Kim Novak, the iconic star of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, celebrates her 91st birthday today. Despite walking away from Hollywood over five decades ago, Novak continues to live a peaceful and fulfilling life on the Oregon coast, surrounded by her beloved horses.
In a recent interview, Novak delved into her decision to leave the glitz and glamour of Hollywood behind and rediscover her true self. She explained that she felt compelled to leave in order to survive, as she had lost touch with her true identity and beliefs. Novak revealed that she constantly fought to maintain her authenticity in the industry and faced pressure to conform to Hollywood's standards.
The actress-artist emphasized that she never succumbed to the demands of writing a tell-all memoir, as she wanted to present a different side of herself through her art. Novak had actually penned her autobiography, but tragically lost it in a house fire. Despite this setback, she found solace in envisioning her life through her paintings, which she described as a cathartic experience.
Novak's departure from Hollywood occurred at the height of her film career, following her successful roles in movies like Picnic, The Man With the Golden Arm, and Pal Joey. She was determined not to let the industry strip her of her true identity, even defiantly keeping her family name, Novak, despite pressure to change it. The Hollywood sex symbol image assigned to her was something she struggled with, ultimately yearning for a life free from the confines of celebrity expectations.
The turning point came when Novak realized that she had become lost in a self-imposed quicksand, feeling detached from her own personality and questioning her true self. Seeking refuge, she relocated to the Rogue River Valley in Oregon, where the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the presence of animals inspired her. Painting became her outlet for self-expression and self-discovery.
Novak's artistic journey led her to meet her second husband, Robert Malloy, who was an equine veterinarian. They shared a deep connection and she referred to him as her soul mate. While he sadly passed away last December, Novak remains active and vibrant at the age of 91. She credits her well-being to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying connected to her passions.
In 2012, Novak publicly revealed that she lives with bipolar disorder, viewing it as an integral part of her identity as an artist. She manages her condition with medication but believes that art serves as the ultimate form of therapy. Novak is proud of her accomplishments as an actress, with films like Vertigo and Bell, Book and Candle etched in cinematic history. However, she hopes that people recognize her as more than just a movie star. Her paintings, showcased in a 2019 retrospective at the Butler Museum, exemplify her desire to be seen as an artist—someone who directs, produces, and acts within the canvas.
As she reflects on her journey, Novak expresses immense gratitude for not writing a tell-all book that would have focused primarily on her love life. Instead, she finds freedom and authenticity in her art, and hopes that her work will serve as a testament to her true essence.
Kim Novak's story serves as a reminder that personal fulfillment and self-discovery often require stepping away from societal expectations and embracing one's true passions. Her courage to forge her own path is inspiring, as is her unwavering determination to preserve her identity in a world that often tries to define individuals based on external appearances. On her 91st birthday, we celebrate Kim Novak as both a celebrated actress and a visionary artist, whose journey continues to captivate and inspire.
