Born in Wichita Falls, Texas Phyllis Coates graduated from Odessa High School before moving to Los Angeles, attending Los Angeles City College. Originally billed under her birth name, Gypsy Stell, she was discovered by vaudeville comedian Ken Murray, appearing as a dancer and comedienne in Blackouts, his mildly risqué variety show. Her early career included numerous uncredited roles in a variety of McDoakes comedy shorts. She was the first actor to portray Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane on television when the Adventures of Superman series first aired in 1952.
Phyllis Coates passed away at age 96.
