She enthralled audiences in movies for decades after winning America over as a beauty queen. Her life has been characterized by intense love, personal struggles, and an unbreakable spirit, despite the glitter and glitz. Check out the evolution and journey of this actress over the years.
A young woman with aspirations to become a theatre star never imagined that an impromptu choice would catapult her to national prominence. The daughter of an accountant who aspired to be an actress, she was raised in Phoenix.
A friend encouraged her to participate in a local beauty pageant while she was an undergraduate studying theater. She won the title of Miss America in 1955 as a result of that one action, which shaped her public persona without ever restricting her ambitions.
“Why people voted for me is still a mystery to me. I believe it’s because I chose a talent that made them pay attention. She stated, “I portrayed a 70-year-old Irish woman who was grieving the loss of her last son to the sea.
I took off all of my makeup and changed into the same attire I wore in the high school play—a shawl and my father’s black stockings. All I knew to do was that. “I wanted to be an actress,” the stunning woman clarified.
She was the first Miss America to be serenaded with Bert Parks’ “There She Is, Miss America” during her reign. Her year was full with incredible experiences, such as meeting well-known people like Juan Perón and amassing almost $60,000 in cash and awards.
Her mother, journalist Walter Winchell, closely monitored her relationship with baseball great Joe DiMaggio. She was conscious that the title implied some biases despite the glitz and gloss.
She was keen to disprove the widespread belief that pageant winners lacked intelligence. She partnered with Dave Garroway as a pundit on “The Today Show” shortly after her reign came to an end.
“They called me from ‘The Today Show’ halfway through my Miss America tour and said, ‘We’d like to have you as a regular member of our company.'” “I was overjoyed,” she recalled.
Her career in television was launched by the opportunity, which also allowed her to study acting with renowned instructor Lee Strasberg using her scholarship funds.
She prepared for a long career in entertainment by honing her acting, singing, and fencing skills.
She went quickly from beauty queen to actor. She scored her first movie role in “The 4-D Man” and made her TV debut on “The Philco Television Playhouse.”
She became well-known in Hollywood thanks to her amazing roles in movies like “The Undefeated,” “Angel in My Pocket,” and “Batman,” in which she played Catwoman.
In 1958, she wed actor Frank Aletter, and the two of them had two kids, Kyle and Lesley. The actress continued to be actively involved in her children’s life even after her marriage ended in divorce in 1973.
In “The Gingerbread Lady” and “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” Kyle performed with her mother. Lesley, however, chose a another route and became a stunt double.
The actress and her children also showed their bold attitude by appearing together on “Circus of the Stars” because of their love of entertainment. Years later, when starring in “Angel Street,” the “Batman” actress met actor Marshall Borden and fell in love once more.
Their friendship was strengthened by their shared love of the theater, and they were married in 1986 while costarring in a San Francisco production. The couple kept performing together, proving that their romance was a business partnership as well.
Sadly, the Hollywood star’s life, which had been full of achievements both personally and professionally, was turned upside down when she and her daughter Kyle received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Kyle shared this heartbreaking news in an interview.
Kyle remained humorous in spite of her difficulties, calling a brain tumor “the easiest one I went through.” Kyle came to the realization that everything in her life had prepared her for this moment—being by her mother’s side—as the illness grew worse.
“I had no idea what was coming up, and I realized that my surgeries had caught up with me just as I needed to quit [my work].” “That was Mom,” she thought to herself.
“I’m not going too far. The hardest part is that. Finding a balance for her, me, and conservatorship in general is also important. All of this plays a part. And I’m appreciative,” she added.
Sadly, Kyle passed away from Alzheimer’s, which put a tragic end to the mother-daughter journey. On Wednesday, July 31st of this year, model Kyle Aletter died of Alzheimer’s disease. On social media, a 2024 user wrote, “Pray for her family and may she rest in peace.”
Her mother doesn’t want to give up in spite of the loss. The former Miss America made it clear that she had no plans to leave the stage long before she passed away. She stated in an interview that she was writing a memoir titled “From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk.”
Additionally, the actor continued to portray 23 different women in an hour in her one-woman play, “The Women of Spoon River.” She tried out for jobs, including a voiceover on “Tom and Jerry,” even in her sixties. “Oh no, it’s enjoyable. When asked if she planned to slow down, she said, “I love it.”
Lee Meriwether is the name of this actress. She mentioned her genes, a positive outlook, and a few easy habits when asked what contributed to her age-defying beauty. She quipped, “[…] I started rubbing up,” referring to the upward motion she used to apply skincare products to fight gravity.
She made it a point to visit the gym three times a week, demonstrating the importance of staying active. Additionally, having a positive outlook on other people is beneficial. “Keep the laugh line there because it will be there whether you like it or not,” she said.
In addition to her professional career, Lee has dedicated herself to other charitable initiatives. She served as the honorary chairperson of Ability First, a group that supports individuals and children with disabilities.
She also has affiliations with the Blind Children’s Center, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. She actively supported Actors and Others for Animals because she had compassion for animals.
But becoming a grandmother has been her most significant role. The actress has remained a representation of beauty, grace, and strength throughout it all. People on social media have even remarked on how stunning she looks at 89.
“You remain a quintessential American beauty!” someone commented. “What a beautiful smile!” exclaimed someone else. “Just as beautiful as you were years ago,” a third person said. Your genes are quite good. “Your [sic] eyes are captivating as always!!!” remarked a fourth social media user.
From winning Miss America to enduring the same illness that murdered her daughter, Lee Meriwether has shown unwavering bravery and determination throughout her life. Her legacy is one of perseverance, love, and a life well lived, whether it be through her charitable work, acting, or film.
