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Kim Novak Now: 7 Shocking Secrets And Triumphs Of The Vertigo Star At 92

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Kim Novak, the iconic star of Alfred Hitchcock's *Vertigo*, is experiencing an extraordinary career resurgence in 2025, proving that the Golden Age of Hollywood never truly fades. At 92 years old, the legendary actress has re-emerged from her secluded life in Oregon to accept one of cinema's highest honors and reclaim her narrative through a deeply personal new documentary, solidifying her status not just as a screen siren, but as a fiercely independent artist.

The latest updates, including a prestigious award and a major art exhibition, paint a picture of a woman who successfully escaped the confines of the Hollywood studio system to forge a life defined by freedom, painting, and the raw beauty of nature. This article delves into the most current and compelling facts about the star, from her recent triumphs at the Venice Film Festival to the intimate details of her life as Marilyn Pauline Novak Malloy.

Kim Novak: A Full Biography and Current Profile

Born Marilyn Pauline Novak, the actress became one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1950s, a true Hollywood phenomenon who later famously rejected the restrictive studio system to live a life of peace and artistic expression. Her current profile is a testament to her enduring spirit and commitment to authenticity.

  • Birth Name: Marilyn Pauline Novak
  • Current Legal Name: Marilyn Pauline Malloy (Novak is her maiden name)
  • Date of Birth: February 13, 1933
  • Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
  • Age (as of 2025): 92 years old
  • Primary Occupation: Retired Actress, Active Painter, and Sculptor
  • Spouse: Robert Malloy (veterinarian; married 1976; deceased)
  • Current Residence: A secluded ranch near the Rogue River in Oregon
  • Major Career Highlights (Entities): *Vertigo* (1958), *Picnic* (1955), *The Man With the Golden Arm* (1955), *Bell Book and Candle* (1958), *Pal Joey* (1957)
  • Recent Honors (2025): Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival

The 2025 Resurgence: Golden Lion and the New Documentary

The year 2025 marks a significant moment in Kim Novak's public life, bringing her back into the global spotlight after decades of intentional seclusion. This resurgence is centered around two major events that celebrate her indelible contributions to cinema and her personal journey.

1. Honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement

In a rare public appearance, Kim Novak was honored with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. This award is a recognition of her powerful presence and unique impact during Hollywood's Golden Era, particularly her iconic performance as Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton in Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, *Vertigo*. Her appearance at the festival was a major media event, confirming her status as one of the last living legends of her generation.

2. The Premiere of *Kim Novak's Vertigo* (2025)

Accompanying the award was the premiere of a new, deeply personal documentary titled *Kim Novak's Vertigo*. The film offers an unprecedented look into her life, allowing the 92-year-old star to finally reclaim her own story and address the pressures and traumas of the studio system that once tried to control her. In interviews surrounding the documentary, Novak spoke candidly about her decision to leave the industry and the realities of aging, making the film a powerful, self-authored statement on personal freedom.

Unmasked Emotions: Kim Novak's Life as an Artist in Oregon

Since stepping away from the film industry, Novak has dedicated herself entirely to the visual arts, primarily painting and sculpture, from her secluded ranch in Southern Oregon. This second career is far from a mere hobby; it is the core of her identity and a therapeutic outlet for the emotions she felt suppressed in Hollywood.

Her Current Art Exhibition: "Unmasked Emotions"

A major and very recent update is her art exhibition, "Kim Novak: Unmasked Emotions," which has been presented at The Butler Institute of American Art. The exhibition features her most recent paintings, with a number of the pieces having been created during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her art provides a vibrant visual narrative of her inner world, contrasting sharply with the controlled, cool image she was forced to project on screen.

The Fusion of Impressionism and Expressionism

Novak describes her painting style as a "marriage of impressionism and expressionism," using color and light to convey deep feeling. Her artistic influences are diverse and high-profile, including the visionary use of color by Marc Chagall, the atmospheric power of J. M. W. Turner, and, to a lesser extent, the surrealism of Salvador Dalí. The exhibition's title, "Unmasked Emotions," perfectly captures her artistic intention: to reveal the true self that Hollywood tried to hide.

Beyond the Blonde: The Legacy of *Vertigo* and Her Hollywood Battles

Kim Novak's legacy is inextricably linked to *Vertigo*, a film now consistently ranked as one of the greatest ever made. However, her time in Hollywood was marked by a constant struggle for control over her image and her life, a theme that resonates strongly with contemporary discussions about the industry.

The Studio's Control and the Name Change

Born Marilyn Pauline Novak, she was famously pressured by Columbia Pictures boss Harry Cohn to change her name to Kim Novak to avoid confusion with Marilyn Monroe. This early act of control set the stage for years of battles over her hair color, weight, and public persona. She was a natural brunette who was forced to be a 'cool blonde' to fit the era's mold.

Defending Alfred Hitchcock

In recent years, Novak has weighed in on the complex relationship she had with *Vertigo* director Alfred Hitchcock. While acknowledging his eccentricities, she has defended him against accusations, stating that she felt a genuine connection and that their relationship was not scandalous. She has expressed disappointment over the negative portrayal of the legendary director, emphasizing her own positive experience working on the classic film.

The Ranch Life and the Fire

Her move to a secluded ranch in Oregon with her late husband, veterinarian Robert Malloy, was her ultimate act of defiance against the Hollywood machine. However, her retreat was not without tragedy. In 2000, a devastating fire destroyed her home, taking with it all her possessions, including her nearly completed autobiography manuscript and original artworks. Despite the loss, she rebuilt her life and her art, finding solace in her animals and the natural beauty of the Rogue River valley.

Kim Novak's 2025 honors and public appearances are not just a nostalgic look back, but a powerful affirmation of an artist who chose her own path. From the cool blonde of *Vertigo* to the passionate painter of "Unmasked Emotions," her life continues to inspire those who seek authenticity over fame. Her story—a blend of Hollywood glamour, artistic integrity, and a quiet life on an Oregon ranch—is a timeless lesson in self-determination.

kim novak
kim novak

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