Phyllis Coates

Phyllis Coates was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, and later relocated to Hollywood as a teenager with the intention of enrolling at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). However, her life took an unexpected turn when she had a chance encounter with Ken Murray in a Hollywood & Vine restaurant, which led to her being recruited for the comedian's vaudeville show. Initially, Coates began her career as a chorus girl, gradually working her way up to performing skits before moving on to work for renowned showman Earl Carroll. She later joined the United Service Organizations (USO) touring group, gaining valuable experience and exposure. Coates' early foray into motion pictures commenced with comedy short subjects at Warner Brothers, followed by roles in early 1950s films. After a one-season stint as Lois Lane alongside the iconic Man of Steel, George Reeves, on the popular television series Adventures of Superman (1952),Coates began to balance her time between television, B-movie assignments, and serials at Republic.