Noted character actor, Chill Wills, was a multifaceted individual who made his mark in the world of American Westerns.
From a young age, Wills demonstrated a passion for music, performing with tent shows, in vaudeville, and with stock companies. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he soon found himself married to the beautiful ballet dancer, Betty Chappelle, with whom he had two children.
As his music career flourished, Wills formed a group called Chill Wills and His Avalon Boys, which gained popularity after an appearance at the Trocadero in Hollywood. The group was spotted by an RKO executive, leading to numerous low-budget Western film appearances.
Wills' big break came when he appeared alongside Stan Laurel in Way Out West (1937),showcasing his impressive bass-singing voice. Following the success of the film, Wills disbanded his group and embarked on a solo career as a character actor, predominantly in Westerns.
His portrayal of the lovable Beekeeper in The Alamo (1960) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, but his overzealous campaign for the Oscar led to his loss of the award and widespread humiliation. The incident likely also cost the film several awards.
Wills' personal life was marked by tragedy when his wife, Betty, passed away in 1971. He remarried in 1973 to Novadeen Googe and continued to work in films and television, often playing charming, roguishly lovable characters.
Throughout his career, Wills remained a beloved figure in the world of Westerns, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a talented character actor. His passing in 1978 marked the end of an era, but his work continues to entertain and inspire audiences to this day.
