Imagine this: you're a little kid, and Ray Bolger, the man who played the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, teaches you how to tango. That's exactly what happened to Ann Jillian when she was a child actress. "It was a child-appropriate tango, of course," Ann recalls with a laugh to Closer. "There was a wrap party at Walt Disney’s Placerita ranch, and all of us were dressed in Western-themed outfits. Ray took the time to dance the tango with me—it was magical!"
Ann Jillian, now 72, has had a career that spans decades. Her journey began as a child star, and she went on to cultivate friendships with some of Hollywood's biggest legends. By the early 1980s, her charm, beauty, and warmth made her a breakout star on the beloved sitcom It’s a Living. But that's not all—she graced Broadway stages, performed on television variety shows, and even joined Bob Hope for two overseas USO specials. As a breast cancer survivor, Ann bravely shared her story in the 1988 television movie The Ann Jillian Story, a time when women’s cancers were still rarely discussed openly.
Ann's Commitment to Giving Back
Giving back to the community remains a huge part of Ann's life. She's deeply involved with the Thalians, a Hollywood charity focused on mental health causes. As a member of the event talent committee, she helped organize this year’s holiday party fundraiser, which honored none other than TV's Dr. Phil and his wife, Robin McGraw. The event, held on December 3, 2022, at the Hollywood Museum, was a testament to Ann's dedication to supporting causes she truly cares about.
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How Did It All Begin?
How did you get your start as a performer?
"It all started with my mom," Ann shares fondly. "She noticed that I loved singing and dancing around the house, and I had an incredible memory for lyrics and routines. She said, 'We have to go to Hollywood.' So, she uprooted our family from Massachusetts and moved us there. That’s how I began my journey in showbiz."
Her Big Break
What was your big break?
Ann's big break came with the Disney movie Babes in Toyland. "I played Little Bo Peep," she says with a smile. "It was my first big role, and it was Walt Disney himself who gave me my stage name."
Did you really meet Walt Disney?
Yes, Ann met Walt Disney in person. "My mom was called into his office," she recalls. "He said, 'Mrs. Nauseda, you have a beautiful last name, but we usually change names in Hollywood. We think your daughter is going to have a huge career, and we want people to be able to pronounce her name easily.' Jack Donahue, our director, had a daughter named Jill, and my name is Ann. That’s how I became Ann Jillian. Later, I dropped the second 'n,' and it just stuck as Jillian."
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What was Walt Disney like?
Ann describes Walt Disney as "wonderful." "He knew everyone by name," she says. "He was incredibly respectful of families, and he created this magical world where everyone felt valued."
Life After It’s a Living
Did you stay in touch with anyone from It’s a Living?
Ann admits that while everyone had a blast on set, the cast mostly went their separate ways after the show ended. However, she still lives close to Paul Kreppel, who played Sonny, the lounge’s piano player. "It’s nice to have that connection," she says.
Working With Bob Hope
What was it like working with Bob Hope?
Ann worked with Bob Hope on two overseas USO shows. "He was such a generous and kind man," she says. "When he invited me to join him overseas, it felt like a rite of passage. You weren’t officially part of the industry until you went out with Bob Hope. Tragically, the show I did with him turned out to be his last for the USO."
What do you remember most about that experience?
Ann recounts flying into Riyadh with Bob, his daughter, and his wife, Dolores. "When the lights came on, and we saw all the service members waiting for us, it was breathtaking," she says. "Bob got emotional. He looked out the window and said, 'They’re my guys and gals.' You could tell how much he cared about them."
Facing Breast Cancer
You survived breast cancer in the 1980s. Where did your strength come from?
Ann credits her parents, who were survivors of World War II, for instilling in her a strong work ethic and resilience. "My mom developed breast cancer in her late 40s, but she lived to be almost 90," she says. "Faith has always been a huge part of my life. I went to Catholic school, and it’s something that’s stayed with me. Having faith, strength, and goodness in your life is essential."
Marriage and Friendship
You’ve been married for 44 years. What’s your secret?
Ann laughs when asked about her long-lasting marriage. "I don’t know exactly," she says. "We started with the idea that you have to be nice to each other, and we’ve stuck with that. Being friends and going through life’s challenges together creates a safety net. And yes, I was good friends with Sammy Davis Jr. He was an incredible man."
How did you meet Sammy Davis Jr.?
Ann met Sammy Davis Jr. when he attended her show in Lake Tahoe. "We became fast friends," she says. "When I was going through breast cancer surgery, Sammy called my husband to see how he could help. My husband told him, 'There’s nothing we can do but pray.' Sammy said, 'I’m on my knees tonight.' After my chemotherapy, Sammy opened up his home to me. Every week, he hosted movie nights with his friends in his own projection room. He told me, 'Just put a turban on and come over. You’re among friends here.' It meant the world to me."
Family Life
Do you have children? Did they follow you into show business?
Ann has a grown son who could have easily followed in her footsteps. "He has a great voice and memory," she says proudly. "But he’s a lawyer now. He’s creative, analytical, and practical. I’m so proud that he passed the California bar the first time around."
Are you a grandmother? How do you feel about it?
Ann lights up when talking about her granddaughter. "Yes, I’m a grandmother!" she says. "My granddaughter just turned 1. She’s absolutely adorable. Watching her experience the world for the first time is such a gift. It’s beautiful to see things through her eyes. Being a grandmother tugs at those love strings in your heart like nothing else."
