The Original Lois Lane, Phyllis Coates, Dead At Age 96

Actress Phyllis Coates, the original Lois Lane from the first Superman feature film, has died at the age of 96. 

She starred in 1951's 'Superman and the Mole Men' as Lois Lane, and reprised her role with 'Adventures of Superman.'

Her daughter Laura confirmed the news noting she died of natural causes in a manner that was “very peaceful” at her home outside LA.

“She gave a lot to the industry. Her career passed through so many genres."

Born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell in Wichita Falls, Texas, on January 15, 1927th, She later moved with her family to Hollywood.

She launched her career in show business as a chorus girl during the 1940s, and toured several times with the USO.

Her film career included roles in the Western 'Panther Girl of the Kongo' (1955), 'Girls in Prison' (1956), 'I Was a Teenage Frankenstein' (1957), 'Blood Arrow' (1958), 'Cattle Empire' (1958), 'The Incredible Petrified World' (1959), 'The Baby Maker' (1970), and 'Goodnight, Sweet Marilyn' (1989).

She was best known for playing Lois Lane in Superman, appearing in 26 episodes and prided herself on the serious stunt work she mastered.

“We were nearly blown up, beaten up, exploded, exploited — I guess it was because we were young and dumb, but we put up with a lot of stuff. Not too long ago I saw [the episode ‘Night of Terror’] where I got knocked out!”

She earned $350 an episode working opposite George Reeves, Jack Larson, John Hamilton, and Robert Shayne.

After season 1 wrapped, she was offered five times her salary to return for Season 2 but declined.

“I really wanted to get out of ‘Superman.'"

However, she took the role of Lois' mother in 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,' while Lois was played by Teri Hatcher.

Her final acting gig was 'Hollywood: The Movie' in 1996.