Margot Kidder, the Canadian-American actress who rose to international fame as Lois Lane in Superman: The Movie (1978), had a career marked by iconic roles, personal turmoil, and enduring legacy. At the time of her death in 2018, Margot Kidder’s estimated net worth was $300,000—a modest sum for a woman whose face once graced posters around the world. Her life was a mix of critical acclaim, cult fame, and behind-the-scenes struggles, all of which shaped her public image and financial journey.
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Born Margaret Ruth Kidder on October 17, 1948, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, she was raised in a family that frequently relocated due to her father’s job as an explosives engineer. Her early exposure to political conversations and social issues came from her mother, a history teacher, which would later influence Kidder’s activism.
From a young age, Kidder showed a fascination with storytelling and the arts. After high school at Havergal College and brief attendance at the University of British Columbia, she left formal education behind to pursue acting. Her career began in Canada with small roles in television dramas such as Wojeck and Adventures in Rainbow Country.
Breakthrough Roles and Stardom
Kidder’s move to the U.S. opened doors to Hollywood projects. In 1971, she landed a regular role on the NBC Western drama Nichols, starring James Garner. A major turning point came in 1973 with her chilling dual performance in Brian De Palma’s Sisters, which earned her significant critical attention.
She quickly became a recognized name, and by 1975, she was featured in Playboy, posing nude in the March issue—an act she later described as empowering. Around this time, she was also featured on The American Sportsman.
But her true breakout moment came in 1978 when she starred as Lois Lane opposite Christopher Reeve in Superman: The Movie. Her portrayal of the spirited and fearless Daily Planet reporter became iconic, winning her the Saturn Award for Best Actress. She reprised the role in three sequels: Superman II, Superman III, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, cementing her status as a pop culture icon.
Notable Film Work
Following her Superman fame, Kidder took on another high-profile role in 1979 as Kathy Lutz in the horror classic The Amityville Horror. The film was a commercial success and remains a staple of the genre. Around the same time, she also hosted Saturday Night Live, showcasing her range beyond horror and fantasy.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kidder appeared in a mix of film and TV projects. She returned to theater and made notable guest appearances on shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and voiced roles in animated series like Captain Planet and the Planeteers. She also played Eileen Canboro in the 2000 apocalyptic thriller Apocalypse III: Tribulation and appeared in the Broadway production of The Vagina Monologues.
In the 2000s, she remained active with roles in indie films and cult hits, including Halloween II (2009) and On the Other Hand, Death (2008), where she portrayed a conflicted guidance counselor.
Personal Life and Relationships
Margot Kidder’s personal life was often as complex as her characters. She was married three times. Her first marriage was to novelist Thomas McGuane, with whom she had a daughter named Maggie McGuane. Her brief marriage to actor John Heard lasted just six days before separation, followed by divorce in 1980. Her third marriage, to French director Philippe de Broca, also ended in divorce.
She was a vocal activist and participated in environmental causes, women’s rights campaigns, and political rallies throughout her life. Her passion for advocacy often took precedence over commercial success.
Mental Health Struggles and Comeback
Kidder’s career hit a significant setback in the 1990s, when she experienced a very public mental health crisis. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she suffered a severe manic episode in 1996 that led to her briefly living on the streets in Los Angeles. The incident made headlines, but it also led to greater awareness and dialogue about mental illness in the public sphere.
Despite the setback, Kidder returned to the industry and became a powerful advocate for mental health awareness. She found renewed purpose in theater, indie film, and activism. In 2007, she shared that she had gone more than a decade without a manic episode, crediting a mix of medication, holistic treatments, and personal discipline.
Margot Kidder’s Net Worth at Time of Death
Despite her early success and fame, Kidder did not retire a wealthy star. At the time of her death in May 2018, her net worth was estimated at $300,000. Several factors contributed to this modest figure: sporadic acting work later in life, her mental health struggles, and the absence of high-paying blockbuster roles in the latter part of her career.
Nevertheless, Kidder remained active in the entertainment and activist spheres until the end. She lived modestly in Livingston, Montana, where she passed away at the age of 69. Her death was later ruled a suicide by drug and alcohol overdose, but her legacy continues to live on.
Legacy
Margot Kidder’s story is one of triumph, vulnerability, and resilience. Though her net worth might not reflect the scale of her cultural impact, her performances—particularly as Lois Lane—continue to inspire audiences and actors alike.
She won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2014 for her role in R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour, a final acknowledgment of her talent before her untimely death. In a world where fame can be fleeting, Margot Kidder remains an unforgettable name in the annals of Hollywood and comic book lore.
