Marlene Willis Biography: Siblings, Husband, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Age, Career, Death, Movies, Songs

Marlene Willis was an American singer and actress whose career reached its high point in the 1950s and early 1960s through regular appearances on televised variety programs and guest roles on narrative television shows.

She also had roles in films such as Rockabilly Baby (1957) and Attack of the Puppet People (1958). Her blend of musical talent and screen presence made her a recognizable performer during that era.

Profile

• Full name: Marlene Audrey Willis
• Date of birth: January 13, 1942
• Age: Deceased
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Levelland, Texas, USA
• State of origin: Texas
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Singer, actress
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches
• Eye color: Hazel green
• Parents: Father: Woodrow Wilson Willis; Mother: Anna Mae Spangler
• Siblings: She was the third of four children
• Spouse: Kerry Hodges (married August 13, 1966)
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: Married until her death in 1982
• Net worth: $110,000

Early Life and Education

Marlene Audrey Willis was born on January 13, 1942 in Levelland, Texas. Soon after, her family moved to Fresno, California. She attended Rowell Elementary School and Yosemite Middle School in Fresno.

During her early years, she and her brother Woodie performed in local talent shows. As a teenager, she attended Hollywood Professional School to accommodate her performance schedule.

Personal Life

While still a teenager, she dated actor Steve Stevens; their relationship was genuine (not just publicity) but ended when Stevens became involved with others. She later married Kerry Hodges on August 13, 1966 in Los Angeles.

Career

Marlene Willis’s singing career began in early childhood, performing at local events and in Fresno for talent shows. She gained wider exposure in televised variety shows in the 1950s.

Her first film role came in Rockabilly Baby in 1957, in which she appeared as Linda Bennett and recorded songs for the soundtrack.

In 1958 she appeared in Attack of the Puppet People, also contributing musically. In television, she guest-starred on shows like Maverick, Wagon Train, The Loretta Young Show, The Andy Griffith Show, Bourbon Street Beat, among others during 1960-1961.

Later in the early 1960s she performed as a jazz vocalist with the Juan Esquivel Orchestra on the casino circuit in Nevada, and towards mid-1960s she played clubs on the Sunset Strip.

Net worth

Marlene Willis’s net worth is at the time of her death was at least $110,000. Her earnings came from singing, television, film roles, and live performances.

Death

Marlene Willis died of cancer on March 29, 1982 in Los Angeles, California, USA at age 40.

Social Media

• N/A

Filmography

• Rockabilly Baby (1957)
• Attack of the Puppet People (1958)
• Maverick (TV series)
• Wagon Train (TV series)
• The Andy Griffith Show (TV series)
• Bourbon Street Beat (TV series)
• The Loretta Young Show (TV series)
• The Dick Powell Theatre (TV series)

Discography

• Washboard Boogie (single, Magnolia Records, 1955)
• Mother, Mother, Mother (b-side of same single)
• Angel with the Devil in Your Eyes (single, Zephyr Records, 1957)
• Graduation Dance (b-side)
• Star Light, Star Bright (single, Verve Records, 1958)
• Songs For Your Boyfriend (album, Verve, 1958)
• Billy Barr (single, ERA Records, 1960)
• Caesar Loves Me (single, ERA Records, 1962)