Phyllis Kirk
Phyllis Kirk (born Phyllis Kirkegaard; September 18, 1927 – October 19, 2006) was an American actress of Danish descent, recognized for her work in film and television during the 1950s.[1][2] Born in Syracuse, New York, she began her career after modeling and odd jobs such as waitressing, transitioning to acting with early stage and screen appearances.[3] Kirk gained prominence with her role as Jane Gray in the 3D horror film House of Wax (1953), starring alongside Vincent Price, which highlighted her as a scream queen in early stereoscopic cinema.[1] Her most enduring television portrayal was as Nora Charles in The Thin Man (1957–1959), opposite Peter Lawford, adapting the sophisticated detective couple from Dashiell Hammett's novels for NBC audiences. Other notable film credits include Crime Wave (1954), Canyon Crossroads (1955), and Back from Eternity (1956), often in supporting roles that showcased her versatility in noir and adventure genres.[1] Beyond acting, Kirk was vocal in her opposition to capital punishment, a stance that reportedly hindered her career prospects in Hollywood.[4] She appeared in various anthology series like Zane Grey Theatre and The Twilight Zone, but retired from performing after the 1960s, later marrying producer Warren Bush until his death in 1992.[1][5] Kirk passed away in Woodland Hills, California, following a cerebral aneurysm.[2]