Original Lois Lane passes away aged 96
Phyllis Coates, a trailblazing actress known for her iconic role as Lois Lane in the early days of television's superhero adaptations, has passed away at the age of 96.
Her legacy as the first Lois Lane continues to captivate the hearts of fans worldwide. Coates, born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell on January 15, 1927, in Wichita Falls, Texas, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Coates' journey into the world of showbiz began in the 1940s when she ventured to Hollywood. Her early career saw her working as a chorus girl, where she honed her talents and stage presence. Notably, she supported the United States Organisations (USO), touring the country and entertaining the brave men and women of the US Armed Forces and their families.
A decade later, Coates transitioned into film and earned small but significant supporting roles in movies like Smart Girls Don't Talk (1948) and My Foolish Heart (1949). Her versatility was on display as she also appeared as Alice McDoakes in several Joe McDoakes comedy shorts.
In 1951, Coates had a pivotal moment in her career when she was invited to audition for the role of Lois Lane in the low-budget feature film Superman and the Mole Men. Starring alongside George Reeves as Superman, this movie was essentially a de facto pilot for what would become the iconic "Adventures of Superman" series.
Coates's portrayal of the tenacious Daily Planet reporter captured the imaginations of audiences, making her an instant sensation. She brought depth and charisma to the character, establishing a template for future interpretations of Lois Lane. Her presence on screen, alongside Reeves, created an enduring partnership that would forever be etched in the annals of television history.
However, after the first season of Adventures of Superman, Coates made the difficult decision to leave the show due to conflicts with producers and other projects she had on her horizon. The show continued for an additional six seasons, with Noel Neill taking over the role of Lois Lane. Tragically, plans for a seventh season were abandoned following George Reeves's untimely death in 1959.
Coates's contribution to the entertainment industry extended far beyond her time as Lois Lane. She made numerous appearances in popular TV shows of the 1950s and 1960s, such as The Lone Ranger, Lassie, Leave It To Beaver, Hawaiian Eye, Rawhide, Perry Mason, The Untouchables, The Virginian, and Death Valley Days. Her ability to adapt to various roles showcased her talent and versatility.
In the 1970s, she further solidified her presence with a role in the TV-movie The Baby Maker, starring alongside Barbara Hershey. Her remarkable career in entertainment continued through the years, concluding with her final on-screen appearance in two episodes of Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman in 1994.
Phyllis Coates was not only a talented actress but a woman of resilience and determination. Throughout her life, she was married four times and is survived by her daughters, Laura and Zoe, as well as her granddaughter Olivia. Her legacy as the original Lois Lane of television remains a testament to her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
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