Chill Wills Biography

Chill Wills was an American actor and singer, who primarily played character roles in American Westerns. He started his career as a singer in the 'Avalon Boys Quartet,' which led him to his acting debut. He mostly played jovial and sometimes sinister character role, primarily in Westerns. In 1940, ‘MGM' signed Chill as one of their regular comical cowpokes. He had gained prominence as a voice actor, too, the most notable of his voice roles being that of ‘Francis, the Talking Mule.’ Chill's deep, husky voice later earned him several more voice roles. His breakthrough role was John Wayne's whiskey-drinking funny sidekick in 'The Alamo.' However, the film brought him notoriety in the film fraternity for using blatant and embarrassing means to promote his 'Academy' nomination. Chill continued to work till his death in 1978. He was honored with a 'Walk of Fame' “star.” Chill was strongly opinionated and had a stint as a presidential candidate supporter. Chill was first married to a ballet dancer, with whom he had two sons. He remarried just a couple of years before his death.