Kim Novak’s Close Friend Shares Unexpected Reason the ‘Vertigo’ Star Left Hollywood: Sour Pickles
Kim Novak, the iconic star of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo,” has shared profound insights into her life and career in a deeply personal new documentary that premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Now 92, Novak opens up about her early years, her stunning rise in Hollywood, and her decision to leave the film industry at the height of her fame. The film offers audiences a unique look at the actress’s resilience, artistry, and reflections on aging and mortality.
A Star Who Shone Brightly and Briefly
Kim Novak became one of Hollywood’s most glamorous leading ladies during the 1950s, starring alongside legends like James Stewart, Frank Sinatra, and William Holden. Her performances in classics such as “Vertigo,” “Picnic,” and “The Man with the Golden Arm” captivated audiences and critics alike. Despite a dazzling career, Novak’s time in the spotlight was relatively short as she stepped away from acting in the late 1960s, with only sporadic appearances afterward, including a guest arc on the primetime soap “Falcon Crest.”
The Decision to Leave Hollywood
The documentary reveals a surprising and personal reason behind Novak’s departure from Hollywood. Her longtime manager and close friend Sue Cameron recounted how Novak had grown disillusioned with the industry. A mudslide that destroyed her Bel-Air home in 1966 was seen by Novak as a sign to leave. Additionally, a quirky detail emerged: Novak’s fondness for sour pickles led to a pivotal moment when her usual pickle store was unexpectedly out of stock, which she interpreted as another signal to walk away from her acting career.
Life Beyond the Camera
After leaving Hollywood, Novak relocated north to Oregon, immersing herself in new passions such as painting and horse breeding, embodying a quieter, more private lifestyle. She married an equine veterinarian and dedicated herself to art and nature, a stark contrast to her previous life in the cinematic spotlight. The documentary, titled “Kim Novak’s Vertigo,” highlights her artistic talents and personal growth away from fame.
Reflecting on Mortality and Legacy
The documentary opens with Novak reflecting on her advancing age, sharing moments of vulnerability as she discusses her own mortality and struggles with breathing and mobility following a bad fall. She recounts harrowing childhood experiences, including her mother’s attempt to abort her with knitting needles, shaping her perspective on resilience. Now in her nineties, Novak embraces these reflections with grace and honesty, contemplating the end of life and the legacy she leaves behind.
Revisiting an Iconic Role
“Kim Novak’s Vertigo” explores her defining role in Hitchcock’s masterpiece, where she played dual characters and delivered a memorable, haunting performance. Though the film received mixed reviews upon release, it is now regarded as one of cinema’s greatest achievements. Through intimate conversations with director Alexandre O. Philippe, Novak revisits the memories and emotions tied to the film’s creation, offering fans a rare glimpse into the making of this classic.