Pool players have a chance to meet 'Black Widow' Jeanette Lee

When Jeanette Lee, aka “The Black Widow,” began playing pool more than 20 years ago, she found a rugged atmosphere where players hustled to earn rent money.

The climate will be much friendlier next week when Lee, professional billiards' biggest star, stops in Arlington Heights as part of her seven-city APA Black Widow Tour.

Lee will compete against fans, show off trick shots and tell audiences about her life as a professional pool player.

“This is something that was not available when I first started,” Lee said, calling from Michigan where she's playing in a tournament. “Back then it was just very cutthroat.”

Nicknamed for her affection for wearing black and the way she devours her competition, Lee, with her eye-catching wardrobe and long black hair, is one of the most popular pool players in the country.

As spokeswoman for the American Poolplayers Association, she's helping recruit members and increase interest in the sport. Her Jan. 13 stop at the Fox and Hound in Arlington Heights was added after high demand. She's also scheduled for a Jan. 12 appearance at the Mark II Lounge in Chicago.

Lee, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, holds a fondness for Chicago.

“I have good memories of just going there and being overwhelmed by how many great players there were,” she said. “And the beauty of Chicago, it's just so different, great food, witty people and cold weather.”

Lee, who will turn 40 in July, began playing pool in 1989. She has appeared on several television shows and been interviewed on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Live with Regis and Kelly.” Last year she appeared in ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue and ESPN named her one of the sexiest female athletes.

Unlike other sports, Lee said pool gives fans a better chance to know the players. She hopes by sharing her personal stories that she'll bring more fans to pool halls.

One of those stories is how she's dealt with scoliosis — curving of the spine — and endured 10 back operations.

By meeting her in person, fans will see a different side. Lee assures folks that's she's much friendlier when she's not holding a pool cue.

“On TV, you're going to see a very aggressive, competitive person and you're going assume that's just what's she's like,” she said.

Lee is married and is mother to six children, including two stepchildren, an adopted child and a 4-month-old daughter.

Being on the road is difficult, she said. She's worried about missing Girl Scout events for her daughters and not being there to see her baby's firsts. At least her children like the Black Widow nickname. Her 6-year-old even has a Baby Widow pool cue.

“They think they have the coolest mom,” Lee said.

Nationwide, the APA has seen membership increase, said the association's Jason Bowman. Last year, membership grew to 270,363, up about 1,500 from the year before, he said. The Chicago area is home to 1,500 teams, meaning there are as many as 12,000 APA players in the region.

“It's not often that someone like Jeanette Lee comes out hosts and an event like this,” said Fox and Hound's general manager, Chris Pesce. “We actually feel kind of lucky. Lee DeWyze came out last year and this year we have Jeanette Lee.”

The events are free, and Jeanette Lee wants to make the fans welcome.

“I'll be happy to sign everyone's autographs. I'll show you a trick shot, teach you how to play,” Lee said. “And if you just want a spanking from the Black Widow, I'll be happy to oblige, too.”