Billy Lee, also known as William Schlensker, was a gifted and precocious young individual whose life trajectory underwent a profound transformation at the tender age of three, when his family relocated from their humble abode on a family farm in Nelson, Indiana, to the sun-kissed state of California around 1933.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Billy's life, as he enrolled in The Meglin School For Kiddies, a prestigious institution in Los Angeles, at the remarkably young age of three. It was here that he would demonstrate his exceptional aptitude and cooperative nature, captivating the attention of his dance instructor, the renowned Ethel Meglin.
Billy's incredible aptitude was astutely detected by Meglin, who swiftly propelled him into the realm of cinematic excellence at the tender age of four. This nascent thespian's inaugural foray into the world of movies commenced with a cameo appearance in the short film "Mike Fright," a "Little Rascals" production that served as a precursor to his subsequent big-screen debut.
As fate would have it, Billy's first feature film was none other than "Wagon Wheels" (1934),a cinematic masterpiece that not only showcased his burgeoning acting talents but also featured a solo singing performance that left audiences in awe. By the time he had reached the age of four, Billy had undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, transforming from a young farm boy from Indiana to Billy Lee, a burgeoning Hollywood starlet.
Billy's early career trajectory was marked by a succession of remarkable achievements, with a plethora of screen appearances throughout the 1930s. His impressive filmography boasted an impressive tally of over 30 movies, with a distinguished array of co-stars that included the likes of Lon Chaney Jr., Roy Rogers, Charles Boyer, Randolph Scott, Olivia DeHavilland, and Broderick Crawford.
In addition to his work in feature films, Billy also lent his talents to the realm of short subjects. One such notable example is the 1941 musical comedy film Reg'lar Fellers, in which he assumed the lead role of "Pinhead" and showcased his remarkable drumming abilities.
Billy's cinematic endeavors came to a close in 1943, at the tender age of 13, with a memorable appearance in the film Eyes of the Underworld. Following this milestone, he redirected his creative energies towards music, honing his skills as a guitarist and performing at local venues. As he approached the age of eligibility, Billy took a brief hiatus from his musical pursuits to serve his country, joining the Armed Services and dedicating himself to the noble cause.
