Chili Bouchier was an English actress best known for her roles in films such as “Death Drives Through,” “Mr. Cohen Takes a Walk,” and “The Ghost Goes West.”
Personal and Family Life
Born as Dorothy Irene Boucher on September 12, 1909, in Fulham, London, she began her career as a typist before transitioning to become a fashion model. Throughout her life, she was married three times, first to Harry Milton from 1929 to 1935, then to Peter De Greef from 1946 to 1955, and finally to Bluey Hill from 1977 until his death in 1986. She faced personal struggles, particularly with alcohol, which affected her health in later years.
Career
Chili began acting in films in 1927 and was under contract with British & Dominions, where she gained recognition as a leading lady. However, her prominence diminished as she faced competition from newer stars, and her time in Hollywood did not bring the success she hoped for. During World War II, she entertained troops through ENSA and continued performing on stage and in occasional film roles into her eighties.
Death and Legacy
Chili Bouchier passed away on September 9, 1999, just before her ninetieth birthday. Her death occurred after she fell in her London flat, suffering a fatal head injury. Known as “Britain’s first female sex symbol,” she left behind a legacy of classic films and theatrical performances that captured the glamorous spirit of her time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Death Drives Through | 1935-03-01 | Kay Lord |
| Mr. Cohen Takes a Walk | 1935-02-12 | Julia Levine |
| Get Off My Foot | 1935-11-12 | Marie |
| Shooting Stars | 1928-02-06 | Winnie |
| The Counterfeit Plan | 1957-01-01 | Gerta |
| The Call of the Sea | 1930-11-30 | Poquita |
| The Ghost Goes West | 1935-12-17 | Cleopatra |
| Southern Roses | 1936-09-30 | Estrella |
| Enter the Queen | 1930-11-01 | Marjorie Manners |
| Kissing Cup’s Race | 1930-11-01 | Gabrielle |
| Warned Off | 1930-07-01 | Florrie Greville |
| Brown Sugar | 1931-04-21 | Ninon de Veaux |
| Carnival | 1931-10-30 | Simonetta Steno |
| The Blue Danube | 1932-01-11 | Yutka |
| Ebb Tide | 1932-02-16 | Cassie |
| The City of Play | 1929-07-01 | Ariel |
| The Case of Charles Peace | 1949-03-02 | Katherine Dyson |
| Palais De Danse | 1928-07-27 | No. 2 |
| Murder in Reverse? | 1945-10-21 | Doris Masterick |
| The Laughing Lady | 1946-10-16 | Louise |
| Mrs. Fitzherbert | 1947-12-03 | Norris |
| Where’s Sally? | 1936-05-01 | Sonia |
| Honours Easy | 1935-07-31 | Kate |
| Faithful | 1936-03-01 | Pamela Carson |
| The King’s Cup | 1933-02-02 | Betty Conway |
| Ain’t She Sweet | 1928-01-01 | |
| A Woman in Pawn | 1927-10-01 | Elaine |
| Dead Lucky | 1960-06-01 | Mrs. Winston |
| Summer Lightning | 1933-07-10 | Sue Brown |
| The Wallet | 1952-12-12 | |
| You Know What Sailors Are | 1928-12-14 |