Actress Margot Kidder died last Sunday, May 13, 2018. She was 69 years old. Kidder starred opposite Christopher Reeve's Clark Kent and his alter ego Superman in the original film as well as three sequels.
Margot Kidder, who lived with bipolar disorder, had a prolific career as an actress in a variety of small and large roles. Kidder’s struggle with bipolar disorder, which became highly publicized after a 1996 manic episode left her homeless for a time, likely contributed to her career’s decline. After receiving treatment, Kidder went on to become a lifelong advocate for mental health awareness.
On October 14, 2005, Margot Kidder was the special guest at a reception hosted by the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program’s founder, Wally Prechter. The event celebrated the Prechter Bipolar Genetics Repository, the first private repository of its kind in the nation.
“Margot was a force of nature,” says Wally Prechter. “She disliked the term ‘mental illness’ but nonetheless talked openly about her own struggles and what worked for her to overcome them. Her openness was crucial in breaking down the stigma around mental health. She was very sweet and funny and self-deprecating; and she loved hockey.” Mrs. Prechter sent her a Detroit Red Wings shirt after the event and kept in touch with her through Christmas cards over the years.
Says Mrs. Prechter:
“Margot was a wonderful individual, dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health causes. She’ll be missed dearly.”