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Phyllis Coates, TV’s First Lois Lane in Adventures of Superman, Passed Away at 96. Her Remarkable Career Spanned from Classic TV to Film, and She Leaves a Lasting Legacy.
Phyllis Coates Death And Obituary
Phyllis Coates, the pioneering actress who made history as the first Lois Lane in the classic Adventures of Superman series, has passed away at the age of 96 due to natural causes. Her daughter, Laura Press, confirmed her demise to The Hollywood Reporter.
| Birth Name | Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell |
| Birth Date | January 15, 1927 |
| Birth Place | Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S. |
| Death Date | October 11, 2023 (aged 96) |
| Death Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Gypsy Stell |
| Alma mater | Los Angeles City College |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1944–1996 |
Coates ventured into the world of entertainment, beginning her career as a chorus girl and making her way to the cinema in the 1940s. Notably, her remarkable performance as Lois Lane in the 1950s TV series left an indelible mark on television history.
Throughout her extensive career, she graced both the big and small screens, leaving an enduring legacy in the entertainment industry. Her passing marks the end of an era, and she will be fondly remembered for her groundbreaking role and significant contributions to film and television.
Who was Phyllis Coates?
Phyllis Coates, born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell, was a well-known American actress with a remarkable career spanning over five decades. She gained her greatest recognition for her role as the intrepid reporter Lois Lane. Her portrayal of Lois Lane began with the 1951 film “Superman and the Mole Men” and continued into the first season of the popular television series “Adventures of Superman.”
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Coates later moved to Hollywood during her teenage years with initial plans to enroll at UCLA. However, she swiftly found herself embarking on a career as a model and actress. During the early 1950s, she made appearances in various films and television shows, including “The Lone Ranger,” “The Cisco Kid,” and “The Colgate Comedy Hour.”
In 1951, Coates was cast as Lois Lane in “Superman and the Mole Men,” a production with a modest budget that surprisingly achieved box office success. Her portrayal of Lois Lane was met with critical acclaim and won the hearts of fans.
The year 1952 marked a significant moment in Coates’ career when she reprised her role as Lois Lane in the television series “Adventures of Superman.” During the 1980s and 1990s, Coates experienced a resurgence in her career, this time as a voice actress. Notably, she lent her voice to the character of Lois Lane in both the Superman animated series and the Justice League animated series. Additionally, she voiced the character of Grandma Addams in the animated series “The Addams Family.”
Phyllis Coates was a highly talented actress whose enduring career was marked by her iconic portrayal of Lois Lane in “Superman and the Mole Men” and the first season of “Adventures of Superman.”
Phyllis Coates Nationality
Phyllis Coates was an American actress. She was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, United States, on January 15, 1927. She died on October 11, 2023, at the age of 96.
Coates was best known for her portrayal of reporter Lois Lane in the 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men and in the first season of the television series Adventures of Superman.
Coates was a talented actress who had a long and successful career. She was a beloved figure in the Superman fandom, and she will be missed by fans all over the world.
Is Phyllis Coates Married?
Yes, Phyllis Coates was married four times. Her first husband was TV director Richard L. Bare, whom she married in 1948. They divorced in January 1949. Her second husband was jazz pianist Robert Nelms, whom she married in 1950.
They had one daughter together and divorced in 1953. Her third husband was Dr. Howard Irving Press, whom she married in 1962. They remained married until his death in 1986.
Coates did not remarry after her husband’s death. She remained active in the Superman fandom until her death in 2023 at the age of 96.
Phyllis Coates Career
Phyllis Coates, the American actress famous for her role as Lois Lane in the 1951 film “Superman and the Mole Men” and the first season of the television series “Adventures of Superman,” had a diverse career in the entertainment industry.
Coates began her acting journey in the 1940s, appearing in numerous films, often in supporting or minor roles. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Lois Lane in “Superman and the Mole Men,” which led to her casting in the initial season of “Adventures of Superman” alongside George Reeves. Her depiction of Lois Lane, characterized by her independent and determined nature, endeared her to fans.
Following her time on “Adventures of Superman,” Phyllis Coates continued her acting career, appearing in various TV shows like “Perry Mason,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “The Twilight Zone.”
She also took on film roles in productions such as “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein” (1957) and “Johnny Trouble” (1957). In the 1960s, Coates began transitioning away from acting to focus on her family.
However, she made sporadic appearances in television and film, including a cameo as Lois Lane’s mother in the film “Superman Returns” (2006). Despite her reduced screen presence in later years, her portrayal of Lois Lane remains iconic and influential in the superhero genre.
What Happened To Phyllis Coates?
The circumstances surrounding Phyllis Coates’ passing remain a subject of ongoing speculation, as the actress who portrayed Lois Lane in the early Adventures of Superman series has died at the age of 96.
Her cause of death is yet to be fully clarified, and many questions linger about the circumstances leading to her passing. While the exact details of what happened remain uncertain, her legacy in the world of entertainment will continue to resonate, and her contributions as an actress will be remembered with affection.
Phyllis Coates was known for her versatile acting career, appearing in various films and TV shows. Her role as Lois Lane in the original Superman series left a significant mark on the world of entertainment, making her a beloved figure in Hollywood. Though the details of her passing remain unclear, her impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable.
How Did Phyllis Coates Die?
Phyllis Coates, the renowned actress known for her role as Lois Lane in the early “Adventures of Superman” series, passed away at the age of 96 due to natural causes. Her daughter confirmed that her death was peaceful, marking the end of a distinguished career that included being the first actress to play Lois Lane on television and contributions to various genres in the entertainment industry.
