Sue Lyon, born in 1946, was an iconic American actress best known for her role as the teenage Dolores “Lolita” Haze in Stanley Kubrick’s 1962 film adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita. Although her acting career was relatively short, spanning just three decades, she remains an important figure in the entertainment industry and a fascinating subject for students to learn about. In this article, we will explore how to teach students about Sue Lyon’s life, career, and impact on popular culture.
Early Life and Career:
Begin by introducing students to Sue Lyon’s early life. Born Suellyn Lyon in Davenport, Iowa, she was raised by a single mother after her father passed away when she was just ten months old. Encourage students to learn more about her journey to Hollywood and how she was discovered at the young age of 13 by a local photographer who sent her pictures to a talent agent.
Lolita – Breakthrough Role:
Discuss the controversial film that made Sue Lyon a household name – Lolita. It is essential to provide context for the story and its themes of obsession, control, and manipulation. Explain the complex character which landed her the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer – Female in 1963. Reflect on the challenges Sue faced as a young actress dealing with such a controversial role.
Career Highlights and Challenges:
In addition to Lolita, highlight other significant roles in her career such as The Night of the Iguana (1964), Tony Rome (1967), and Evel Knievel (1971). Discuss the challenges that Sue faced due to typecasting after playing Dolores Haze in Lolita, often portraying troubled or seductive young women on-screen. Analyze how these roles impacted her career trajectory.
Retrospective View:
Encourage students to explore more about Sue Lyon as a pop culture figure in the ’60s and ’70s and her place in the feminist movement. Have them analyze how her portrayal of a teenage girl exploited by older men in Lolita resonates with today’s conversations about gender, power dynamics, and consent.
Personal Life:
Cover Sue Lyon’s personal life, including her romantic relationships and marriages, which were often scrutinized by the media. Discuss her decision to withdraw from public life in the 1980s due to personal setbacks.
Conclusion:
Conclude the lesson by summarizing Sue Lyon’s significance as an actress, pop culture figure, and example of young women navigating the entertainment industry during a turbulent era. Reflect on what students can learn from examining her life and career and encourage them to consider how it relates to broader discussions about gender, power, and representation in the arts.
