Lee Meredith

Lee Meredith (born Judith Lee Sauls on October 22, 1947) is an American actress best remembered for her sparkling turn as the Swedish secretary Ulla in Mel Brooks' 1967 film The Producers. Growing up in River Edge and later Fair Lawn, New Jersey, she displayed a penchant for performance early, joining the Manhattan Rockets precision dance team at the age of fifteen. After graduating from high school she pursued modeling while honing her craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a training ground that prepared her for the silver screen and stage. Her breakout role in The Producers showcased her comedic timing and dance abilities, earning her a lasting place in film history and leading to a memorable appearance on the 35th‑anniversary DVD where she recreated her original dance sequence. In subsequent years Meredith expanded her repertoire, appearing on Broadway in the original production of The Sunshine Boys in 1972 and reprising her role in the 1975 film adaptation alongside Walter Matthau and George Burns. She also made a notable television appearance in Jackie Gleason’s comeback special in 1973 and was a frequent guest on the game show Match Game 75 during the mid‑1970s. Throughout the 1980s she ventured into commercial work, teaming with crime‑writer Mickey Spillane for a series of Miller Lite beer advertisements that highlighted her charismatic on‑screen presence. Married to film producer Bert Stratford, Meredith has maintained a low‑key personal life while continuing to be celebrated by fans of classic comedy for her iconic contributions to American cinema.