Name: Jennifer Tilly
Nickname: Unabombshell
Born: Jennifer Chan
Date of Birth: September 16, 1958
Place of Birth: Harbor City, Los Angeles, CA
A woman who originally made a name for herself on the big and small screen playing the ditzy girlfriend, bad actress or any sexy character willing to reveal a lot with a little clothing, Jennifer Tilly is now gaining fame and popularity in the poker world. She is bringing a new audience and new skill to the table and walking away with more and more winnings.
Background
Tilly was born in Harbor City, Los Angeles in 1958 to Harry Chan and Patricia Tilly. However, her mother and stepfather John Ward raised her in Texada, British Columbia until her teen years when her mother, siblings and she moved to Victoria. As a teenager, Tilly began acting at Stephens College in Missouri.
Her acting career took off in the 1980s as she landed several recurring roles on shows such as Hill Street Blues and It's Garry Shandling's Show. In 1989 she appeared in the film The Fabulous Baker Boys, and in 1994 was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway. More recently, Tilly appeared in Liar Liar as Jim Carrey's buxom girlfriend and has contributed her voice to films and shows including Monsters, Inc., Hey Arnold and Family Guy.
In 1984 Tilly married Simpsons producer Sam Simon. The two divorced in 1991, and Tilly is now dating fellow poker player Phil Laak, the Unabomber.
Poker
Tilly came to poker through acting: Her role in Let It Ride (1989) sparked an interest, and shortly after making the film, Tilly began playing regularly at home with friends. In 2003, Tilly, who had already started dating Phil Laak, entered a few tournaments, thanks to Laak's encouragement. And her poker fame took off.
In June of 2005, Tilly won a World Series of Poker bracelet, netting $158,625 in the Ladies' No Limit Texas Hold 'Em Event. The following September, Tilly won the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament. Tilly has since placed in numerous events including World Poker Tournament Season 6, L.A. Poker Classic. She has also appeared on the GSN Poker Royale series, Poker Superstars and Celebrity Poker Showdown. Despite her obvious skill at the game, Tilly continues to be billed as a celebrity player rather than an expert; however that could change given a little more time, opportunity and hands.
Wins
After her initial win in June of 2005, Tilly has not placed first in any tournament. She has, however, managed to stay at the table well into several games, bringing home some well-earned money and creating a name for herself. These tournaments include:
2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event 30, 41st Place, $8,340
2006 WSOP Event 31, 99th Place, $5,597
2007 WSOP Event 22, 50th Place, $12,653
2007 WSOP Event 31, 48th Place, $9,212
2007 WSOP Event 47, 30th Place, $18,546
WPT Season 6, L.A. Poker Classic, 12th Place, $61,610
Total, Tilly has won $279,293 in eight different events. As she continues to play, she continues to show improvement. It will only be a matter of time before she is back on top, placing first in event after event. Soon she and boyfriend Phil Laak will be the power couple of the poker world, unstoppable by any man, woman or cardsharp.
