Jean Willes, a talented actress, is best known for her roles in numerous B-movies during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as her appearances on television. With her lovely and curvaceous features, she often portrayed hard-boiled gold-diggers, party girls, gun molls, and saloon girls, showcasing her versatility and wit. Although she never achieved top-tier stardom, she left a lasting impression on audiences with her captivating performances.
Born on April 15, 1923, in Los Angeles, California, Willes was raised in Utah and Seattle before returning to her hometown to pursue an acting career. She began her journey in comedy film shorts for Columbia Pictures under her birth name, showcasing her charm and wit alongside notable comedians such as Harry Langdon, Andy Clyde, and Sterling Holloway.
Willes' early film career featured bit parts in feature-length films like So Proudly We Hail! (1943),Here Come the Waves (1944),and Salty O'Rourke (1945). She eventually earned co-star status in post-war feature-length programs, including Revenue Agent (1950),A Yank in Indo-China (1952),and a "Jungle Jim" outing.
As a cheesecake fixture in Hollywood, Willes' film and television work remained steady, although she was often relegated to minor roles in "A" films. Her most notable appearances in "A" films include Son of Paleface (1952),From Here to Eternity (1953),and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956),where she played a beautiful nurse and former paramour to Dr. Miles Bennell.
Willes' television career saw her guest-star in various westerns, crime dramas, and other programs, often playing unsympathetic characters. She made her final film appearances in McHale's Navy (1964),The Cheyenne Social Club (1970),and Bite the Bullet (1975) before retiring from acting in 1976.
Jean Willes passed away on January 3, 1989, at the age of 65, due to liver cancer. Her second husband, Gerard Cowhig, a former NFL football player, died in 1995. The couple had one son, Gerry.
