She first captured America’s admiration as a celebrated beauty queen, then captivated audiences for decades through her powerful presence on screen. Beyond the glitz of fame, her life has been marked by profound love, significant struggles, and an inspiring determination. Explore the remarkable journey and evolution of this beloved actress over the years.
A young woman with dreams of the theater never imagined that one spontaneous decision would thrust her into national prominence. Born and raised in Phoenix, she was the daughter of an accountant who aspired passionately to pursue acting.
While studying drama at university, she was encouraged by a friend to enter a local beauty pageant, a step that unexpectedly led her to the Miss America crown in 1955. The title elevated her into public consciousness yet never restrained her ambitions.
“I still wonder why people chose me. Perhaps it was because my talent performance truly stood out,” she shared. “I portrayed a 70-year-old Irish mother grieving the loss of her last son to the sea.”
“I stripped off all makeup, wore a shawl and my father’s black stockings, exactly as I’d done in a high school production. It was authentic to me because I was always an actress at heart,” she recalled fondly.
Her year as Miss America was historic, being the first to receive Bert Parks’ iconic serenade “There She Is, Miss America.” Her reign brought extraordinary experiences, accumulating more than $60,000 in prizes and meeting influential figures, including Argentina’s leader, Juan Perón.
Despite dating baseball icon Joe DiMaggio, their romance remained closely monitored by her mother and journalist Walter Winchell. Amidst the glamor, she was acutely aware of prejudices against beauty queens.
Determined to challenge stereotypes about pageant winners lacking intellect, she swiftly transitioned to television. Shortly after concluding her reign, she joined “The Today Show” as a commentator alongside host Dave Garroway.
“They reached out midway through my Miss America duties, asking me to become a regular cast member,” she said. “I was thrilled.”
This opportunity not only launched her television career but allowed her to invest her scholarship earnings in acting classes with famed instructor Lee Strasberg. Under his guidance, she honed acting, singing, and fencing skills, laying a strong foundation for a lifelong entertainment career.
Her rise from beauty queen to actress was rapid. She debuted on television in “The Philco Television Playhouse” and soon landed her first film role in “The 4-D Man.” She became a household name, especially known for her memorable portrayal of Catwoman in “Batman,” and her compelling roles in “Angel in My Pocket” and “The Undefeated.”
In 1958, she married actor Frank Aletter, welcoming two children, Kyle and Lesley. Although their marriage ended in 1973, she remained deeply involved in her children’s lives. Kyle shared the stage with her mother in productions like “The Gingerbread Lady” and “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” whereas Lesley pursued a thrilling career as a stunt double.
Their shared love for entertainment even saw mother and daughters perform together on “Circus of the Stars,” showcasing their adventurous spirits. Later, the actress found love again with actor Marshall Borden during the production of “Angel Street.” They married in 1986 in San Francisco while performing together, illustrating a partnership both personal and professional.
Tragically, a life filled with success and joy was profoundly challenged when both she and her daughter Kyle were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a heart-wrenching revelation Kyle bravely disclosed during an interview. Despite facing health battles, Kyle maintained remarkable optimism and humor.
Kyle poignantly noted how all her experiences had prepared her to be by her mother’s side during their shared struggle. “It felt like my previous health battles aligned precisely with the moment my mother needed me most,” she expressed.
The painful journey ended sadly when Kyle passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. The heartbreaking loss deeply impacted their family and community.
Despite the immense grief, her mother refused to withdraw from public life. Long before Kyle’s passing, the former Miss America had clearly stated her resolve to continue performing. “I’m writing a memoir titled ‘From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk,'” she announced proudly in an interview.
She continued to captivate audiences through her one-woman performance, “The Women of Spoon River,” portraying twenty-three distinct characters in just one hour. Even into her seventies, she actively auditioned for roles, including voiceover parts in “Tom and Jerry,” confidently declaring her enthusiasm for continued work.
When asked about her timeless beauty, she humorously credited genetics, optimism, and practical skincare habits. “I’ve always applied skincare upwards,” she joked, “defying gravity.”
Regular physical activity also played a role in maintaining her vitality. She religiously attended the gym thrice weekly. “Keeping a positive outlook is crucial. Those laugh lines appear anyway, so embrace them,” she advised warmly.
Throughout her life, Lee Meriwether dedicated considerable time to charitable causes. She served as honorary chairperson for Ability First, helping individuals with disabilities, and supported the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Blind Children’s Center. Her compassion extended to animals through active involvement in Actors and Others for Animals.
Yet, her most cherished role has always been as a grandmother. Through every stage of her life, Lee has consistently embodied elegance, resilience, and grace, prompting admiration from fans worldwide who marvel at her enduring beauty even at 89.
Social media continues to praise her timeless charm, reflecting sentiments such as, “You remain America’s classic beauty!” and “Your captivating eyes are just as beautiful today.”
Lee Meriwether’s story is one of unwavering strength, dedication, and grace. From winning Miss America to bravely facing Alzheimer’s disease alongside her daughter, her life represents an extraordinary legacy built on resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment.