Kim Hunter was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Planet of the Apes,” and “A Matter of Life and Death.” Born as Janet Cole on November 12, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan, she had a successful career in film and theater.
Personal and Family Life
Kim Hunter was the daughter of Donald Cole, a consulting engineer who passed away when she was just three years old, and Grace Lind, a concert pianist. She had one older brother and was educated at Miami Beach High School. She was initially very shy but found confidence through drama classes, which set her on the path to her acting career.
Career Beginnings
Hunter’s career began on stage, making her professional debut in 1939 in “Penny Wise.” She later joined a theater group called the “Theatre of Fifteen,” but it disbanded due to WWII. Her big break came when she was cast in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” earning her major accolades, including the Critics Circle and Donaldson awards.
Death and Legacy
Kim Hunter passed away on September 11, 2002, in New York City from a heart attack. She left behind a rich legacy as a talented actress and a political activist, known for her work in theater, film, and her efforts to support civil rights.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Streetcar Named Desire | 1951-09-19 | Stella Kowalski |
| Planet of the Apes | 1968-02-07 | Zira |
| Beneath the Planet of the Apes | 1970-04-23 | Zira |
| Escape from the Planet of the Apes | 1971-05-20 | Dr. Zira |
| The Seventh Victim | 1943-08-21 | Mary Gibson |
| Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil | 1997-11-21 | Betty Harty |
| When Strangers Marry | 1944-08-21 | Millie Baxter |
| Deadline – U.S.A. | 1952-03-14 | Nora Hutcheson |
| Storm Center | 1956-07-31 | Martha Lockridge |
| You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story | 2008-05-15 | Self |