She first captured America’s heart as a beauty queen, then dazzled audiences on screen for decades. But beyond the glitz and glamour, her life has been marked by deep love, personal hardships, and an unshakable spirit. Take a look at this actress’s story and transformation over the years.

A young woman with dreams of the stage never imagined a spontaneous decision would set her on a path to nationwide fame. Raised in Phoenix, she was the daughter of an accountant who harbored aspirations of performing.

While studying drama in college, a friend encouraged her to enter a local beauty contest. That single step led to her crowning as Miss America in 1955, a title that would define her public image but never limit her ambitions.

“To this day, I don’t know why they voted for me. I’m hoping that it was because I chose a talent that made them sit up. I played a 70-year-old Irish mother lamenting the loss of her last son to the sea,” she shared.

“I took off all my makeup, wore a shawl and my father’s black socks — the costume I had worn when I’d done the play when I was in high school. It was the only thing I knew to do. I’m an actress, that’s what I wanted to be,” the beauty continued.

She became the first Miss America to be serenaded with “There She Is, Miss America” by Bert Parks during her reign. Her year was filled with unforgettable experiences, from receiving cash and prizes worth over $60,000 to meeting notable figures such as Juan Perón.

She even dated baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, though her mother and columnist Walter Winchell ensured the relationship remained chaperoned. Despite the glitz and glamour, she knew that the title carried certain stereotypes.

Many assumed pageant winners were beautiful and had no brains, but she was determined to prove otherwise. Soon after her reign ended, she joined “The Today Show” as a commentator, working alongside Dave Garroway.

“Halfway through my tour as Miss America, they called me from ‘The Today Show’ and said, ‘We’d like to have you on as a regular member of our company.’ I was ecstatic,” she recalled.

The opportunity not only launched her career in television but also allowed her to use her scholarship funds to study acting under renowned coach Lee Strasberg.

She honed her acting, singing, and even fencing skills, preparing herself for a long career in the entertainment industry.

Her transition from beauty queen to actress was swift. She made her television debut on “The Philco Television Playhouse” and secured her first film role in “The 4-D Man.”

Over the years, she became a familiar face in Hollywood, with memorable performances in movies such as “Batman,” where she played Catwoman, “Angel in My Pocket,” and “The Undefeated.”

In 1958, she married actor Frank Aletter, and they had two daughters, Kyle and Lesley Aletter. Though her marriage ended in divorce in 1973, the actress remained deeply involved in her children’s lives.

Acting became a family affair, with Kyle joining her mother on stage in “The Gingerbread Lady” and “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove.” Lesley, on the other hand, followed a different path, working as a stunt double.

Their love for entertainment even led the actress and her daughters to perform together in “Circus of the Stars,” showcasing their adventurous spirit. Years later, the “Batman” star found love again when she met actor Marshall Borden while performing in “Angel Street.”

Their passion for the stage strengthened their bond, and in 1986, they married while starring together in a play in San Francisco. The couple continued to perform alongside one another, proving that their love story was also a professional partnership.

Sadly, the Hollywood star’s life, filled with personal and professional triumphs, was met with an unexpected challenge when she and her daughter Kyle were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a heartbreaking news the latter shared during an interview.

Despite Kyle’s struggles, she maintained her sense of humor, describing a brain tumor she endured as “the easiest one I went through.” As the disease progressed, Kyle came to understand that everything in her life had led her to that moment — being by her mother’s side.

“I realized that my surgeries caught up with me right about the time I needed to leave [my job], not knowing what was coming up the pike. And that was Mom,” she reflected.

“Not over-stepping. That is the hardest part. It is also about balance for her, for me, and for conservatorship in general. All of that plays into it. And I am grateful,” she added.

Sadly, Kyle lost her battle with Alzheimer’s, bringing a heartbreaking end to a journey the mother-daughter duo had shared. “Model Kyle Aletter has passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, July the 31st of this year, pray for her family, and may she rest in peace,” a social media user revealed in 2024.

Despite the loss, her mother refuses to slow down. Long before Kyle’s passing, the former Miss America made it clear that she had no intention of stepping away from the stage. “I’m working on a memoir and calling it ‘From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk,'” she shared in an interview.

The actress also continued performing in her one-woman show, “The Women of Spoon River,” portraying twenty-three different women in an hour. Even in her 70s, she auditioned for roles, including a voiceover part for “Tom and Jerry.” “Oh no, it’s fun. I love it,” she said when asked if she planned to slow down.

This actress is none other than Lee Meriwether. When asked about the secret to her age-defying beauty, she credited her genes, positive attitude, and a few practical habits. “[…] I started rubbing up,” she laughed, explaining how she applied skincare in an upward motion to counteract gravity.

Beyond her career, Lee has dedicated herself to numerous humanitarian efforts. She served as an honorary chairman of Ability First, an organization supporting children and adults with disabilities.

She has also been involved in the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Blind Children’s Center. Her compassion also extended to animals, as she actively supported Actors and Others for Animals.

However, her greatest role of all has been that of a grandmother. Through it all, the actress has remained an icon of grace, resilience, and beauty. Even social media users have marveled at how stunning she looks at 89.

“You’re still a classic American beauty!!!!” one person commented. Another shared, “That stunning smile!” while a third remarked, “Just as beautiful as you were years ago. You have great genes.” A fourth social media user added, “You’re [sic] eyes are captivating as always!!!”

From winning the Miss America crown to battling the same illness that claimed her daughter, Lee Meriwether has shown unwavering strength and determination. Whether on screen, on stage, or in her philanthropic efforts, her legacy remains one of resilience, love, and a life well lived.