Jill Watts is a historian and author specializing in U.S. social and cultural history, with a focus on African American narratives. She has written three acclaimed nonfiction books: "Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood," which explores the life of the groundbreaking Oscar-winning actress; "Mae West: An Icon in Black and White," examining the entertainer's cultural impact; and "God, Harlem USA: The Father Divine Story," a study of the influential religious leader. Two of her works - those on McDaniel and Father Divine - have been optioned for film adaptations.
As a Professor of History at California State University, San Marcos, Watts holds a B.A. from the University of California San Diego and an M.A. and Ph.D. from UCLA. She serves as the coordinator of the history graduate program and was honored as the university's Brakebill Distinguished Professor for 2017–2018. Her scholarship blends rigorous historical analysis with accessible storytelling, often highlighting underrepresented figures who shaped American culture. Watts's research illuminates the intersections of race, gender, and performance in 20th-century America.