Margot Kidder was a Canadian-American actress best known for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the original “Superman” film series. At the time of her death in 2018, her net worth was estimated at $300,000. Despite achieving international fame and starring in several iconic films, Kidder’s life was marked by emotional turmoil, health challenges, and financial ups and downs.
Early Life and Education
Margaret Ruth Kidder was born on October 17, 1948, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. She came from a large family with a strong academic background. Her mother, Jill, was a history teacher, and her father, Kendall, worked as an explosives engineer. She had four siblings: a sister named Annie and three brothers—John, Michael, and Peter.
Kidder spent much of her childhood moving across Canada due to her father’s job, attending various schools along the way. She eventually graduated from Havergal College in Toronto in 1966. Margot also briefly studied at the University of British Columbia, though she did not complete her degree.
Even during her teenage years, Kidder battled undiagnosed bipolar disorder, a condition that would deeply affect her later in life.
Entry Into Film
Margot’s acting career began in 1968 with a Canadian film titled The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar. Her early roles gained attention, and she soon appeared alongside Gene Wilder in Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx (1970). By 1973, Kidder had starred in the psychological horror film Sisters, directed by Brian De Palma, which significantly raised her profile.
She built a diverse filmography with performances in Black Christmas (1974), The Great Waldo Pepper (1975), and The Reincarnation of Peter Proud (1975). These roles showcased her ability to perform across genres—from horror to drama and comedy.
Superman and Stardom
Kidder’s defining career moment came in 1978 when she played Lois Lane in Superman: The Movie opposite Christopher Reeve. The film was a box office smash, and her portrayal of the strong-willed reporter earned widespread praise. She reprised the role in three sequels: Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).
This franchise brought her international recognition, but despite its success, she never achieved the financial stability often associated with such roles.
Decline in Career and Financial Setbacks
After the Superman series, Kidder continued acting in both films and television. She starred in The Amityville Horror (1979), another major hit. During the 1980s, she appeared in films like Willie & Phil, Heartaches, and Some Kind of Hero. However, the later part of her career was less lucrative.
A serious car accident in 1990 while filming a TV show left her partially paralyzed and unable to work for two years. Medical bills piled up, and she fell into debt. During this period, her mental health worsened, and her bipolar disorder became harder to manage.
In April 1996, Margot went missing in Los Angeles, which led to a widely publicized mental health crisis. She was later found in a disturbed state and hospitalized. It was during this time that many learned about her lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder. Her physical appearance had changed, and she reportedly removed her dental caps to disguise herself.
Despite these issues, Kidder publicly announced in 2007 that she had not suffered a manic episode in 11 years, thanks to orthomolecular medicine and a stable lifestyle.
Television and Independent Film Roles
Though she never returned to the mainstream success she once enjoyed, Kidder worked steadily in independent cinema and television. In the 2000s, she made appearances in Law & Order: SVU, The L Word, and Smallville, where she was reunited with the Superman franchise in a guest role.
She also won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2015 for her performance in R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour, proving her enduring talent even in the later years of her career.
Activism and Advocacy
Outside of acting, Kidder was a passionate political and environmental activist. She supported liberal causes and was involved in Progressive Democrats of America. In 2009, she served as the Montana State Coordinator for the organization.
Margot was also active in LGBTQ+ rights and climate change awareness, dedicating much of her public platform to causes she believed in.
Personal Life
Margot Kidder was married three times. Her first marriage was to novelist Thomas McGuane, whom she met while working on 92 in the Shade. The couple had a daughter, Maggie McGuane, before divorcing in 1977.
Her second marriage, to actor John Heard, lasted just six days before they separated in 1979, and they finalized their divorce the same year. Her third marriage was to Philippe de Broca, a French director, which ended in 1984.
Despite her marriages, Kidder often spoke openly about her personal struggles and the importance of mental health care.
Death and Legacy
Margot Kidder passed away on May 13, 2018, in her home in Livingston, Montana, at the age of 69. Her death was ruled a suicide caused by an overdose of alcohol and drugs. The news was tragic, but not entirely surprising given her history of mental illness.
Though she died with a modest net worth of $300,000, Margot Kidder left behind a cultural legacy that far outweighs any monetary value. Her portrayal of Lois Lane redefined the superhero genre’s female lead, giving audiences a smart, assertive, and brave woman to admire.
Final Thoughts
Margot Kidder’s life was a complex mix of brilliance, beauty, struggle, and advocacy. She brought unforgettable characters to life on screen and spoke openly about topics that were often hidden or stigmatized. Though her career had financial and personal setbacks, her impact on film, television, and mental health awareness continues to resonate.
