Margot Kidder: From Lois Lane to Life’s Harsh Realities

For many, Christopher Reeve embodied Superman, but it was Margot Kidder who truly brought Lois Lane to life—sharp, determined, and every bit the intrepid journalist. Yet, away from the cameras, both actors faced significant health challenges, with Kidder’s journey marked by particularly difficult turns following her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and a serious spinal injury.

Health Setbacks and Personal Turmoil

Kidder’s troubles began in 1988 when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At the time, she chose not to discuss her condition publicly or seek treatment, a decision that would have lasting consequences.

Her struggles began in 1988, when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which she refused to comment on and take treatment for at the time, something that would come to haunt her later (via People).

In 1990, while working on a television pilot, she was involved in a car accident that left her with spinal injuries and partial paralysis. The aftermath forced her out of work for two years and left her with substantial debt.

The first major tragedy that struck her was when she was involved in a car accident in 1990 while the pilot of a proposed television series, Nancy Drew and Daughter. This terrible car crash injured her spine and left her partially paralyzed, leaving her unable to work for two years and piling up a debt of $800K (via The Canadian Encyclopedia).

Public Struggles and a Notorious Breakdown

Perhaps the most public episode came in 1996, when a computer virus wiped out the manuscript of her autobiography. The loss triggered a severe mental health crisis, culminating in her being found in a distressed state in a stranger’s garden, missing teeth and reportedly the victim of an attempted assault.

She was found later in someone’s backyard in a dishevelled state with a couple of her teeth missing in an alleged r*pe attempt, and was quickly taken in by the authorities to the hospital, where she received psychiatric care (via The Independent).

During this period, Kidder experienced homelessness, at one point living in cardboard boxes on the streets of Los Angeles. She later spoke candidly about manic episodes that led to reckless spending and memory lapses.

Legacy and Advocacy for Mental Health

Kidder’s life ended in 2018, initially reported as a peaceful passing, but later confirmed as suicide by overdose.

And on May 13, 2018, the actress was announced to have passed away, originally claimed to have been peaceful in nature by her manager. But later, it was found out that the actress had committed suicide through an overdose of drugs (via The Guardian), making her last moments a tragedy as well.

Despite her own difficulties, Kidder became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, helping to break down stigma and encourage open discussion.

She was always open about her struggles, talking with media outlets about the things that she experienced and what she learned from them in the process of getting through (via Yahoo Entertainment).

Her daughter, Maggie McGuane, has also spoken about the importance of Kidder’s openness in raising awareness.

Superman Films and Enduring Influence

Kidder’s portrayal of Lois Lane in the original Superman films of the late 1970s and 1980s remains iconic, helping to shape the landscape of modern comic book cinema. The films, directed by Richard Donner, Richard Lester, and Sidney J. Furie, achieved both critical and commercial success, with the first two entries in particular receiving high praise and box office returns. The aforementioned Superman films are available to stream on HBO Max (US).