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Ann Jillian Biography
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She began her acting career when she was eleven years old when she played Little Bo Peep in Disney’s Babes in Toyland, in 1961. After which she joined in the film version of Gypsy, starring Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood. She then became a regular in the popular sitcom Hazel, the Twilight Zone, as well as a voice talent in Scooby Doo and Sealab 2020 during the 1970s.
Ann Jillian achieved a sex symbol status when she took part of the TV series It’s a Living. Whilst being on the series, Ann Jillian also starred in a TV film and portrayed the character of Mae West. When It’s a Living was revived in syndication, Ann Jillian became present only during one season, and after which she left due to ill health.
Aside from It’s a Living, Ann Jillian has also appeared in more than 25 films, most of which were made for TV. Her other television credits include starring roles in two short-lived sitcoms, one of which was Jennifer Slept Here in the early eighties, and her self-titled show, Ann Jillian, in 1989.
In the mid-1980s, Ann Jillian, who was at that time 35 years old, made headlines when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She, however, made use of her condition as a tool in informing the public and promoting awareness about breast cancer. While battling her disease, Ann Jillian transformed into an advocate for cancer research. She underwent a double masectomy, and her fight against breast cancer was made into a top-rated 1988 TV movie, The Ann Jillian Story, where she portrayed herself.
Her battle with breast cancer made Ann Jillian into a devout humanitarian. She now spends time as a motivational speaker for breast cancer patients, encouraging them to fight and not lose hope with the illness. Ann Jillian has not given up as a performer though, as she continues to sing in corporate groups and symphony pop circles.
Ann Jillian is married to Andy Murcia, a Chicago police sergeant, in 1977. Not long after their marriage, Murcia retired and focused on managing her career. In 1992, Ann Jillian gave birth to a son, which she and her husband named Andrew Joseph. Together, they are currently living in San Fernando Valley, in Los Angeles, California.
