Hello to everyone and thank you for landing on the page where I say a few words about my nominee for the DC World Hall Of Fame for June. My nominee this month is the wonderful Margot Kidder and, if you enjoy her as Lois Lane as much as I do, and always have, the please vote for her HERE
Early Life
Margaret Ruth Kidder (as we all know, better known as Margot) was born on October 17 1948. Her parents were Jocelyn Mary (a history teacher) and Kendall Kidder (an explosives expert and engineer). Margot was born in Yellowknife, and as odd as this may sound but, because her father’s job at the time (he was manager of the Yellowknife Telephone Company) meant they had to live in remote locations. Margot once side that, at the time, there were no movies to see in Yellowknife but, at 12 years of age, her mother took her to New York to see Bye Bye Birdie. This, in turn, gave her the idea of what she wanted to do for her own career.
Career Start
In the 1960’s Margot appeared in a number of low budget Canadian films and television series’ before, in 1969, she appeared opposite Beau Bridges in the American movie Gaily Gaily and in 1970 opposite Gene Wilder in Quackser Fortune Has A Cousin In The Bronx. After taking a break to further study acting, she returned and had a major role in the cult classic Sisters, from Brian De Palma and then starring in the 1974 slasher flick, a movie I always enjoy (and much better than the remake), Black Christmas. Margot starred in further movies opposite Hollywood Alumni such as Robert Redford and Peter Fonda, as well as appearing in an issue of Playboy, before she took another break due to the birth of her daughter in 1976.
Lois Lane
When Margot returned to acting, she did a reading for a little-known superhero film called, Superman: The Movie. Margot obviously impressed and was flown to England to do some screen tests for director Richard Donner. Thankfully, she was cast in the role and went on to become as much of an icon in the DC Universe as Christopher Reeve was playing Superman. Margot became an icon to women all around the world as the feisty character, more than a match for the men of the super-universe. I’ve always felt the Margot herself, away from the character of Lois Lane was also like that in her own life. To be fair, she may be a hero (heroine?) to many, many women but, also to many men also, someone to look up to.
This role ensured that Margot was a leading Hollywood lady and, luckily for all us DC fans, she went on to play Lois Lane in a further 3 Superman movies; although her role in Superman 3 was limited, she still made her mark on it.
Beyond Superman
Away from Superman, which made her a household name, Margot appeared in the excellent horror flick, The Amityville Horror alongside James Bolin. Margot wasn’t overly keen with the movie but the box office success suggested otherwise. As the years went on Margot appeared in various stage and screen productions including the movie Little Treasure with Ted Danson and as Cherie (made famous by Marilyn Monroe) in a stage production of Bus Stop.
There’s No Place Like Home
As has happened with many former DC tv/movie actors, we are lucky enough to see them return in various cameos and guest appearances. This was no different for Margot who, in 2004, returned to Smallville, appearing as Bridgette Crosby in two episodes of the Smallville tv series, alongside Superman himself, Christopher Reeve – a massive treat for all fans of all things DC.
To End
Despite anything that may have gone on in her personal life, and the health issues that Margot suffered, there is no doubt that she has made a massive, and forever lasting, impact on the world of DC and all it entails. Margot will always be Lois Lane. No matter how many actresses may take on the role, Margot is the one who all aspire to and, while they may bring their own fresh take to the role, I do feel that they may never be able to match the heights that Margot reached.
Unfortunately in May this year, the DC world, no, the WHOLE world lost a wonderful actress in Margot Kidder. Whenever I now watch Superman, as it has been since we lost Mr Reeve, it will be tinged with extra sadness but I can always revel in the joy that the performances bring.
RIP Margot Kidder – My Lois.
