Lyon played the title role in the film adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov’s novel about a middle-aged man who becomes obsessed with a 12-year-old girl.
Nabokov, who helped adapt his novel for the screen, called Lyon, “the perfect nymphet,” using the word he used in his novel, the newspaper reported.
Lyon won a Golden Globe in 1963 in the most promising newcomer-female category for "Lolita," Variety reported.
Godspeed Sue Lyon, brilliant in Lolita of course, but I also loved her in John Ford's late classic, Seven Women. Much of her life seems to have been a struggle. I hope she's at peace. #TCMParty pic.twitter.com/eVsrYX65d5
— Sister Celluloid (@sistercelluloid) December 28, 2019
After "Lolita," Lyon appeared in "The Night of the Iguana" (1964), "Tony Rome" (1967), and "Evel Knievel" (1971). Her last film credit was in "Alligator," a 1980 horror movie, the Times reported. She also appeared on television in shows including "Police Story," "Night Gallery," "Men at Law" and "The Virginian."
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