Ann Jillian Admires Her Grandkid with Husband of 46 Years He Helped Her Fight Cancer & Raise

May 2024 · 6 minute read

Over the years, Hollywood has churned out a number of child actors. While many of them chose to retire after working on the big screen for a few years, many of these young actors grew up in the public eye, going on to star in films throughout their lives and growing up in front of the camera.

One of these children who cultivated a successful acting career as they grew older is the iconic actress Ann Jillian. The actress has seen tremendous popularity throughout her time in Hollywood, but she also faced her fair share of adversity, from her cancer diagnosis to a problematic pregnancy.

Ann Jillian in Los Angeles, California, 1980. | Source: Getty Images

Ann Jillian in "Fantasy Island," April 11, 1981. | Source: Getty Images

Jillian started acting as a young girl of six. She recalled how she met Walt Disney himself shortly before her 11th birthday. They sat in his office, the studio head in front of her and her mother by her side. Disney called her in to discuss her stage name, saying most actors prefer to change their names to something easily pronounced.

After her surgery, the First Lady invited Jillian to the White House, where the American Cancer Society offered her an award.

At the time, she was still named Ann Jura Nauseda, seeing as her family originally hailed from Lithuania. Disney proposed changing her last name to something people would easily remember, and Ann's mother agreed. So, she became known as Ann Jillian — a name that would indeed stick in the heads of many fans.

Ann Jillian in "Dom DeLuise and Friends," 1984. | Source: Getty Images

Ann Jillian in "Mae West," 1982. | Source: Getty Images

Jillian started her career with the 1961 film "Babes in Toyland," going on to appear in "Gypsy" a year later. From there, she grew up in the public eye, remaining a fan-favorite and becoming a sex symbol as an adult. Eventually, she landed a role in the show "It's a Living" until she was diagnosed with cancer.

Chemo, Motherhood, and Marriage

Jillian was busy filming "It's a Living" from 1980, but her career came to a halt in 1985 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have a double mastectomy. The actress recalled lying in a hospital bed the night before her surgery. Suddenly, the phone rang, and when she answered, she heard Betty Ford on the line.

While Jillian beat cancer and went on to have a healthy baby, she noted that her main sources of support were her parents and her loving husband, Andy Murcia.

Astounded, Jillian had no idea what to say. Ford offered her sympathies, saying, "It's OK to cry, but not for too long." After her surgery, the First Lady invited Jillian to the White House, where the American Cancer Society offered her an award. Jillian recalled how she met the President, noting how friendly he and his wife were.

Ann Jillian and Andy Murcia on January 23, 1988 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Ann Jillian in "Malibu," 1983. | Source: Getty Images

Luckily, the mastectomy was a success, and Jillian was left cancer-free after the surgery. She returned to acting for a while, and seven years later, the actress had another surprise blessing. At first, Jillian had no idea that she was pregnant. The "Mr. Mom" star suffered from constant slight indigestion and decided to consult a doctor.

Although many people would ignore something so trivial, Jillian monitored her health closely after her brush with cancer. She saw three specialists, all of whom declared her perfectly healthy, but Jillian still felt uneasy. Finally, her gastroenterologist made her take a pregnancy test, and the results came back positive.

Jillian recalled hearing the news. Not only was she relieved that she was healthy, but the actress was soaring after hearing that she would be having a child. She commented, "This baby is a miracle. It's like God nodding and saying, 'I'm pleased with what you've done.' God gave me back my life, and I am living my reward."

Ann Jillian and Andy Murcia on October 3, 1981 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Ann Jillian and Andy Murcia on November 25, 1991, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Jillian chronicled her life in the film "The Ann Jillian Story," showing how she survived cancer and welcomed her child into the world. She also told the story of how her husband supported her and commented on her choice to make the film, saying, "I'm happy that I decided to do it — an odd mix of humble and proud."

Jillian's Relationship with her Husband

While Jillian beat cancer and went on to have a healthy baby, she noted that her main sources of support were her parents and her loving husband, Andy Murcia. Jillian's mother had battled breast cancer before her, which inspired the actress to keep fighting. Meanwhile, Murcia was constantly by her side, praying for her and assisting however he could.

Jillian recalled how her husband became good friends with Sammy Davis Jr., saying the musician showed up at one of her shows at Lake Tahoe, and they connected in an instant. Murcia also formed a close bond with Davis, and the two were in constant contact while Jillian struggled with cancer. Davis often hosted movie nights and encouraged the couple to join.

Although cancer was no walk in the park, it did help solidify Jillian and Murcia's relationship. The actress mentioned that they've kept their relationship strong thanks to all the adversity they faced together. She also noted that they've always been great friends while maintaining a romantic relationship, which has helped their marriage persist.

Ann Jillian on December 3, 2022 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Ann Jillian on December 1, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Besides standing by each other through the worst and the best of times, Jillian and Murcia also raised a son together. The proud mother opened up about her boy, saying he chose not to follow in her footsteps. Although he has a tremendous voice and a memory that would serve him well as an actor, Jillian's son chose another path entirely.

The actress bragged that her son chose to become a lawyer instead of an actor. While she confessed that he's a highly creative individual, she noted that he prefers logic and practicality, which served him well in his career. Jillian added proudly that her son passed the California bar the very first time he tried it.

Besides an assortment of projects she's still working on, Jillian is also an adoring grandmother to her beloved granddaughter. The little girl turned one in 2022, and Jillian remarked how wonderful it is to spend time with her, gushing, "I love looking at the world through her eyes. I love watching her seeing things for the first time."

Ann Jillian on March 04, 2023, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

The actress has no real idea how she managed to keep her family together through the years, but much like Anson Williams, she managed to do it despite cancer. She spoke about those she loves, remarking, "Even with the bad things that have occurred, I still feel very blessed for having a family."

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