The Sultry Secretary Who Became an Icon of Hollywood’s Golden Era

Some stars need only one role to make their mark—and that’s exactly what happened with Lee Meredith. With her playful humor, flirtatious smile, and an irresistible mix of innocence and sensuality, she turned a supporting character into an unforgettable piece of film history. Best known as Ulla, the Swedish secretary in The Producers (1967), she became the embodiment of Hollywood’s golden age of sexy charm and comedic wit. But her story goes far beyond that single performance—it’s a tale of ambition, versatility, and reinvention.

From Jersey Roots to Center Stage

Born Judith Lee Sauls on October 22, 1947, in River Edge, New Jersey, Lee Meredith was destined for performance. At 15, she joined the Manhattan Rockets, a precision dance team that sharpened her stage presence and gave her the confidence to aim for bigger dreams. Soon after, she embraced modeling, where her striking hazel eyes and flowing blonde hair set her apart.

But Lee wasn’t satisfied with just posing for cameras—she wanted to act. Determined to refine her craft, she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, juggling auditions and modeling work as she prepared to break into Hollywood.

Video : Lee Meredith – Bells

The Role of a Lifetime: Ulla in The Producers

Lee’s big break came in Mel Brooks’ The Producers (1967), where she played Ulla, the sultry Swedish secretary who stole every scene with her beauty and comic timing. Who could forget her entrance—the playful accent, the innocent eyes, and the mischievous dance moves that left audiences both laughing and swooning?

Her performance became legendary, transforming Ulla into one of the most memorable “sexy secretary” characters in film history. Even decades later, when she recreated her dance for the movie’s 35th-anniversary DVD, fans were reminded of why she became a cult favorite.

A Career Beyond One Role

Though Ulla defined her career, Lee Meredith proved she wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. She continued acting in both film and theater, showcasing her comedic range and flair for quirky roles.

She appeared in Hello Down There (1969) as Dr. Wells, Cauliflower Cupids (1970) as Dee Body, and played a nurse in Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys, first on Broadway in 1972 and later in the 1975 film with Walter Matthau and George Burns.

By the 1970s, she had become a familiar face on television, appearing on Match Game and in a 1973 Jackie Gleason special. In the 1980s, she returned to the spotlight in Miller Lite commercials alongside writer Mickey Spillane, proving her charm could transcend mediums.

Balancing Fame and Family

In 1969, Lee married producer Bert Stratford, a union that became her anchor in an often chaotic industry. Together, they built a family with two children while Lee navigated auditions, rehearsals, and filming schedules. Unlike many Hollywood romances, theirs endured, a testament to her grounded approach to both love and career.

Behind the glamour, Lee was also known for her generosity and loyalty. She once opened her home to actor Josip Elic after an accident, showing that her warmth extended far beyond the screen.

Video : Lee Meredith as Ulla in The Producers (1967)

Reinvention: From Hollywood to Education

By the 2000s, Lee had stepped away from acting and embraced a quieter life in Bergen County, New Jersey. In 2002, she began working as a special education aide and later became a teaching assistant in cosmetology. She even ran a dog-sitting business, proving she wasn’t afraid to reinvent herself.

While she may have left Hollywood behind, her fans never forgot her. Her last public nod to her acting career was in 2002 when she recreated her Ulla dance, reminding the world of her timeless charm.

Where Is Lee Meredith Today?

As of 2025, Lee Meredith is 77 and living a low-profile life in New Jersey. With an estimated net worth of $18 million, she enjoys the rewards of her successful career. Though she no longer seeks the spotlight, her legacy as Ulla in The Producers remains etched in cinema history.

Her decision to trade film sets for classrooms speaks volumes about her character. She chose fulfillment over fame, proving that real success comes from living life on your own terms.

Conclusion

Lee Meredith’s journey is proof that one unforgettable role can make a lasting impact. From her beginnings as a dancer in New Jersey to her legendary turn as Ulla in The Producers, she embodied the mix of humor, sensuality, and sparkle that defined Hollywood’s golden age. Her later work across film, stage, and television only reinforced her versatility, while her shift to education showed her depth and humanity.

She may no longer grace the big screen, but her spirit still glows every time fans revisit her iconic performances. Lee Meredith wasn’t just a character in a movie—she was, and remains, a symbol of playful charm and timeless allure.