
Kim Novak, 92, Says She Feels 'It's Close to the End' – 35 Photos of Her Transformation Through the Years
From Hollywood royalty to reclusive artist, the actress has lived many lives. Now, she's opening up about it all in a new documentary, and we're looking back at the moments that shaped her through the decades.
In a career defined by beauty and breaks from Hollywood, Kim Novak captivated audiences for years. In 35 stunning photos, we trace her transformation through the decades — a visual journey through fame, scrutiny, and fierce comebacks — as the screen siren who once vanished from Hollywood returns for a final, fearless act.

Kim Novak circa 1950s. | Source: Getty Images
1950
Novak burst onto the scene in the early 1950s, with her flawless porcelain skin, soft blonde waves, and a mesmerizing gaze framed by bold brows setting her apart from the Hollywood crowd.
With an aura of classic glamour and a face made for the silver screen, it was clear — a star was being born.

Kim Novak circa 1950. | Source: Getty Images
1954

Kim Novak photographed in 1954. | Source: Getty Images

Kim Novak circa 1954. | Source: Getty Images
1955

Kim Novak as Madge Owens in "Picnic" in 1955. | Source: Getty Images

Kim Novak circa 1955. | Source: Getty Images
1957
By 1957, Novak had become a household name, captivating audiences not only with her talent but with her radiant beauty.

Kim Novak photographed in Paris, France, in 1957. | Source: Getty Images
Her platinum-blonde bouffant framed a face that exuded timeless elegance, with glowing skin, winged eyeliner, and a confident, camera-ready smile. She wasn’t just part of the golden age of Hollywood — she defined it.

Kim Novak on the set of "Vertigo" on October 12, 1957. | Source: Getty Images
1958

Kim Novak photographed on November 26, 1958. | Source: Getty Images

Kim Novak posing for a portrait in her home on November 27, 1958, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
1960

Kim Novak posing for a portrait in 1960. | Source: Getty Images

Kim Novak at the Royal Performance of the film "Once More, With Feeling" on April 4, 1960, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
1965
By the mid-1960s, Novak's look took a bold turn. Gone were the soft curls. In their place, a platinum shag that spoke to the rebellious spirit of the era.

Kim Novak photographed in 1965. | Source: Getty Images
Whether appearing in pastel ensembles or donning fiery red locks onscreen, she radiated a new kind of confidence — daring, dynamic, and utterly unforgettable.

Kim Novak on the set of "The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders" in 1965. | Source: Getty Images
1973

Kim Novak, seen on location filming "Third Girl From The Left," on 47th Street in New York, on January 25, 1973. | Source: Getty Images
1979

Kim Novak at the 51st Annual Academy Awards on April 9, 1979, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
1980
In her late 40s, Novak redefined glamour on her own terms. With a sleek blonde bob, dramatic eye makeup, and a sumptuous fur coat, she still turned heads wherever she went.
Her smile — unchanged by time — reminded the world that true star power never fades, it only evolves.

Kim Novak during a press conference for the film "The Mirror Crack'd" in New York in 1980. | Source: Getty Images
1986

Kim Novak photographed as Kit Marlowe in the television series "Falcon Crest" in 1986. | Source: Getty Images

Kim Novak photographed as Kit Marlowe in the television series "Falcon Crest" in 1986. | Source: Getty Images
1990

Kim Novak during the 47th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, 1990. | Source: Getty Images
1996
In her 60s, Novak aged with stunning grace. Her features softened, but her legendary poise remained untouched.
With voluminous curls and a sapphire-blue suit, she stood tall as a woman who had not just survived the limelight — she had mastered it, embracing her age with pride and elegance.

Kim Novak during the premiere of "Vertigo" in New York, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
2004

Kim Novak at the "Vertigo" screening in Hollywood, California, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Kim Novak at the "Vertigo" screening in Hollywood, California, 2004. | Source: Getty Images
2010

Kim Novak and Richard Chamberlain at The Essex House on July 30, 2010, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
2012
In 2012, Novak made a triumphant appearance at Grauman's Chinese Theatre — a moment marking her place among the legends.
At 79, she gracefully wore her years, with soft curls and minimal makeup, her expression calm and composed. She radiated the dignity of a woman who had weathered decades of fame with unshakable grace.

Kim Novak during a ceremony as part of the 2012 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 14 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
2013

Kim Novak during the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2013, in France. | Getty Images

Kim Novak during the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2013, in France. | Getty Images
2014
After years away from the spotlight, Novak shocked Hollywood with a rare Oscars appearance. However, at 81, she'd undergone visible cosmetic procedures. Hoping for a refreshed look, the actress had chosen fat injections over a facelift.
"You know when you get insecure and you think somebody can help you?" she recalled. "I didn't want a facelift or anything like that, so I went to a doctor and he put some fat injections in my face. That was the stupidest thing I could have done."

Kim Novak during the 86th Academy Awards on March 2, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
That decision drew cruel, public ridicule, especially from Donald Trump, who mercilessly mocked her. "I've always had a strong feeling against bullies," she declared.
"How I feel about the president has got nothing to do with what he said about me at the Academy Awards. I didn't like what he said," she continued.

Kim Novak and Matthew McConaughey onstage during the Oscars on March 2, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Novak took things even further. In a powerful open letter, she addressed the controversy head-on, admitting to the work and revealing a deeper truth — a lifetime of bullying, from her early career to now, had left lasting scars.

Kim Novak at the 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival's opening night gala and world premiere of the restoration of "Oklahoma!" on April 10 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
2015

Kim Novak during the Febiofest Prague International Film Festival on March 20, 2015, in Czech Republic. | Source: Getty Images
2025
At 92, Novak has stepped back into the spotlight — not to revive her image, but to reclaim her narrative. Her new documentary, "Kim Novak's Vertigo," premiered at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, where she was also awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

Kim Novak at Hotel Excelsior during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025, in Italy. | Source: Getty Images
"It's not easy getting old," the Hollywood star revealed. "I'm feeling it's close to the end. I've been feeling the need to free something…"

Kim Novak during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, in Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Now, more than a decade later, Novak has taken back the mic. She's no longer fighting for a place in Hollywood — she's rewriting the ending on her own terms. A legend. A survivor. And still, a star.

Kim Novak during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, in Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, as Novak's powerful return stirs emotions around the world, fans have flooded social media with messages of admiration, support, and awe.
"Those high cheekbones and beautiful smile are unforgettable," one netizen wrote. Another shared, "92 where?! 😍" while a third added, "92? Absolutely fantastic! Much respect!"

Kim Novak receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement Award during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, in Italy. | Source: Getty Images
"I like older people who still look good are just as stylish as they were when they were young. THISSSS is a HOLLYWOOD LEGEND. That's how they used to do back in the Golden Age of Halloween 😌 [sic]," another person commented.

Kim Novak receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement Award during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, in Italy. | Source: Getty Images
From silver screen icon to reclusive artist and, finally, reflective storyteller, Kim Novak's transformation has been as striking as her career. At 92, she's not chasing attention — she's reclaiming her truth.