Phyllis Kirk American actress Date of Birth: 18.09.1927 Country: USA

Phyllis Kirk Biography

Phyllis Kirkgaard was born on September 18, 1927, in Syracuse, New York, although some sources insist that she was born in Plainfield, New Jersey. Coming from a family of Danish descent, Phyllis decided to shorten her name when she moved to New York to pursue a career in acting. As a child, she suffered from poliomyelitis, a severe infectious disease that can lead to disability and death. Although she recovered, health problems plagued her throughout her life.

Before starting her acting career, Phyllis had to work as a waitress and perfume saleswoman to make ends meet. Her entrance into the modeling industry eventually led her to the theatrical stage, where she gained experience on Broadway before signing contracts with MGM and later Warner Brothers. Her most famous role in cinema was Sue Allen, who was pursued by the sculptor maniac Vincent Price in the horror film "House of Wax," released in 1953.

In 1957, Phyllis starred alongside Jerry Lewis in the comedy "The Sad Sack." Her talents were also well received on television, as she played notable dramatic roles in many popular TV series. Phyllis graced the covers of magazines like "TV Guide" and "Life." One of her most memorable television roles was Nora Charles, the eccentric yet charming wife of Peter Lawford's character in the series "Thin Man," which aired from 1957 to 1959 and was based on the detective novel by Dashiell Hammett. She also appeared in "Letter to Loretta," "The Twilight Zone," and "Studio One," and frequently made guest appearances on Red Buttons' show. Her last television work was in the 1970 episode of "The F.B.I."

In the early '60s, Phyllis Kirk married screenwriter and television producer Warren Bush. After retiring from acting, she dedicated her time and energy to social projects. She actively opposed the death penalty, particularly in the case of Caryl Chessman, a convicted murderer and rapist nicknamed the "Red Light Bandit" by the police. Phyllis visited Chessman several times in prison until his sentence was carried out in 1960. Public opinion turned against her, leading to a decline and eventual end to her acting career.

Following the unrest and riots in Los Angeles in 1965, Kirk assisted in organizing preschools for underprivileged children in the city's southern neighborhoods. Later, she pursued a career in public relations and journalism at CBS News.

Phyllis Kirk passed away on October 19, 2006, at the age of 79 in Woodland Hills, California, from a cerebral aneurysm. Her body was cremated, and her ashes were interred next to her husband, Warren Bush (1925-1991), at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Phyllis Kirk was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.