| Chill Wills | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 18 1903 Seagoville, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | December 15 1978 (aged 75) Encino, California, U.S. |
Chill Theodore Wills (July 18, 1903 – December 15, 1978) was an American film actor and singer in the Avalon Boys Quartet.
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Biography
Wills was a performer from early childhood, forming and leading the Avalon Boys singing group in the 1930s. After appearing with them in a few westerns, he disbanded them in 1938 and struck out on a solo acting career. One of his more memorable "roles" was that of the distinctive voice of Francis the Mule in a series of popular films. Wills' deep, rough voice and Western twang was perfectly matched to the personality of the cynical, sardonic mule. As was customary at the time, Wills was given no billing for his vocal work, though he was featured prominently on-screen as blustery General Ben Kaye in the fourth entry, Francis Joins the WACS. Wills appeared in numerous serious roles, including Giant, a 1956 film starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean.[1] Wills was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1960 for his role as the Beekeeper in the film The Alamo. However, his aggressive campaign for the award was considered tasteless by many, including the film's producer, John Wayne, who publicly apologized for Wills. Wills' publicity agent, W.S. "Bow-Wow" Wojciechowicz, accepted blame for the ill-advised effort, claiming that his employer had known nothing about it. Wills was defeated for the Oscar by Peter Ustinov, who won for his role in Spartacus.[2] Wills served as master of ceremonies for George Wallace for the California campaign stops in Wallace's 1968 Presidential campaign.[1] On his death in Encino, California, Chill Wills was interred in the Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale.
Partial filmography
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References
- ^ a b The Politics of Rage: George Wallace, by Dan T. Carter (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1995, 2000) at 314. ISBN: 0-8071-2597-0
- ^ Clark, Donald, & Christopher P. Andersen. John Wayne's The Alamo: The Making of the Epic Film, Carol: 1995
