Kim Novak was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during the 1950s and 60s, known for her stunning beauty and acting talent. However, in the early 1970s, Novak suddenly left Hollywood and moved to the Pacific Northwest. She explained in a 2012 interview that she left Hollywood because she was tired of being treated like a “machine-made Barbie doll.”
According to Novak, Hollywood executives wanted her to undergo plastic surgery to maintain her youthful appearance, but she refused. This led to a decrease in movie offers and ultimately to her decision to leave Hollywood behind. In the same interview, Novak revealed that she had also experienced sexual harassment during her time in Hollywood.
Novak continued to act in independent films and made occasional appearances on television throughout the 1970s and 80s, but she never returned to the mainstream success she had enjoyed earlier in her career. Despite this, she remained beloved by fans and respected by fellow actors for her talent and integrity.
In 2012, Novak received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cannes Film Festival, a testament to her lasting impact on the film industry. Today, at age 88, she lives a quiet life in Oregon, far away from the spotlight and the pressures of Hollywood.
Kim Novak’s sudden departure from Hollywood was a shock to many of her fans and colleagues. It was later revealed that the actress had been struggling with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, and had experienced sexual harassment during her time in the industry.
In a 2012 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Novak opened up about the reasons behind her decision to leave Hollywood. She revealed that she had been sexually harassed by a powerful studio executive early in her career, and that the trauma of the experience had haunted her for years.
Novak also spoke about her struggles with mental illness, which had been exacerbated by the demands of her career. She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had experienced severe depression and anxiety. She turned to art as a form of therapy, and has since become an accomplished painter.
Despite her struggles, Kim Novak remains a beloved icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her performances in classic films like “Vertigo” and “Picnic” continue to be celebrated by film buffs and critics alike. Her decision to leave the industry was a brave one, and has helped to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the need for more support for those who are struggling with mental illness.
