Biography for
Kay Linaker More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

19 July 1913, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA

Date of Death

18 April 2008, Keene, New Hampshire, USA (heart failure)

Birth Name

Mary Katherine Linaker

Mini Biography

Kay Linaker was educated at a private school in Connecticut and later attended New York University. While living in New York, she became interested in the stage and began attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her work in several small Broadway roles brought her to the attention of screen scouts and she was signed for movie work. She appeared in many films of the 1930s and '40s (including a quintet of Charlie Chans and James Whale's final two films) before meeting and marrying singer-turned-writer Howard Phillips. She relocated to the East and, now calling herself Kate Phillips, began writing for television (her husband became an NBC-TV executive). She also wrote the screenplay of The Blob (1958), which went on to gross millions; she was paid $125. In more recent years, Phillips taught at universities in Canada and New Hampshire.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Tom Weaver <TomWeavr@aol.com>

Spouse

Howard Phillips

(1945 - September 1985) (his death) 2 children

Trivia

Until her death in 2008, was the oldest College teacher in New England.

Taught College Screenwriting, Acting for the screen, and the Golden Age of Hollywood to Melanie Cunningham.

Appears as an on screen interviewee, discussing 'Charlie Chan in Monte Carlo,' in 'Charlie Chan is Missing: The Last Days of Warner Oland', a documentary featurette included in the third Charlie Chan DVD collection, released 2007.

Appears as an interviewee in 'Charlie Chan is Missing: The Last Days of Warner Oland' (2007) which is included as a bonus feature in the third volume of Warner Oland Charlie Chan features on DVD.

Interviewed in Tom Weaver's books "Science Fiction Confidential" (McFarland & Co., 2002) and "Eye on Science Fiction" (McFarland & Co., 2003).

Has two children, a son Bill and a daughter Regina.

Taught screen-writing at Keene State College in New Hampshire until her retirement in 2005 at age 90 plus. She earned the distinction at one point of being the oldest college professor of New England.

Salary

The Blob (1958)

$150.00