Superman’s Margot Kidder Dead At 69
by Erik Amaya
Sad news out of Montana this morning with word that Margot Kidder, best known as Lois Lane in the Superman films from 1978-1987, passed away on Sunday, according to various outlets including The Hollywood Reporter. The circumstances of her death are unknown at this time.
The Canadian-born actor arrived in Los Angeles in the 1970s during a hey-day of director-led features like The French Connection and The Godfather. Kidder would first make an impression in one of these auteur films: Brian De Palma’s 1973 film Sisters. Films like Black Christmas and The Great Waldo Pepper followed, but she would soon go on to become the definitive Lois Lane to a generation of fans in 1978’s Superman. Asked about her approach to the role in a 2001 making-of documentary, she said Lois was a no-nonsense woman who could boss anyone around except Superman. She would “fall to pieces” around him; an impulse she recognized from her own life.
After the Superman series ended, Kidder continued to work as actor, but her troubles with bipolar disorder left wandering Los Angeles in a manic state in 1996. The well-publicized incident found her taken into custody after being found in the backyard of an area home. After she recovered, she became a tireless crusader for those suffering from similar afflictions.
She also became a fixture on the convention circuit; offering wonderfully ribald anecdotes in panels and being a true gem in autograph sessions.
Though she would return to the Superman fold in a number of Smallville guest appearances — finishing up business for Christopher Reeve’s Dr. Swann after both the actor and character passed away — she will always be remembered as the great Lois Lane of the 1970s and 80s.
