Phyllis Kirk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Phyllis Kirk
Kirk in 1955
Born	Phyllis Kirkegaard (1927-09-18)September 18, 1927 Syracuse, New York, U.S.
Died	October 19, 2006(2006-10-19) (aged 79) Woodland Hills, California, U.S.
Resting place	Arlington National Cemetery
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1949–1970
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Warren Bush (m. 1966/1967; died 1991)

Phyllis Kirk (born Phyllis Kirkegaard; September 18, 1927 – October 19, 2006) was a talented American actress. She was known for her roles in movies and TV shows during the 1950s. Phyllis also became known for her work helping others.

Early Life and Beginnings

Growing Up and Health Challenges

Phyllis Kirk was born on September 18, 1927. She was born in Syracuse, New York. When she was a child, she got a sickness called polio. This illness affected her health for the rest of her life.

Phyllis grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She finished high school in 1945.

Starting an Acting Career

As a teenager, Phyllis moved to New York City. She wanted to study acting there. She changed her last name from Kirkegaard to Kirk. This was a common practice for actors.

She started her acting career on Broadway. Broadway is famous for live stage plays. After that, she began working in television and movies.

Acting Career Highlights

Famous Movie Roles

Phyllis Kirk became very well-known in the 1950s. She appeared in many popular films. In the movie Two Weeks with Love (1950), she sang and danced. She performed with stars like Jane Powell and Debbie Reynolds.

She also starred with Vincent Price in the 3D horror film House of Wax (1953). This was one of the first major movies made in 3D. She played a main role in the western film Johnny Concho (1956). In this movie, she acted alongside Frank Sinatra.

Kirk as Nora Charles with Peter Lawford in The Thin Man television series, 1957

Television Success

Phyllis Kirk's most famous TV role was in The Thin Man. This show aired from 1957 to 1959. She played Nora Charles, a clever and witty character. Her co-star was Peter Lawford.

People praised her intelligence in the show. She was even nominated for an Emmy Award in 1959. This award was for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

She also appeared with Jerry Lewis in his 1957 film The Sad Sack. Phyllis was a guest on other TV shows too. One of these was an episode of The Twilight Zone.

Activism and Later Life

Working for Social Causes

As her acting career slowed down, Phyllis became an activist. She worked to support different social causes. She spoke out for civil liberties. She also helped people who were facing difficult legal situations.

After the Watts Riots in 1965, she took action. She helped fund preschool programs. These programs were for families in need in South Los Angeles. She also wrote for the American Civil Liberties Union newspaper.

Leaving Show Business

Phyllis Kirk made her last TV appearance in 1970. It was an episode of The F.B.I.. After this, she left acting completely. She started a new career in public relations.

She worked as a publicist for CBS News. This is a major news organization. Phyllis retired from her work in 1992.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Politics

Phyllis Kirk married television producer and screenwriter Warren Bush. Their marriage was announced in 1967. They stayed together until Warren's death in 1991.

She was a member of the Democratic Party. She even attended the Democratic National Convention in 1960.

Final Years

Phyllis Kirk passed away on October 19, 2006. She was 79 years old. She died from a cerebral aneurysm. This is a type of brain issue. She was buried with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Filmography

Film Roles

L-R: Dennis O'Keefe, Phyllis Kirk, and Lloyd Bridges in an episode of TV's Climax! (1955)

Television Appearances

Award Nominations