Actress Margot Kidder who played Lois Lane in the Superman movies of the 1970’s and 1980’s has died aged 69.
She passed away at her home in Montana, the Canadian born actress became a naturalised US citizen in 2005.
Kidder played Lois Lane is four Superman movies opposite the late Christopher Reeve, who died in 2004. Both Reeve and Kidder were relative unknowns when they were cast in the superhero franchise opposite big stars including Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford and Jackie Cooper.
Kidder first played news reporter Lois Lane is the 1978 film Superman. What was originally intended as one long movie was cut in half to create two films, the second half being released as Superman II in 1980.
The actress returned for a cameo appearance in 1983’s Superman III, but was reinstated to the main cast for Reeve’s last outing as the Man of Steel in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
Aside from her work in the Superman films Kidder also appeared in Brian De Palma’s cult thriller Sisters, drama The Great Waldo Pepper where she appeared opposite Robert Redford and the horror film The Amityville Horror.
In 1996 Kidder, who was bi-polar, had a public breakdown and she made headlines around the world when it was revealed she’d spent several days living as a homeless person.
She later made guest appearances on many TV shows including Smallville, Brothers and Sisters, and The L Word.
Kidder is survived by her daughter Maggie McGuane and her grand children. The actress was married three times, first to novelist Thomas McGuane, in 1979 she wed actor John Heard – but the couple split up six days after the wedding. Her third marriage to French film director Philippe de Broca was from 1983 to 1984.
She also had a string of high profile relationships including dating former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, directors Brian de Palma and Steven Spielberg, and comedian Richard Pryor.
OIP Staff
