Marian McKnight
Marian McKnight (born December 19, 1936) is a former American beauty pageant winner.
Marian McKnight | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) McKnight at 1957 Florida Products Festival | |
| Born | December 19, 1936 |
| Title | Miss America 1957 |
| Predecessor | Sharon Ritchie |
| Successor | Marilyn Van Derbur |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
Pageantry
She earned the 1957 Miss America title with a Marilyn Monroe act in the talent portion. She later worked with Monroe's ex-husband, Joe DiMaggio, for a Virginia supplier of military bases. Despite the contention of Monroe biographer Donald Spoto, McKnight denied that she and DiMaggio were romantically involved.[1][2]
Career
In 1967, McKnight played Jack's mother in Hanna-Barbera's live action version of Jack and the Beanstalk, an Emmy Award-winning film directed by Gene Kelly, in which he also appeared as Jeremy the Peddler.[3]
She appeared in an episode of The Love Boat in 1984, along with Jean Bartel, Miss America 1943; Nancy Fleming, Miss America 1961; and Vanessa L. Williams, Miss America 1984.
Personal life
She married actor Gary Conway in 1958 after meeting at UCLA. They have two children (Gareth and Kathleen) and are the owners of Carmody McKnight winery.[2][4]
References
- South Carolina's first Miss America, Marian McKnight The Hartsville Messenger, May 20, 2005 (removed from site)
- Tauber, Michelle; Neill, Mike; Russell, Lisa; Fowler, Joanne; Dam, Julie; Tresniowski, Alex; Miller, Samantha; Dougherty, Steve; Yu, Ting (October 16, 2000). "American Beauties: 80 Years". People.
- Jack and the Beanstalk (1967 TV Movie), Full Cast & Crew, imdb.com
- "Miss America: Road to Success or Heartbreak?".
External links
| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Sharon Ritchie |
Miss America 1957 |
Succeeded by Marilyn Van Derbur |
| Preceded by Martha Chestnut |
Miss South Carolina 1956 |
Succeeded by Cecilia Colvert |