Margo Kidder: A Comprehensive Profile

Biography & Career Overview

Full Name: Margaret Ruth Kidder (professionally Margot Kidder) Born: October 17, 1948 – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada Died: May 13, 2018 (aged 69) – Livingston, Montana, U.S. Citizenship: Canadian (by birth); naturalized U.S. citizen in 2005 Occupation: Actress, Activist (1965–2018)

Key Achievements & Awards

• Golden Role: Lois Lane in Superman series (1978–1987), including the original and three sequels.

• Notable Films: The Amityville Horror (1979), Sisters (1972), Black Christmas (1974), The Great Waldo Pepper (1975).

• Accolades:

  • Saturn Award for Best Actress (1978)
  • Genie Award, Daytime Emmy, Canadian Film Awards.

Career Highlights

• Early work in Canadian indie films and TV (1960s–70s).
• Peak fame as Lois Lane alongside Christopher Reeve in Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), Superman IV (1987).
• Major roles in The Amityville Horror, Heartaches (1981), Little Treasure (1985).
• Over 100 credits spanning film and television from 1969 to 2015.

Family & Personal Life

Parents & Siblings

• Mother: Jocelyn Mary “Jill” Wilson – Canadian history teacher.

• Father: Kendall Kidder – American engineer & explosives expert.

• Siblings (4):

  • Sister: Annie Kidder – Actress & executive director of People for Education; married actor Eric Peterson.
  • Brothers: John (married to politician Elizabeth May), Michael, Peter.
  • Niece: Janet Kidder (actress, known for Star Trek: Discovery).

Marriages & Family

• Children: One daughter, Maggie McGuane, from her first marriage.

Net Worth & Financial Journey

• Estimated Net Worth (2018): ~$300,000 at time of death.

• Financial Challenges:

  • Brief bankruptcy after a 1990 car accident; severe bipolar-related financial losses in the 1990s.
  • Later years’ royalties and residuals; some estate growth projected posthumously (~$6M inflation adjusted).

Health & Advocacy

• Diagnosed with bipolar disorder; experienced a highly publicized breakdown in April 1996—disappeared and found distressed, taken to psychiatric care.
• Car accident in December 1990 caused temporary paralysis and halted work.
• Became a vocal mental-health advocate, as well as an anti-war and environmental activist.

Death & Legacy

• Date of Death: May 13, 2018 (suicide by drug & alcohol overdose).
• Public Response: Tributes from co-stars & DC Comics; Superman director Richard Donner praised her as “the one true Lois Lane”.
• Final Wishes: Ashes scattered in Canada and Montana, per her wishes.

Summary at a Glance

• Born & Raised: Remote Canadian towns; educated at Toronto’s Havergal College; briefly attended UBC.
• Breakout Role: Lois Lane in Superman films (1978–87).
• Total Career Span: Over 50 years; 100+ acting credits.
• Personal Struggles: Bipolar disorder and addiction, public breakdown in mid-90s.
• Family: One daughter (Maggie McGuane); siblings include actress Annie Kidder; niece Janet Kidder in Star Trek.
• Net Worth: ~$300K at death; later estate income from royalties.
• Advocacy: Mental health, anti-war, and environmental causes.
• Demise: Passed in 2018, aged 69 – remembered as a resilient talent and advocate.

FAQ

What was Margot Kidder’s most famous role?

Margot Kidder is best known for portraying Lois Lane in the Superman films (1978–1987).

Did Margot Kidder have any health challenges?

Yes, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and faced significant mental health challenges, including a highly publicized breakdown in 1996.

How many films did Margot Kidder appear in?

She appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout her career.

Was Margot Kidder married?

Yes, she had several marriages, including to author Thomas McGuane, actor John Heard, and French director Philippe de Broca.

How did Margot Kidder pass away?

Margot Kidder died on May 13, 2018, by suicide from a drug and alcohol overdose.