Phyllis Hill Explained

Birth Date:27 October 1920
Birth Place:New York, New York, U.S.
Death Place:Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Nationality:American
Occupation:Dancer
Actress
Yearsactive:1948-1975
Spouse:

    Phyllis Hill (October 27, 1920 – January 1, 1993)[1] was an American dancer and actress.[2]

    Early years

    Hill was born in New York City.[3] Her mother was actress Peggy Johnson Hill. Her sister, Joyce Hill Rainier, danced with the Monte Carlo Ballets Russes.

    Hill began her career in the late 1940s, appearing on stage and in small television roles in New York.

    Stage

    Her theatrical debut came "as one of George Balanchine's 'Baby Ballerinas' in New York." Her Broadway credits include Rosalinda, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Fifth Season, The Alchemist (1947), Angel Street (1947), Volpone (1947), Helen Goes to Troy (1943), What's Up? (1943) and Sons and Soldiers (1942).[4]

    She also appeared with the Metropolitan Opera Company ballet as well as Radio City Music Hall's Ballet Corps.

    Television

    Hill portrayed Poco Thurman in the NBC drama Three Steps to Heaven,, Mrs. Allison in the NBC serial Morning Star,[5] and Agnes Adams in the ABC comedy That Girl.

    Among Hill's television appearances were three Dr. Kildare shows during the 1964–1965 season. She appeared in three Perry Mason episodes during the final three years of the series, including the title role of Katherine Stewart in "The Case of the Wednesday Woman", and Rachel Gordon in "The Case of the Sleepy Slayer" (both in 1964). She made four appearances on The F.B.I. (1966–70).

    Marriages

    She was married twice, both times to actors and both unions were childless:

    Death

    Hill died from lung cancer in Los Angeles[3] on New Year's Day 1993, aged 72. She was survived by a niece.[7]

    Filmography

    YearTitleRoleNotes
    1948Joan of Arc Court Lady Uncredited
    1949Whirlpool Party Guest Uncredited
    1950Crisis Barmaid Uncredited
    1956Singing in the Dark Ruth
    1969Pendulum Mrs. Wilma Elliot

    Notes and References

    1. Book: Ellenberger . Allan R. . Celebrities in Los Angeles Cemeteries: A Directory . 2001 . McFarland . 9780786409839 . 131 . 6 July 2019 . en.
    2. Book: Scott. Tony. The Stars of Hollywood Forever. 2001. Lulu.com. 9781312916975. 16 October 2016. en.
    3. Book: Willis . John . John A. Willis . Lynch . Tom . John Willis Theatre World 1992-1993 Season Volume 49 . 1995 . . 1-55783-203-X . 222 . Phyllis Hill (Ferris Overton) . https://archive.org/details/theatreworld19920000unse/page/222/mode/2up . 2021-05-07.
    4. Web site: ("Phyllis Hill" search results). Playbill Vault. 17 October 2016.
    5. Book: Terrace. Vincent. Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010. 2011. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Jefferson, N.C.. 978-0-7864-6477-7. 716. 2nd.
    6. Book: Donnelley. Paul. Fade to Black: A Book of Movie Obituaries. 2003. Music Sales Group. 9780711995123. 246. 17 October 2016. en.
    7. News: Phyllis Hill Ferrer Overton. 17 October 2016. Variety. January 7, 1993.