Jo Ann Sayers (born Miriam Lucille Lilygren, October 22, 1918 – November 14, 2011)[3] was an American actress who was active on Broadway and in Hollywood films.

[4] She was a budding actress as a child, participating in dances, taking piano and violin lessons, and acting in school plays.

A talent scout noted her in a student production and invited her to Hollywood for a screen test.

[citation needed] In 1940, she was selected for the titular role in the Broadway production of My Sister Eileen, opposite Shirley Booth, who was two decades Sayers' senior, which opened on December 26, 1940.

[5] She remained in the Broadway cast until June 1942, when she left to marry Anthony A. Bliss, a New York lawyer and patron of the performing arts.