Jean Willes

Jean Willes was an American actress who is best known for her roles in B-movies during the 1950s and 1960s, including Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The King and Four Queens, and the television series Perry Mason. Her performances often featured her voluptuous figure, and she frequently portrayed hard-edged characters such as gold diggers and saloon girls.

Personal and Family Life

Jean Willes was born on April 15, 1923, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Utah and Seattle. She had a brief marriage to Frank Donahue from 1944 to 1947, and later married NFL player Gerard Cowhig in 1950, with whom she had one child, a son named Gerry. Willes was known for her charm and wit, qualities that complemented her on-screen persona.

Career Highlights

Willes began her acting career in comedy shorts in the early 1940s and gradually moved into feature films, often playing glamorous supporting roles. Her career spanned over three decades, and she appeared in various television shows in addition to her film work. Despite not achieving major stardom, she was a recognizable face in Hollywood and enjoyed a steady stream of work throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Death and Legacy

Jean Willes passed away from liver cancer on January 3, 1989, at the age of 65 in Van Nuys, California. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances, particularly in cult classics like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, where she showcased her talent and versatility as an actress. Though she may not have reached the heights of some of her contemporaries, her contributions to film and television remain appreciated by fans and historians alike.

Filmography