Once a formidable presence in Hollywood’s golden era, this former actress quietly marked her 92nd birthday away from the public eye. Even decades after stepping off the silver screen, her rare appearances continue to pique curiosity. Many wonder why she chose to leave at the height of her stardom and what she’s been up to since.
In the 1950s and early ’60s, she stood among Hollywood’s biggest luminaries. Renowned for her breathtaking roles and classic beauty, it seemed she was destined for a lifetime in the limelight. Yet just as rapidly as she rose, she made the decision to walk away.
The former actress, circa 1956 | Source: Getty Images
Her departure wasn’t the result of a publicity stunt or a temporary break. Instead, it was a definitive choice fueled by her need to rediscover herself. Over the years, she found a new purpose, though the pull of Hollywood never fully released its hold on her.
A portrait of the former actress, circa 1950s | Source: Getty Images
The Rise of a Hollywood Icon
Born in 1933, she grew up in Chicago, initially aspiring to become an artist rather than a movie star. Everything changed when a talent scout noticed her on a trip to Los Angeles. Soon, Columbia Pictures had signed her, thrusting her into the whirlwind of show business.
With her light hair and arresting screen presence, she quickly became a highly sought-after leading lady. Her role in “Picnic” (1955) opposite William Holden propelled her into the spotlight, solidifying her place as a burgeoning star.
The actress in scene from the movie “Picnic,” circa 1958 | Source: Getty Images
She followed this with standout performances in “Vertigo” (1958), “Bell, Book, and Candle” (1958), and “Pal Joey” (1957), starring alongside names like Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Stewart. By the late 1950s, she ranked among the most bankable stars in the film industry.
Despite her success, she often clashed with Columbia Pictures chief Harry Cohn, who tried to make her change her name to Kit Marlowe, thinking her real name sounded overly ethnic. She refused.
A portrait of the former actress from the thriller, “Vertigo,” circa 1958 | Source: Getty Images
When she was at her peak, she was known not just for her acting but also for her sex-symbol status—something meticulously shaped by the studio. However, the pressure to maintain that persona took a toll. It gradually eroded her sense of self, setting the stage for her eventual departure.
A studio publicity portrait of the actress, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images
Why She Left Hollywood
By the late ’60s, despite her soaring career, she felt increasingly dissatisfied with the demands of Hollywood. Studio heads oversaw every aspect of her life, from what roles she accepted to how she presented herself to the public. Though she fought to hold onto her own identity, the burden became overwhelming.
The actress attends the royal film premiere of “The Last Angry Man” in London on March 28, 1960 | Source: Getty Images
“I had to leave to survive,” she explained in a 2021 interview. “It was a survival issue.” Gathering her possessions, she departed Los Angeles for Carmel, California—not just a change in scenery but a crucial escape. “I lost a sense of who I truly was and what I stood for,” she confessed.
Eager to find herself again, she returned to her childhood loves: painting and immersing herself in nature. She thrived in a simpler setting, surrounded by animals and art, and her love of animals significantly shaped this new chapter of her life.
The former actress poses for publicity portrait, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images
She devoted herself to raising Arabian horses, discovering tranquility in a rural lifestyle. “I wanted to live a normal life,” she said. The move signaled the beginning of her life away from Hollywood’s clamor, offering the liberty she had long pursued.
The actress wearing a white knitted sweater, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images
A Life of Art, Love, and Loss
A skilled painter, she poured her time into artistic pursuits, using creativity as a way to mend her soul and reconnect with who she was. It was during this tranquil period that she crossed paths with Robert Malloy, an equine veterinarian who came to check on one of her Arabian horses.
A photo of the actress, dated 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Their bond was instant, and they soon wed. Malloy turned out to be her soulmate, sharing her passion for animals and the countryside. Together, they built a serene existence on a ranch in Oregon, passing the days riding horses and winding down with cozy fireside evenings.
The actress with her husband Robert Malloy attend the “Vertigo” premiere party at Planet Hollywood in New York on October 4, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Their closeness lasted for 44 years until Malloy died in late 2020. Coping with the loss, she painted his portrait, taking comfort in depicting his warm smile in the months after his passing. “It made me feel like he was there with me,” she shared.
The actress with her husband Robert Malloy at the opening ceremony during the Febiofest Prague International Film Festival on March 19, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Through painting, she honored his memory. She has exhibited her artwork in numerous shows and published a volume titled “Kim Novak: Her Art and Life” in 2021. Despite her life far from the public eye, whenever she does step out, people take notice.
The actress poses in the press room at the 86th Annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2014 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Public Criticism and Plastic Surgery Controversy
In 2014, she made a rare Oscars appearance to present an award. What could have been a splendid homecoming soured when critics took jabs at her looks. One online personality urged her to sue her plastic surgeon.
She later clarified the events, mentioning that she had undergone facial fat injections before the ceremony. “That was the stupidest thing I could have done,” she acknowledged. “First of all, I didn’t need it[…] but it filled out my cheeks, so I looked different.”
The former actress attends a photocall for “Vertigo” during the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival on September 20, 2015 in Toronto, Canada | Source: Getty Images
She also mentioned she had taken Valium on an empty stomach that evening, which left her feeling disoriented. In 2023, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie evaluated her appearance and offered his thoughts.
Although she has only confirmed fat injections, the doctor suspected multiple interventions, including a facelift, rhinoplasty, or even a brow lift.
The former actress poses at a photocall during the Febiofest Prague International Film Festival on March 20, 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic | Source: Getty Images
“Her face has tension lines running through the middle, which suggests it was over-pulled,” he said. He also noted her cheeks appeared quite full, implying the possibility of a more long-lasting filler, such as silicone, rather than just fat grafting.
While some questioned her changed look, fans overwhelmingly expressed admiration. “One of the most beautiful actresses ever,” someone wrote. “I like that she walked away for a simpler life.”