Jill Dorothy Ireland, an English-born American actor, made a name for herself through her lead roles in movies alongside her second husband, Charles Bronson. With a background in ballet, she began her acting career as a dancer in ‘Oh… Rosalinda!!’ before joining ‘The Rank Organization’ and starring in 16 movies with them. After marrying actor David McCallum, she ventured to Hollywood and made guest appearances in popular TV series like ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Mannix.’ Ireland’s most notable work came as the lead actor in action films such as ‘Breakout,’ ‘Love and Bullets,’ and ‘Death Wish II,’ where she starred alongside Bronson. Despite her battle with breast cancer, she shared her journey and treatment in the bestselling book ‘Life Wish: a Personal Story of Survival.’ Ireland was also an advocate for the ‘American Cancer Society’ and received their ‘Courage Award.’ With five children, including two adopted ones, she sadly passed away at the age of 54.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In April
- Also Known As: Jill Dorothy Ireland
- Died At Age: 54
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Charles Bronson (m. 1968), David McCallum (m. 1957 – div. 1967)
- Father: Jack Ireland
- Mother: Dorothy Ireland
- Children: Jason McCallum, Katrina Holden Bronson, Paul McCallum, Val McCallum, Zuleika Bronson
- Born Country: England
- Actresses
- British Women
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm), 5’7″ Females
- Died on: May 18, 1990
- Place of death: Malibu, California, United States
- City: London, England
- Cause of Death: Breast Cancer
Childhood & Early Life
Ireland was born on April 24, 1936, in London, England, to Dorothy and Jack Ireland. Her father was a wine trader. She had a brother named John Ireland. She learnt ballet during childhood and gave her first professional performance at 12. She also performed with the ‘Monte Carlo Ballet’ and toured around Europe with them.
Career
At the start of her acting career, Ireland joined the acting ensemble of the British production company named ‘The Rank Organization.’ At 16, she made her film debut as a dancer in ‘Oh… Rosalinda!!’ (1955). The movie featured her with Sir Michael Redgrave. She was also part of ‘Simon and Laura’ (1955), a film adaptation of a stage comedy. Ireland was associated with 16 movies of ‘The Rank Organization,’ including ‘Hell Drivers’ (1957), ‘There’s Always a Thursday’ (1957), ‘Three Men in a Boat’ (1958), and ‘The Big Money’ (1962).
Ireland met actor David McCallum while working with ‘The Rank’ ensemble during the filming of ‘Hell Drivers,’ and she also appeared with him in ‘Robbery under Arms’ (1957). After the couple got married (in 1957), they both moved to Hollywood in 1962, where McCallum appeared as ‘Agent Illya Kuryakin’ in the series ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ Ireland, too, appeared with him in five episodes of this series, from 1964 to 1967.
In Hollywood, Ireland chiefly worked on TV. She soon turned into a popular guest star and appeared in several TV series, such as ‘Ben Casey,’ ‘Mannix,’ and ‘Night Gallery.’ Her guest appearance as ‘Leila Kalomi’ in an episode of ‘Star Trek’ (1966) brought her immense appreciation. In 1966, she essayed the role of a mother, ‘Marian Starett,’ in the Western TV series ‘Shane.’
Later, Ireland appeared in several action-adventure movies with her second husband, Charles Bronson. Their first film together was ‘Villa Rides’ (1968). She then starred alongside Bronson in the French mystery thriller ‘Rider on the Rain’ (1970) and played a minor part in his film ‘London Affair’ (1970).
Over the next 17 years, Ireland was the lead actor in most of the films starring Bronson, who had become a huge star by then. A few notable action-adventure movies starring them were ‘Cold Sweat’ (1970), ‘The Valachi Papers’ (1972), ‘Valdez Horses’ (1973), ‘Breakout’ (1975), ‘Breakheart Pass’ (1975), ‘From Noon Till Three’ (1976), ‘Love and Bullets’ (1979), and ‘Death Wish II’ (1982).
Ireland continued to work after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984. She was featured in the movie ‘Assassination’ (1987). She made her last screen appearance in ‘Caught’ (1987).
Family & Personal Life
Ireland married actor David McCallum on May 11, 1957. Together, they had two sons, Paul and Valentine. They also had an adopted son, Jason. Later, they learnt that Jason was alcoholic and addicted to drugs. He died of a drug overdose in 1989, six months before Ireland’s death.
In 1963, when McCallum and Charles Bronson were working together on ‘The Great Escape,’ Ireland was introduced to Bronson. She and McCallum divorced on February 19, 1967.
Ireland and Bronson got married on October 5, 1968. Together, they had a daughter, Zuleika. They adopted their friend’s daughter, Katrina, after the friend’s death.
In 1984, Ireland was diagnosed with cancer in her right breast. After a mastectomy, she received chemotherapy and radiation. In 1987, she published a book named ‘Life Wish: a Personal Story of Survival,’ describing her own experiences with cancer and its treatment. The book proved to be a bestseller, as it provided encouragement to those enduring the same pain and difficulties. She was the spokesperson for the ‘American Cancer Society’ and toured the country, motivating cancer patients through her speeches. Ireland made a representation about the medical expenses of cancer patients before the ‘Congressional Committee’ and was awarded the ‘Medal of Courage’ by President Ronald Reagan.
In her second book, ‘Lifeline: My Fight to Save My Family,’ Ireland wrote about coping with her adopted son Jason’s drug addiction and his subsequent death. At the time of her death, she was writing her third book.
In 1989, her cancer recurred and her lungs were affected. She underwent intense chemotherapy sessions. On May 18, 1990, Ireland succumbed to the disease at her home in Malibu, California.