– Phyllis Coates passed away at 96
– Coates portrayed the first Lois Lane on television
– She appeared in the first season of “Adventures of Superman”
Phyllis Coates, the actress who played the iconic role of television’s first Lois Lane, has passed away at the age of 96. Known for her portrayal of the fearless and quick-witted reporter from the Daily Planet, Coates’ role in the “Adventures of Superman” in the 1950s remains deeply memorable for fans of the era. Her friend and biographer, Jan Alan Henderson, confirmed her death on Facebook, saying, “She was very much like our beloved Lois, but even more so. She was loved by everyone who knew her, and she left us with beautiful memories.”
Coates attended the University of Texas for Journalism before pursuing an acting career. She started out in uncredited roles in the late 1940s and eventually landed her role as Lois Lane in 1951, starring alongside George Reeves as Superman/Clark Kent. She remained in the role for the show’s first season before leaving due to a contractual dispute and was succeeded by actress Noel Neill.
Throughout her extensive career, Phyllis Coates made appearances in various television shows, including “The Twilight Zone,” “Perry Mason,” “Maverick,” “Bonanza,” and “77 Sunset Strip.” She also appeared in a multitude of films, such as “Invasion U.S.A.” and “Blue Steel.” In 1961, Coates played a different Lois Lane in “Mister Roberts,” a comedy play that marked her Broadway debut.
Notably, Coates made a memorable appearance in the hit 1994 series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” portraying Lois Lane’s mother, Ellen Lane. This role allowed her to be part of another generation’s interpretation of the beloved comic book heroes.
Phyllis Coates’ contribution to the legacy of Lois Lane will surely be remembered as fans mourn her passing.