The world of entertainment mourns the loss of Phyllis Coates, the pioneering actress who stepped into the shoes of Lois Lane for the first time on television. At the age of 96, Coates passed away, leaving behind a legacy etched in the annals of classic TV history.
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Coates, with her remarkable performances in “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein” and various Republic Pictures serials, breathed her last on Wednesday due to natural causes, as confirmed by her daughter Laura Press. Her final moments were at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills.
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From Wichita Falls to the Silver Screen
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, as Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell, Coates’ journey to stardom began when she moved to Los Angeles during her teenage years. Initially making her mark as a chorus girl, she also showcased her talent in comedian Ken Murray’s vaudeville performances and later in USO tours.
Her significant break came when she signed with Warner Bros. Here, she played the role of Alice, the platinum-blonde wife in the Joe McDoakes comedy series. Her on-screen husband, Joe, was portrayed by George O’Hanlon, who later became iconic as the voice behind George Jetson.
Stepping into Lois Lane’s Shoes
Coates’ defining role came when she was cast as Lois Lane, alongside George Reeves’ Superman, in “Superman and the Mole Men” (1951). The film’s success paved the way for the syndicated TV series “Adventures of Superman,” where Coates continued her role in the first season, spanning 26 episodes. She reminisced about the experience, highlighting the rapid shooting schedules which required her to maintain consistent attire throughout many episodes.
Beyond Superman: A Diverse Portfolio
Post her Superman stint, Coates showcased her versatility with roles in “Jungle Drums of Africa” (1952) and “Panther Girl of the Kongo” (1954). Recounting her experiences, she humorously mentioned the challenges of riding an elephant for her role and the surprising discovery of elephant hair.
She continued to leave her mark in films like “Girls in Prison” (1956) and the 1958 sitcom “This Is Alice,” where her comedic talents shone bright.
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