novak receives Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year û Actress at the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California in 1955. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1956
Novak exuded classic Hollywood glamour in this black-and-white photograph from 1956. Her short hair framed her fine cheekbones perfectly. Posing like a supermodel with her hands on her waist, she wore a ribbed dress that accentuated her elegant silhouette.
Kim Novak on January 27, 1956 | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1960
In a 1960s photograph, Novak, who was in her late 20s, looked charming. Her skin was smooth, capturing the freshness of her age. Her hair was also styled fashionably for the era.
Kim Novak studio publicity portrait posing in white sweater circa 1960. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1965
Novak married English actor Richard Johnson in 1965, though their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1966. In the brief union, Novak continued to captivate with her style and grace.
Richard Johnson and Kim Novak, circa 1965. | Source: Getty Images
She was once photographed looking stunning with her signature hairstyle combed out, epitomizing timeless elegance even during her marriage.
Kim Novak, circa 1965. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1975
In I975, Novak starred in the ABC movie “Satan’s Triangle.” In the horror film, Novak’s physical appearance is strikingly approachable. She wore navy blue trousers and a matching navy blue shirt adorned with prints. Her hair is held back with a wrap, adding to her relaxed look.
Kim Novak appearing in "Satan's Triangle" in Channel
Islands, California, in 1975. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1977
In “The White Buffalo,” released in 1977, Novak starred alongside Charles Bronson and Will Sampson. In her late 40s, she retained her youthful glow, but her photographs from this period showed how she had matured over time.
Kim Novak on "The White Buffalo" in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1980
The actress’s beauty had evolved with age by 1980. She had a beaming smile and expressive eyes when photographed at events. Her presence also continued to captivate her fans.
Kim Novak attends an event, benefitting the Mountbatten
Memorial Fund, at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City,
on December 15, 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1983
Novak wowed fans on the screen again with her performance in “Malibu.” She looked magnificent playing a real estate agent who knew everybody’s dirty secret. The actress seemed tough in a photo taken on set with her hair held by a band and her sunglasses at hand.
Kim Novak appearing in the ABC movie "Malibu" in Malibu,
California in 1983. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak 1990 and 1991
Novak left Hollywood and opened up about her reason for leaving in 2021. She moved first to Camel, California, and then went to Oregon, where she lived her life as an artist.
Kim Novak attends 47th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills,
California, on January 20, 1990. | Source: Getty Images
“I had to leave. It was a survival issue. I lost a sense of who I truly was and what I stood for,” she elaborated. Novak decided to leave after constantly battling to maintain her identity. She felt it was essential to stay true to herself and her values.
Kim Novak attends the New York Film Society Tribute Honoring James Stewart
at Lincoln Center in New York City, on April 23, 1990. | Source: Getty Images
Instead of writing a tell-all book as many expected, she preferred to create an art book, a project she found more personally fulfilling. Although she had nearly completed her autobiography, a house fire destroyed her only copy.
Kim Novak attends 47th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills,
California, on January 20, 1990. | Source: Getty Images
The actress chose not to recreate it. “I just couldn’t go through it again because I had spent so much time. But it was okay because it was a catharsis just to do it,” she elaborated.
Kim Novak attends the New York Film Society Tribute Honoring James Stewart
at Lincoln Center in New York City, on April 23, 1990. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 1995 and 1996
In 1995, Novak was listed among the Empire Magazine’s 100 Sexiest Movie Stars. She came 92nd on the list, which included celebs such as Winona Ryder and Elizabeth Taylor.
Kim Novak attends "Vertigo" premiere at Century City,
California, on October 14, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
The actress’s beauty and glow were evident even in 1996. She would rock a pixie haircut, leaving her smoky eyes, bright smile, and radiant skin in full view.
Kim Novak attends "Vertigo" premiere party at Planet Hollywood,
in New York City, on October 4, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in the 2000s
In the early 2000s, Novak was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has since worked to destigmatize the condition, emphasizing that it is simply another treatable illness. She managed her symptoms with antipsychotic medication.
Kim Novak at the "Vertigo" screening at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood,
California, on January 17, 2004. | Source: Getty Images
The actress avoided lithium due to its side effect of weight gain. She found this side-effect undesirable both for her well-being and her lifestyle with her horse.
Kim Novak at the "Vertigo" screening at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood,
California, on January 17, 2004. | Source: Getty Images
Novak explained that her art has positively influenced her experience with bipolar disorder, and the disorder has, in turn, enriched her art. “All those rages and feelings of depression, they leave you when you let them out. And that’s what painting is all about,” she said.
Kim Novak at the "Vertigo" screening at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood,
California, on January 17, 2004. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 2012
In 2012, Novak was honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre during the TCM Classic Film Festival. At the event, her facial appearance had changed significantly from her earlier years.
Kim Novak is immortalized with a hand and footprint ceremony as part of the 2012 TCM
Classic Film Festival at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood,
California, on April 14, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
Her once-glowing skin appeared somewhat lackluster, and her cheeks looked taut. Her eyes lacked the previous sparkle and allure they once had, and her smile seemed less vibrant and expressive.
Kim Novak is immortalized with a hand and footprint ceremony as part of the 2012 TCM
Classic Film Festival at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood,
California, on April 14, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak in 2014
In 2014, Donald Trump criticized Novak’s appearance on Twitter. He suggested that she should “sue her plastic surgeon” after she made a rare public appearance to present an award at the Oscars.
Kim Novak attends the TCM Classic Film Festival's opening night gala and world premiere of
the restoration of "Oklahoma!" hosted in Hollywood, California, on April 10, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Novak herself admitted she was unhappy with how she looked that night. She revealed that feeling insecure and seeking help, she had undergone fat injections in her face. The injections which she regretted undergoing, made her round face look too round.
Kim Novak poses in the press room during the 86th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood,
California, on March 2, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
She also mentioned that her decision to take Valium on an empty stomach that night due to trying to lose weight left her feeling drained and lacking energy.
Kim Novak attends the TCM Classic Film Festival's opening night gala and world premiere of
the restoration of "Oklahoma!" hosted in Hollywood, California, on April 10, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Some online users agreed with Trump that Novak’s face had changed immensely due to plastic surgery. “She did destroy her gorgeous face with surgery and I would sue her surgeon if he thought that looked good, stop the check Kim,” an individual noted.
Kim Novak poses in the press room during the 86th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood,
California, on March 2, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
“OMG what has she done to herself,” an online user wondered. “What happened to her face?” another user asked. “Omg, I can’t believe it!” a shocked person declared.
Kim Novak attends the TCM Classic Film Festival's opening night gala and world premiere of
the restoration of "Oklahoma!" hosted in Hollywood, California, on April 10, 2014. |
Source: Getty Images
Novak did not take Trump’s comments well as she called him a bully for mocking her facial appearance. However, more fans agreed with Trump, saying, “I think that most of us, if we are honest, think she has ruined her face and that plastic surgery has made her face look freaky.”
Kim Novak in 1956 | Kim Novak in 2014
Kim Novak in 2015
In 2015, the effects of Novak’s plastic surgery were still evident on her face. She looked excessively puffed, even unnaturally full.
Kim Novak attends the "Vertigo" Photo Call during the Toronto International Film Festival
in Toronto, Canada, on September 20, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
The face fillers gave her face a rounded as well as distorted appearance. Additionally, her skin appeared taut, losing the natural suppleness and glossy look she had in her younger years.
Kim Novak attends a photocall for "Vertigo" during the Toronto International Film Festival
in Toronto, Canada, on September 20, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
Even her smile appeared unnatural when she posed for the camera at a photocall for “Vertigo” during the the Toronto International Film Festival hosted in Canada.
Kim Novak attends a photocall for "Vertigo" during the 2015 Toronto
International Film Festival on September 20, 2015, in Toronto, Canada. |
Source: Getty Images
Up-close shots of the celebrity, who has wrinkles on her face despite having had work done, show the unnaturalness around her cheeks, nose and mouth.
Kim Novak attends a photocall for "Vertigo" during the 2015 Toronto
International Film Festival on September 20, 2015, in Toronto, Canada. |
Source: Getty Images
Regardless of the fact, Novak continued attending events unfazed by online user’s comments about what happened to her face. She once posed beside her second husband, Robert Malloy, with a slight smile.
Kim Novak and Robert Malloy arrive at the opening ceremony during the
Febiofest Prague International Film Festival in Prague, Czech Republic, on March 19, 2015. |
Source: Getty Images
The actress also continued with her work as an artist, showcasing her paintings at events. She proudly posed beside her glorious painting at the Febiofest Prague International Film Festival.
Kim Novak poses with her painting at a photocall during the
Febiofest Prague International Film Festival in Prague, Czech Republic,
on March 20, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
Kim Novak from 2019 to 2021
In 2021, Novak opened up more about her life after leaving Hollywood. First, the star narrated that she really felt she could lose herself if she stayed in the acting industry.
Kim Novak speaks on finding herself in a YouTube video dated, January 12, 2020. |
Source: Youtube/@CBSSundayMorning
“It’s exciting to dress up in gorgeous clothes and to feel sexy and to look sexy. It’s wonderful, but it’s a trap. You become satisfied with that being enough, then later in life it isn’t enough,” shared Novak.
Kim Novak speaks on finding herself in a YouTube video dated, January 12, 2020. |
Source: Youtube/@CBSSundayMorning
After leaving Hollywood, she said she went ahead and dedicated herself to her twin passions, art and animals. She found her greatest teachers in animals, not just dogs and cats but also horses and llamas. Her relationships with animals have been the most significant in her life.
Kim Novak speaks about her Hollywood career in a YouTube video dated, April 18,
2020. | Source: Youtube/@TurnerClassicMovies
This relationship has fulfilled her mothering instinct since she never had children. When asked if she wanted children, she admitted she didn’t. Kim Novak was always afraid they might inherit mental health issues and didn’t want them to suffer.
Kim Novak speaks about her Hollywood career in a YouTube video dated,
April 18, 2020. | Source: Youtube/@TurnerClassicMovies
As for the animals, they required her to meet them halfway, as they were not immediately accepting of humans. “They understand a person who’s genuine so I had to become more real and that made me rely on my inner self — and that also encouraged me to paint,” she narrated.
Kim Novak speaks on finding herself in a YouTube video dated,
January 12, 2020. | Source: Youtube/@CBSSundayMorning
Novak also learned to value aspects beyond physical appearance. This was a significant shift for someone once recognized primarily for her looks as a movie star. Embracing this change, she realized that her outward appearance was irrelevant to her true self and creative pursuits.
Kim Novak speaks about her Hollywood career in a YouTube video dated,
April 18, 2020. | Source: Youtube/@TurnerClassicMovies
The actress also expressed a desire for people to recognize her not just as a movie star but as an artist. Her paintings, showcased in a 2019 retrospective at the Butler Museum in Youngstown, Ohio, embodied this passion.
Kim Novak speaks on finding herself in a YouTube video dated, January 12, 2020. |
Source: Youtube/@CBSSundayMorning
The actress found joy in painting because it allowed her to take on the role of director, free from outside influence. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, Novak aims for her paintings to convey a sense of mystery at first glance.
She manages to produce whatever she wants because, unlike acting, painting allows her to take on the roles of director, producer, and actor within her art. “I love being the director, the producer, the actor in my paintings. This is who I am. I want people to see I was not just a movie star,” she revealed.
Kim Novak in 2023 and 2024
While some have criticized Novak’s appearance and cosmetic procedures, others have praised her. One fan commented, “She looks amazing.” Another admirer concurred, writing, “Kim, you look absolutely lovely, I daresay you don’t look even half your age. You are timelessly beautiful.”
The actress turned 91 on February 13, 2024, and enjoys a peaceful life away from the public eye. Her longtime manager and close friend, Sue Cameron, shared that Novak spent her birthday having a picnic on her property with friends and lots of fudge.
