LOS ANGELES -- Mae Williams, a singer and actress who overcame polio and other problems to work as an entertainer for six decades, has died. She was 77.
Williams, who became a major fund-raiser for victims of the paralyzing disease, died Jan. 19 in her sleep in her Los Angeles home, according to her longtime publicist Frank Liberman.The blond singer was dubbed show business' "almost girl" because each time she reached the brink of national fame, either disease or disaster befell her. Her repeated comeback trail was des-cribed on Ralph Edwards' "This Is Your Life" in 1955. Ironically, five years later a burglar stole the gold charm bracelet the show had presented her with symbols of her life.
Williams scored early success as a teenager at Hollywood High School when her articulate soprano voice won her stints as vocalist for the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.
In 1950, Williams had just begun a successful engagement at New York's storied Copacabana when she was stricken with polio. Despite relapses, she returned to the microphone.
She also waged her own private cross-country fund-raising tour for the Sister Kenny Foundation to assist polio victims.
Despite all her problems, including a failed TV series and bankruptcy, the irrepressible Williams continued to work. She acted in bit parts in such films as "Foxes" and "Coast to Coast" both in 1980 and "In the Mood" in 1987.
In addition to a daughter, Williams is survived by her husband, former actor/comedian Johnny Hayden, and four grandchildren.