Actress Jill St. John – a Biography

Jill St. John is an actress best known for her roles in, “Who’s Minding the Store?” and the Bond film, “Diamonds Are Forever”. Jill St. John was born Jill Arlyn Oppenheim on August 19, 1940 in Los Angeles, California. In 1945, John appeared on the radio series, “One Man’s Family”. That same year, she made her stage debut. In 1948, John starred in her television debut with, “A Christmas Carol”. Three years later, she appeared on “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. In 1953, John starred in the film, “Thunder in the East” with a small part.

Some years later, John attended the University of California in Los Angeles, California. In 1957, John appeared in two television appearances, “Schlitz Playhouse of Stars” as well as, “The DuPont Show of the Month”. That same year, John married millionaire Neil Dublin but the marriage would last just over a year. In 1958, John landed the role of, “Erica Landis” in the comedy film, “Summer Love” with Troy Donahue. Several more films followed such as, “The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker” (1959) with Clifton Webb, “Holiday for Loves” (1959) with Jane Wyman, “The Lost World” (1960) and the drama, “Tender Is the Night” (1962) with Jason Robards and Joan Fontaine.

In 1960, John married race car driver, Lance Reventlow. The marriage lasted three years. In 1963, John appeared in the comedy film, “Come Blow Your Horn” with Frank Sinatra and Lee J. Cobb. The film was based on a play by Neil Simon. That same year she starred in the film comedy, “Who’s Minding the Store” with Jerry Lee Lewis and “Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed?” with Dean Martin, Elizabeth Montgomery and Carol Burnett. Several roles in television ensued such as, “Burke’s Law” (1964), “The Rogues” (1965), “Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre” (1963, 1964, 1965), “Batman” (1966) and “The Big Valley” (1965).

In 1967, John married singer, Jack Jones. The marriage endured for two years. In 1971, John won the role of “Tiffany Case” in Ian Fleming’s “Diamonds Are Forever”. The action film also starred Sean Connery as “James Bond. In later years, John appeared in episodes of, “The Love Boat” (1982), “Magnum P.I.” (1982), “Fantasy Island” (1982), “Emerald Point N.A.S.” (1984), “J.J. Starbuck” (1987) and “Seinfeld” (1997). In 1987, John’s own cookbook was published. Her last acting role was in the 2002 film drama, “The Calling” with Faye Dunaway. In 1990, John married actor Robert Wagner. The couple divides their time between homes in Aspen and the Pacific Palisades. John enjoys horseback riding, golfing and skiing. In 2005, John was in a skiing accident where her hip was . Surgery was required which proved to be successful.Surgery was required which proved to be successful.