Arlene Novak

Arlene was known for being generous and kindhearted. Her family, grandchildren and many friends were her focus, while she and ElRoy hosted pizza parties to bring everyone closer.

Kim Novak was born February 13 in Chicago to a history teacher and freight dispatcher couple, studying first at William Penn Elementary School and Farragut High School before continuing her education at Wright Junior College.

Early Life and Education

Joseph and Blanche Kral Novak of Czech descent welcomed her into their family of middle-class Chicago, Illinois origin as Joseph worked as a history teacher before transitioning into freight dispatch for the Chicago Milwaukee and St Paul Railway while her mother worked in manufacturing factories. Novak attended William Penn Elementary School; then Farragut High School before attending Wright Junior College for further studies.

Novak’s career flourished rapidly when she signed a contract with Columbia Pictures in 1954. She quickly rose to become one of Hollywood’s leading box office actresses with films such as Picnic, The Man with the Golden Arm, and Pal Joey.

Novak is perhaps best-known for her role as Madeleine Elster and Judy Barton in James Stewart’s cult film ‘Vertigo.’ Though initially received poorly by critics and audiences alike, over time it gained cult status and earned critical acclaim – with Novak receiving accolades for her performances in it.

Professional Career

Lilly Novak immediately caught the attention of LIFE magazine photographers upon graduation with her striking looks and unabashed sense of self. Soon thereafter she would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses with roles such as Pal Joey, The Man With the Golden Arm and Hitchcock’s shocking Vertigo.

Novak began her real estate career over 20 years ago at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene Sugar Land where she received high marks from buyers and sellers whom she represented. Now residing in Sugar Land with her husband, two sons, sister, and two nephews.

Achievement and Honors

Harry Cohn had first identified Novak as an ideal candidate to fill Rita Hayworth or Marilyn Monroe’s shoes at Columbia Pictures; however, she quickly proved too difficult for Cohn’s purposes and resulted in clashes between herself and co-actors resulting in the cancellation of her Hollywood contract.

Novak made her film debut with Pushover (1954), then had a brief but significant part in Phffft! (also that year).

Novak enjoyed both notable successes and failures during her acting career, but ultimately decided to quit acting in 1965 and move to California’s coast to pursue painting full time. Her paintings have been displayed at several exhibitions such as one hosted by Butler Institute of American Art in 2014; she also attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Little Rock.

Personal Life

Novak quickly made herself known in Garden Grove, California after moving there. She joined the Women’s Civic Club of Garden Grove and soon found herself serving as Friendship chairman for years – something her close friends looked forward to during card-playing nights!

Kim Novak is an American actress and painter, best known for her 1954 film debut Picnic. Subsequently she went on to appear in several successful films like The Man with the Golden Arm and Pal Joey.

Novak lived with Marvin Hylden until his passing in 2007. Together they raised two children together and were an amazing family. She enjoyed sailing and collecting antiques – in her free time she loved traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Net Worth

Kim Novak is an award-winning American actress who has amassed an estimated net worth of $15 Million over her extensive acting career, which spans over thirty films such as Vertigo and Bell, Book and Candle; in addition to starring in television series Falcon Crest.

Actress Kim Novak retired from acting in the early 1990s to devote more time and attention to painting; her works have since been showcased at several exhibitions, while she also wrote her memoir about acting life. Now living in Missouri with husband Robert Malloy (equine veterinarian) and two children. Additionally, Kim often visits older sister Arlene Novak in Denver to take care of her. Together they share a close bond.