Jill Banner was an American actress best known for her roles in Spider Baby, The President’s Analyst, and Deadlier Than the Male. She gained recognition for her unique performances in various films and television shows during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Personal and Family Life
Jill Banner, born Mary Kathryn Molumby on November 8, 1946, experienced an unstable upbringing after the death of her father when she was just two years old. Her mother moved them around various states before finally settling in Glendale, California. Jill attended the Hollywood Professional School, where she became close friends with fellow actress Peggy Lipton.
Career Highlights
Jill’s acting career began with her debut film Spider Baby, which was filmed in 1964 but released in 1968, earning her critical acclaim. She worked often with Jack Webb on his police shows, Dragnet 1967 and Adam-12. In the 1970s, Jill stepped away from Hollywood and for a while sold real estate in New Mexico, only to return later to revive her acting career.
Death and Legacy
On August 7, 1982, Jill’s life tragically ended when she was involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. She was not wearing a seat belt, which led to her being thrown from the vehicle. Despite efforts to save her, she fell into a coma and passed away shortly after, while she was working on scripts for Marlon Brando.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Baby | 1967-12-24 | Virginia |
| Un uomo, un cavallo, una pistola | 1967-08-17 | Caroline |
| Hunters Are for Killing | 1970-03-12 | Holly Farnell |
| C’mon, Let’s Live a Little | 1967-03-03 | Wendy |
| Weekend of Fear | 1966-02-04 | Carol |
| Shadow Over Elveron | 1968-03-05 | Jessie Drover |
| Deadlier Than the Male | 1967-02-12 | Pam |
| The President’s Analyst | 1967-12-21 | Snow White |
| Horrible Horror | 1986-01-01 | Virginia Merrye in ‘Spider Baby’ |
| Ironside | 1967-03-28 | |
| The Bold Ones: The New Doctors | 1969-09-14 | |
| Adam-12 | 1968-09-21 | Rita |