Some of Hollywood’s most recognisable faces have paid tribute to Superman actress Margot Kidder, after her death was announced yesterday.
Kidder, who rose to fame alongside Christopher Reeve in the Superman films of the 1970s, died at her home in Montana on Sunday.
She first appeared as Lois Lane in 1978’s Superman: The Movie, before reprising the role for three subsequent sequels.
Although her cause of death is yet to be revealed, tributes have flooded in for the 69-year-old star.
Posting on Twitter, Star Wars icon Mark Hamill described Kidder as one of the “sweetest” people that he had worked with.
On-screen she was magic.
Off-screen she was one of the kindest, sweetest, most caring woman I've ever known.
I'll miss you #MargoKidder.
Your legacy will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/UBlbszEIhb— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 14, 2018
Brandon Routh, who portrayed Superman in 2006’s Superman Returns, also hailed Kidder for openly discussing her own battles with mental health.
I had the honor of meeting #MargotKidder & speaking with her about her Superman experience.
She is my #LoisLane, just as #ChristopherReeve is my Superman. I’m grateful for the inspiring energy she brought to Lois & for her advocacy for #MentalHealthIsssues.#ThankYouMargot— Brandon Routh (@BrandonJRouth) May 15, 2018
Margot Kidder should be remembered as much for courageously, candidly discussing her battles with mental illness as for any screen role.
There are no Supermen— or women. It is not a character deficiency to acknowledge such struggles and get the help and treatment you need!
RIP pic.twitter.com/ZD6RB3cfzU— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) May 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/996070837957677056
Another significant tribute came from Superman director Richard Donner, who described Kidder as “the only one true Lois Lane”.
“There was only one true Lois Lane. There was only one true Margot Kidder. Extraordinarily creative, artistic and humorous. An overused statement, but totally true: she touched everyone she met and everyone she worked with. A troubled life, which she overcame through grace. These are difficult words to write, so simply – you will be so very missed, my dear Margot”, he told SyFy.
As well as being an active mental health campaigner, Kidder was also a vocal opponent of the divisive Keystone XL oil pipeline and was arrested in 2011 as she protested against its development outside the White House.
She was married and divorced three times and is survived by her only child, daughter Maggie, and three children.