She captured America’s heart as a beauty queen and later mesmerized audiences with her performances on screen for decades. Beyond the glamour and spotlight, her life has been shaped by love, adversity, and an unyielding spirit. Her journey from an aspiring actress to a beloved public figure is a testament to resilience and determination.
Growing up in Phoenix as the daughter of an accountant, she had dreams of acting but never imagined a spontaneous decision would catapult her to national fame. During her college years studying theater, a friend encouraged her to enter a local beauty pageant. That single choice led to her being crowned Miss America in 1955, a title that became a defining part of her identity but never confined her ambitions.
She often reflected on that moment, expressing surprise at her victory, believing it was her choice of talent that captured attention. She performed a dramatic monologue as a grieving Irish mother, removing all her makeup and wearing a simple shawl with her father’s black stockings, the same costume she had used in a high school play. She never saw herself as a pageant queen but as an actress, determined to follow her passion.
During her reign, she made history as the first Miss America to be serenaded by Bert Parks with the iconic song. Her year was filled with remarkable experiences, including raising more than sixty thousand dollars and meeting influential figures such as Juan Perón. She even caught the attention of baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, though their relationship was closely monitored by her mother and journalist Walter Winchell. Despite the glitz of her title, she was aware of the stereotypes that came with it.
Many assumed pageant winners lacked intelligence, but she was determined to prove them wrong. Soon after her reign ended, she joined The Today Show as a commentator alongside Dave Garroway. Halfway through her Miss America tour, she received the unexpected offer and eagerly accepted, seeing it as a chance to establish her career in television. The opportunity not only opened doors in broadcasting but also allowed her to use her scholarship money to study acting under the legendary Lee Strasberg.
She honed her craft, developing skills in acting, singing, and fencing, all in preparation for a long and fulfilling career in entertainment. Her transition from beauty queen to actress was swift, making her television debut on The Philco Television Playhouse and landing her first film role in The 4-D Man. Her breakout performances in Hollywood came with roles in Batman as Catwoman, Angel in My Pocket, and The Undefeated, cementing her status as a talented actress.
In 1958, she married actor Frank Aletter, and together they had two children, Kyle and Lesley. Though their marriage ended in 1973, she remained deeply involved in her children’s lives. Kyle followed in her footsteps, performing alongside her in The Gingerbread Lady and Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, while Lesley pursued a career as a stunt double.
Their shared love for entertainment even led them to appear together on Circus of the Stars, showcasing their adventurous spirit. Years later, she found love again when she met actor Marshall Borden during a production of Angel Street. Their passion for the stage deepened their connection, and they married in 1986 while performing in San Francisco. Their bond extended beyond marriage, as they continued to collaborate on stage, proving that their love was also a creative partnership.
Despite a lifetime of achievements, her world was shaken when both she and her daughter Kyle were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Kyle spoke about the heartbreaking reality of their condition, maintaining her sense of humor despite the challenges. She once referred to a brain tumor as the easiest battle she had faced, acknowledging that her health struggles had ultimately led her to be by her mother’s side when it mattered most.
She struggled with balancing her own health while caring for her mother, navigating the complexities of conservatorship and ensuring her well-being. Unfortunately, Kyle lost her battle with Alzheimer’s, bringing an emotional end to their shared journey. News of her passing spread, with an outpouring of support and prayers for her family.
Even in the face of loss, her mother refused to slow down. Long before Kyle’s passing, she had made it clear that she had no intention of stepping away from the stage. She continued working on her memoir, From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk, and performed her one-woman show, The Women of Spoon River, where she portrayed twenty-three different characters in a single hour. Well into her seventies, she still pursued auditions, including a voiceover role in Tom and Jerry. She embraced her career with enthusiasm, finding joy in every new opportunity.
She often credited her youthful appearance to good genes, a positive mindset, and a few simple habits. She humorously shared that she always applied skincare in an upward motion to fight gravity. Staying active was also a priority, maintaining a routine of going to the gym three times a week. She believed in the power of a positive attitude, encouraging others to embrace laughter and kindness.
Beyond her career, she dedicated herself to philanthropy, supporting organizations such as Ability First, the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Blind Children’s Center. She was also a passionate advocate for animal welfare, actively supporting Actors and Others for Animals.
Despite all her accomplishments, her most cherished role has been that of a grandmother. Through every triumph and hardship, she has remained a symbol of grace, strength, and resilience. Social media users continue to marvel at her beauty and poise, leaving comments about how stunning she looks even in her late eighties.
Her journey from Miss America to Hollywood star, devoted mother, and tireless advocate has been one of courage and dedication. She has faced unimaginable challenges, yet her legacy remains one of perseverance, love, and a life lived to the fullest.
