Phyllis Kirk

Phyllis Kirk

Deceased · Born: Sep 18, 1927 · Died: Oct 19, 2006

Personal Details

BornSep 18, 1927 Plainfield, New Jersey, USA

Biography

Phyllis Kirk, a talented actress of Danish heritage, was born in Syracuse, New York, and embarked on a multifaceted career, initially working as a waitress and perfume counter clerk before transitioning into modeling. Her stage presence soon led to roles on stage, which in turn paved the way for her entry into the world of Hollywood.

As a contract player at MGM and later at Warner Brothers, Kirk's most iconic role was likely that of a woman stalked by the maniacal sculptor Vincent Price in the 1953 film House of Wax. However, it was on the small screen that her talents truly shone, as she took on dramatic roles in numerous prestigious television series, earning her the distinction of being featured on the covers of both TV Guide and Life magazines.

One of her most well-known television roles was that of Nora Charles, the vivacious and quick-witted wife of Peter Lawford, on the popular series The Thin Man in 1957. Throughout her acting career, Kirk also ventured into journalism, working as an interviewer and writer for the American Civil Liberties Union.

After her final acting roles in the 1970s, Kirk transitioned into a career in public relations before eventually retiring.

Career

1958
The Thin Man
The Thin Man as Nora Charles
1957
The Sad Sack
The Sad Sack as Maj. Shelton
1956
Back from Eternity
Back from Eternity as Louise Melhorn
Johnny Concho
Johnny Concho as Mary Dark
1955
Canyon Crossroads
Canyon Crossroads as Katherine Rand
1954
River Beat
River Beat as Judy Roberts
1953
House of Wax
House of Wax as Sue Allen
Crime Wave
Crime Wave as Ellen Lacey
1952
About Face
About Face as Alice Wheatley
The Iron Mistress
The Iron Mistress as Ursula de Varamendi
Just This Once
Just This Once as Young Lover on Ferry
Stop, You're Killing Me
Stop, You're Killing Me as Nurse (uncredited)
1951
Two Weeks with Love
Two Weeks with Love as Valerie Stresemann