Chili Williams was an American actress best known for her roles in movies like Raw Deal, Having Wonderful Crime, and Captive Women. She gained fame as a popular pin-up known as “The Polka-Dot Girl” after appearing in a polka-dotted bikini photo in Life magazine.
Personal and Family Life
Chili Williams was born Marian Sorenson on December 18, 1921, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She married John Uhlman in 1955 and the couple had two children. Williams was known for her distinctive style, especially her trademark polka-dot outfits. Despite her fame, she preferred to keep her family life private.
Career
Chili began her career by starring in several films during the 1940s and early 1950s, earning attention for her appealing looks. She became a cultural icon after receiving over 100,000 fan letters following her appearance in a bikini. Her roles often included bit parts, and she became involved in various scandals, including an incident where she was caught breaking into her ex-boyfriend’s apartment. Eventually, she chose to step away from acting and lived away from the public eye until her passing.
Death and Legacy
Chili Williams passed away on October 17, 2003, in California. She is remembered for her impact on popular culture as “The Polka-Dot Girl” and has left a lasting legacy in the world of pin-up art and cinema. Her unique style and early contributions to Hollywood continue to be celebrated by fans.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Deal | 1948-05-21 | Marcy |
| Captive Women | 1952-10-10 | A Norm Woman |
| Having Wonderful Crime | 1945-04-12 | Blonde in Polka Dots |
| The Las Vegas Story | 1952-01-30 | Guest (uncredited) |
| Where the Sidewalk Ends | 1950-07-07 | Teddy (uncredited) |
| The Falcon in Hollywood | 1944-12-08 | Blonde Woman at Races (uncredited) |
| Heartaches | 1947-06-28 | Sally, Morton’s Secretary |
| The Lusty Men | 1952-10-24 | Bit Part (uncredited) |
| Gas House Kids Go West | 1947-06-12 | Nan Crowley |
| Copacabana | 1947-05-30 | Sobel’s Showgirl |
| A Girl in Every Port | 1952-02-13 | Car Hop #8 (uncredited) |
| Assigned to Danger | 1948-05-19 | Secretary (uncredited) |
| My Dream Is Yours | 1949-04-15 | |
| Frenchie | 1950-12-25 | Dealer (uncredited) |