Jean Willes appeared in several Three Stooges shorts, as she became a favorite of director Edward Bernds. She later landed roles opposite Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth, Bing Crosby and Paulette Goddard. She played a nurse in the original sci-fi classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. In the 50s and 60s, she made a smooth transition to the budding medium of television, taking guest roles in numerous TV series like Bonanza, Hazel, The Munsters, Perry Mason, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Bat Masterson, The Beverly Hillbillies, McHale’s Navy and many others. She played the “memorable” bus patron in the Twilight Zone episode “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?” She continued appearing in films, including uncredited roles in “Elmer Gantry” and “From Here to Eternity.” She was part of the star-studded ensemble in the original “Ocean’s 11.” Jean appeared in guest roles on television into the 70s with roles in Kojak and Here’s Lucy.
Jean was married to NFL player Gerard Cowhig until her death in 1989 at the age of 65.