Sue Lyon was an American actress and model who rose to international fame in the early 1960s with her breakout role in Stanley Kubrick's controversial film "Lolita". Her captivating performance as the seductive and troubled teen earned her critical acclaim and established her as one of the most promising young talents in Hollywood.
Throughout her career, Sue Lyon went on to star in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing her versatility as an actress and her ability to tackle complex and challenging roles. Her striking beauty and unique presence on screen also made her a popular pin-up and sex symbol, earning her legions of fans around the world.
Despite her success and growing popularity, Sue Lyon had to face many personal and professional challenges throughout her life, including struggles with addiction, health issues, and the pressures of fame. However, she persevered through it all and continued to work in the entertainment industry for decades, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
In this comprehensive biography, we will delve into the life and career of Sue Lyon, including her age, height, figure, and net worth, and explore the many facets that made her such a beloved and fascinating figure in Hollywood history.
Sue Lyon: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life
Sue Lyon was born on July 10, 1946, in Davenport, Iowa. She grew up in a middle-class family and had a happy childhood. Her father was a computer systems analyst, and her mother was a homemaker. From a young age, Sue was interested in acting and often performed in school plays.
Career
Sue Lyon's breakout role was in Stanley Kubrick's film "Lolita" in 1962. She played the titular character, a teenage girl who becomes the object of a middle-aged man's obsession. The film received critical acclaim, and Sue's performance was widely praised.
After "Lolita", Sue appeared in several other films, including "The Night of the Iguana" and "Tony Rome". However, she never achieved the same level of success as she did with her first film. She continued to act throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but eventually retired from acting in the 1990s.
Personal Life
Sue Lyon has been married five times. Her first marriage was to Cotton Adamson when she was only 14 years old. They divorced a year later. She was then married to Hampton Fancher, Roland Harrison, Edward Weathers, and Richard Rudman. All of her marriages ended in divorce.
Net Worth
As of 2021, Sue Lyon's net worth is estimated to be $800,000. Her wealth comes primarily from her acting career.
Early Life and Career
Sue Lyon was born on July 10, 1946, in Davenport, Iowa, United States. Her parents were of French and Danish descent, and she had an older brother. Growing up, Sue was a talented dancer and performer, and she began taking ballet lessons at a young age.
When Sue was just 14 years old, she was discovered by filmmaker Stanley Kubrick while he was on a casting search for his upcoming film, Lolita. Despite her young age, Sue won the coveted role of Dolores "Lolita" Haze, beating out hundreds of other actresses who had auditioned for the part. Her performance in the controversial film, which was based on the novel by Vladimir Nabokov, earned her critical acclaim and set her on the path to stardom.
Following her breakthrough role, Sue continued to work in Hollywood, appearing in a number of films and TV shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She also took on various modeling gigs and became a sex symbol of the era. Despite facing personal struggles and tumultuous relationships with several famous men, Sue maintained her status as a beloved actress and cultural icon.
Rise to Fame
Childhood and Early Career
Sue Lyon was born in Davenport, Iowa in 1946 and grew up in Los Angeles. She developed an interest in acting at a young age and began her career by appearing in various television shows and commercials. Her breakout role came at the age of 14 when she was cast as Dolores "Lolita" Haze in Stanley Kubrick's controversial film adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov's novel "Lolita".Success and Critical Acclaim
Lyon's portrayal of Lolita garnered critical acclaim and she quickly became one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actresses. She went on to star in several other films, including "The Night of the Iguana" and "Seven Women from Hell". Lyon's talent and beauty made her a popular figure in the media, with magazines often featuring her on their covers.Later Career and Legacy
Despite her early success, Lyon's career began to slow down in the 1960s. She retired from acting in 1980 after appearing in the film "Alligator". However, her performance as Lolita remains one of the most memorable in film history and has secured her a place in Hollywood's pantheon of great actresses. Today, Lyon is remembered not only for her talent but also for her grace, beauty, and charm.Personal Life and Relationships
Sue Lyon was married and divorced five times. Her first marriage was to Hampton Fancher, a writer and actor, in 1963 when she was just 17 years old. The couple divorced after only a few months of marriage. She then married Roland Harrison in 1971 and they divorced in 1974. Lyon married her third husband, Edward Weathers, in 1975 and they divorced in 1979. In 1985, Lyon married Richard Rudman and they were together until his death in 2004. In 2006, she married Cotton Adamson but they divorced in 2007.
Lyon was known to have romantic relationships with several high-profile men in Hollywood, including Frank Sinatra and Richard Burton. She was also rumored to have had a relationship with Stanley Kubrick, who directed her in the film Lolita.
Despite her tumultuous personal life, Lyon was a dedicated mother to her daughter Nona, whom she had with Hampton Fancher. Nona was born in 1965 and the two had a close relationship throughout Lyon's life. Nona even published a book in 2000 entitled "Sue Lyon: My Dad and Me" in which she shared her memories of her mother.
Later Career and New Projects
After the success of "Lolita", Sue Lyon continued her acting career, appearing in several movies and TV shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She starred in "The Night of the Iguana" with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner in 1964, and "7 Women" in 1966 directed by John Ford. In 1974, she played the lead role in the horror film "The Astral Factor".
In the 1980s and 1990s, Sue Lyon took a step back from acting and focused on her personal life. However, she returned to the screen in the 2000s, appearing in the independent films "Alligator Point" in 2003 and "The Lollipop Generation" in 2008.
Besides acting, Sue Lyon was also involved in other projects. In the 1970s, she worked as a real estate agent in Los Angeles. Later, she turned her attention to animal welfare and became a breeder and trainer of dogs.
Despite her varied career, Sue Lyon will always be remembered for her breakthrough role as Dolores Haze in "Lolita". Her talent, beauty, and unique onscreen presence continue to captivate audiences today.
Net Worth and Legacy
Sue Lyon had a successful acting career that spanned nearly three decades. Her net worth was estimated to be around $2 million at the time of her death in 2019. Although she is no longer with us, Lyon left behind a lasting legacy with her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Her breakthrough role in Stanley Kubrick's "Lolita" cemented her as a talented actress capable of tackling controversial and challenging roles. Her performance in the film was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama.
Throughout her career, Lyon continued to take on diverse roles in film and television, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She also appeared in several stage productions, proving that her talent extended beyond the screen.
Today, Sue Lyon's legacy lives on through the many films, television shows, and stage productions in which she starred. Her performances continue to inspire new generations of actors and entertainers, and her contributions to the industry will always be remembered.
FAQ
Who is Sue Lyon?
Sue Lyon is an American actress, best known for her role as Lolita in the 1962 film adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov's novel 'Lolita'.
What is Sue Lyon's age?
Sue Lyon was born on July 10, 1946, which makes her 75 years old as of 2021.
What is Sue Lyon's height?
Sue Lyon's height is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm).
What is Sue Lyon's net worth?
It is not known what Sue Lyon's exact net worth is, as she has been retired from acting for many years and has kept a low profile. However, her estimated net worth is around $2 million.
What other films has Sue Lyon starred in besides 'Lolita'?
Sue Lyon has appeared in several other films, including 'The Night of the Iguana' (1964), '7 Women' (1966), and 'Evel Knievel' (1971).