Kate Manx was a beautiful and talented actress who starred in two low-budget films made by her then-husband Leslie Stevens, a television writer and director. She also appeared in several TV shows, such as Perry Mason, Stoney Burke, and The Littlest Hobo. However, behind her glamorous image, she was a troubled and unhappy woman who suffered from depression and anxiety. On November 15, 1964, she took her own life by overdosing on sleeping pills at the age of 34. What led to her tragic end? Here is a brief overview of her life and death.
Early Life and Career
Kate Manx was born on October 19, 1930, in Akron, Ohio, as Kathryne Barbara Mylroie. She had a difficult childhood, as her father abandoned the family when she was young, and her mother struggled to raise her and her siblings. She started working as a model and a dancer at an early age, and moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business. She appeared in a Broadway musical called Two on the Aisle, and later moved to Hollywood to try her luck in films.
Marriage and Divorce
In 1958, she married Leslie Stevens, who was a rising star in the television industry. He cast her as the lead actress in his first feature film, Private Property, a psychological thriller about two drifters who invade the home of a lonely housewife. The film was controversial for its time, as it dealt with themes of sexual violence and voyeurism. It was also a critical and commercial success, and launched the careers of both Stevens and Manx. They had a son together, and seemed to have a happy marriage.
However, their relationship soon deteriorated, as Stevens became more involved in his work, and Manx became more insecure and dependent on him. She also developed a drinking problem, and suffered from frequent panic attacks. She accused Stevens of having affairs with other women, and became paranoid and jealous. Stevens tried to help her by taking her to therapy, but she refused to cooperate. He also tried to boost her confidence by casting her in his second film, Hero’s Island, a historical adventure drama set in the 18th century. However, the film was a flop, and Manx’s performance was panned by the critics.
In 1964, Stevens filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. He also sought custody of their son, claiming that Manx was unfit to be a mother. Manx was devastated by the divorce, and felt that she had lost everything. She became more depressed and isolated, and attempted suicide several times. She also lost her home, as Stevens had put it up for sale.
Final Days and Death
On November 14, 1964, Manx checked into a motel in Torrance, California, under a false name. She had a suitcase full of sleeping pills, which she had obtained from various doctors and pharmacies. She also had a note, which read: “I love you, Leslie. Please forgive me. Kate.” She swallowed the pills, and slipped into a coma. She was found the next morning by a maid, who called the police. She was rushed to a hospital, but it was too late. She was pronounced dead on arrival.
Her death was ruled as a suicide, and her body was cremated. Stevens was notified of her death, and expressed his sorrow and regret. He said that he had tried to save her, but she had refused his help. He also said that he still loved her, and that he hoped that she had found peace. He later remarried, and continued his successful career in television. He died in 1998, at the age of 74.
Kate Manx’s death was a tragic end to a promising career. She was a beautiful and talented actress, who had a bright future ahead of her. However, she was also a fragile and unhappy woman, who could not cope with the pressures and challenges of life. She left behind a son, who never knew his mother, and a legacy of two films, which are now considered cult classics. She also left behind a mystery, which still haunts her fans and admirers. What drove her to take her own life? What could have been done to prevent her death? These are questions that may never be answered.
