She captured America’s heart as Miss America 1955 and later lit up movie screens for decades. But behind the glitz and stardom, Lee Meriwether’s life has been one of profound love, painful loss, and unwavering strength. Her journey from hopeful young actress to an icon of resilience is as captivating as any role she’s ever played.
Born in Phoenix to a modest family, Lee was the daughter of an accountant who supported her dream of becoming an actress. As a college student studying theatre, Lee’s path took a surprising turn when a friend encouraged her to enter a local beauty contest. She did — and that leap of faith launched her to national fame.
Winning the Miss America crown in 1955, Lee set herself apart not with glamour but with grit. For the talent portion, she portrayed a grieving elderly Irish mother, a stark and emotional performance that won over the judges. “I wasn’t glamorous that night — no makeup, just a shawl and my father’s old stockings,” she recalled. “But I was acting. That’s all I ever wanted.”
Her reign was historic. She became the first Miss America serenaded by Bert Parks with “There She Is, Miss America.” That year brought a whirlwind of travel, prestigious awards totaling over $60,000, and meetings with world leaders — even Argentina’s Juan Perón.
Though she was romantically linked to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, her mother and famed columnist Walter Winchell kept a close eye on the budding relationship. Lee remained focused on her ambitions, determined to prove that beauty queens had depth beyond the crown.
That determination paid off when NBC invited her to join The Today Show as a commentator — a groundbreaking move for a former pageant winner. It marked the beginning of a long career in television and film. Lee used her Miss America scholarship funds to study under legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg, honing her skills in acting, singing, and even fencing.
Soon, Hollywood came calling. She made her TV debut on The Philco Television Playhouse and landed her first film role in The 4-D Man. Her big break came when she slipped into the slinky costume of Catwoman in Batman, a role that brought her lasting fame. She also starred in beloved films like Angel in My Pocket and The Undefeated, proving her versatility and star power.
In 1958, she married actor Frank Aletter. The couple had two daughters — Kyle and Lesley. Though the marriage ended in 1973, Lee remained a devoted mother. Both daughters followed her into show business in different ways: Kyle shared the stage with her mother in several plays, while Lesley built a career as a stuntwoman.
Their bond was strong — so strong that the family even performed together in the TV special Circus of the Stars, embracing danger and delight with equal passion. Years later, during a play in San Francisco, Lee met fellow actor Marshall Borden. The two fell in love on stage and married in 1986, turning their love into a professional partnership that continued for years.
But life dealt a cruel hand when both Lee and her daughter Kyle were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Kyle was the first to publicly speak about it, displaying courage and humor even in the face of the illness. “The brain tumor I had before? That was the easy part,” she once joked. As the disease progressed, Kyle put her career aside to care for her mother, saying, “Everything I’ve done led me here — to be with her.”
Kyle’s health eventually declined, and in July 2024, she passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. The news shattered those who knew their powerful mother-daughter bond.
Yet through her grief, Lee never stopped pushing forward. Even in her 80s, she was working on her memoir, From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk, and continued performing her acclaimed one-woman show The Women of Spoon River, in which she portrayed over 20 characters in a single hour. She even auditioned for animated roles, saying with a laugh, “Why stop? I love it too much.”
Asked about the secret to her timeless beauty and energy, Lee credits good genes, a positive attitude, and a quirky skincare habit: “I always apply upwards — it’s my little fight against gravity,” she joked. She remained active, hitting the gym three times a week, and always wore her trademark smile. “Laugh lines are the best wrinkles to have,” she once said.
Beyond entertainment, Lee has devoted her time to meaningful causes. She has supported organizations like Ability First, the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Blind Children’s Center. A passionate animal lover, she also advocated for pet welfare through Actors and Others for Animals.
Yet, her most cherished role remains that of a grandmother. At 89, she continues to inspire not just with her legacy, but with her grace and warmth. Social media users often flood her photos with admiration: “Still a timeless beauty,” one commented. Another said, “Your smile lights up everything,” while one fan wrote, “Those eyes — still so captivating.”
Lee Meriwether’s life has been a breathtaking tapestry of triumph, love, sorrow, and unshakable resilience. From the crown she wore at 21 to the stage she commands today, she remains an American icon — not just for her beauty, but for her spirit.