Cissy Wellman is Hollywood royalty.
The daughter of the revered Classic Hollywood director, William Wellman—who directed such films as Wings (1927) and the original A Star is Born (1937), and Dorothy Coonan Wellman—one of Classic Hollywood’s greatest dancers, Cissy had the rare opportunity to grow up among the biggest names from the Golden Age.
The Fred MacMurrays, the Frank Capras, and the Henry Fondas were neighbors. Cissy visited with legends such as Clark Gable and John Hodiak on her dad’s film sets. And, as her own career took off, Cissy formed friendships with countless Classic Hollywood greats, including Howard Hawks, Jean Simmons, Richard Brooks, John Wayne, and Janet Leigh.
Cissy Wellman’s Career
An actress, dancer, director, and author, Cissy began her show business career dancing in film and television, and used her choreography talents to stage the dance numbers in several Classic Hollywood films.
Among her acting credits are roles on television’s most beloved shows, including Charlie’s Angels, The Waltons, Hart to Hart, and Chips. Cissy’s film credits include roles in Red Line 7000 (1965), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Made Men (1999), and, most recently, in 2024’s, Little Death, opposite David Schwimmer.
When I met Cissy, I was blown away by her inherent charisma and friendliness. Having read Cissy’s wonderful memoir, They Say I Come From Hollywood Royalty…So Where’s My Crown?, I already felt like I knew her. It was a dream to sit down with Cissy last month and discuss her remarkable childhood, career experiences, and the Classic Hollywood legends she knew.
Cissy Wellman: Hollywood Royalty
As someone who was literally born into Hollywood royalty, who knew and worked with Classic Hollywood’s greatest legends, and is still a working actress today, Cissy’s perspective on what made the Golden Age special is priceless.
Listen to episode 83 of Vanguard of Hollywood to experience the charisma, humor, wisdom, and invaluable insights Cissy so generously shares.
And be sure to read Cissy’s wonderful memoir, They Say I Come From Hollywood Royalty…So Where’s My Crown?, available on Amazon.
16 Responses
Thank you for this beautiful writing. You touched my heart.
Thank YOU Cissy! It was an absolute honor to interview you. Thank you for your time, honestly, and the truly invaluable insights that you shared. I am blessed to know you! ❤️
This was a fabulous interview. I remember Cissy from Josey Wales! Always been a fan of her dad’s work. So great to hear her insights!
Thanks for listening Nancy! I agree, it’s so wonderful to hear Cissy’s memories and insights on her life, career, and extraordinary family.
Sorry to get slightly political, but the election results hit me hard. It was such a welcome relief to listen to Cissy’s interview. Listening really brightened my day. Thank you Cissy and Shannon!
I’m so glad to hear that Cissy’s interview was the bright spot your day needed, Val! Thanks so much for listening!
Great interview. Enjoyed hearing Cissy’s perspective on her dad’s work and her own impressive career. Thanks, Dave
Thanks for listening Dave! I agree, Cissy’s insights are so fascinating and truly invaluable.
Loved it! Cissy’s radiant personality just shines. What an extraordinary childhood and career!
So glad you enjoyed the interview Janae! Thanks so much for listening!
I remember seeing Cissy in Made Men. She was fantastic! Had no idea who her dad was. Enjoyed listening, thanks.
Thanks for listening Kevin! I agree, Cissy is brilliant in Made Men!
Really enjoyed this! Cissy is a blast, can’t wait to read her book!
Thanks for listening Betsy! You will absolutely LOVE Cissy’s book. So many wonderful memories and stories about Old Hollywood. It’s amazing how many legends Cissy knew and worked with!
You gotta love Cissy! What a fabulous listen. I appreciate her dad and his work so much more now. I remember Cissy from so many shows in the 1970s. Loved her on The Waltons! Such a talent in her own right.
Hi Julie, thanks so much for listening! Cissy’s career is so impressive, isn’t it? The talent in her family is unbelievable!