Phyllis Coates, actual name Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell, was a well-known American actress who worked for more than fifty years. Her most famous performance was as the daring reporter Lois Lane in the 1951 film “Superman and the Mole Men” and the first season of the famed television series “Adventures of Superman.”

Phyllis Coates was born on January 15, 1927, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to William Robert Rush Stell and Lorraine “Luzzie” Jack Teel. She began her career in the entertainment world after graduating from Odessa High School, traveling to Los Angeles with her mother.

Coates attended Los Angeles City College, where she polished her skills and launched her incredible career.

Her route to popularity took an unexpected detour when she was spotted at a Hollywood and Vine restaurant by vaudeville comedian Ken Murray. Murray was the one who taught her the art of comic timing, which she would use throughout her career.

Coates made her stage debut as a dancer and comedienne, performing skits for ten months in “Blackouts,” a moderately risqué variety program. She cemented her place in the entertainment industry as one of Earl Carroll’s showgirls at the famed Earl Carroll Theatre.

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Phyllis Coates husband

Phyllis Coates was married to Dr. Bernard Press from 1962 to 1986.

Phyllis Coates children

Phyllis Coates was a mother of three children, although their names are not publicly known.

Phyllis Coates parents

Phyllis Coates was the daughter of Jack Stell.

Phyllis Coates siblings

There is no available information regarding Phyllis Coates’ siblings, and it remains unknown whether she had any siblings or not.