Jo-Carroll Dennison
Jo-Carroll Dennison | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 December 1923 Florence, Arizona, U.S. |
| Title | Miss America 1942 |
| Predecessor | Rosemary LaPlanche |
| Successor | Jean Bartel |
| Spouse(s) |
Russell Stoneham
(m. 1954; div. 1981) |
| Children | 2 |
Jo-Carroll Dennison (born December 16, 1923) was Miss America 1942.
Early years
Dennison was born in Florence, Arizona, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Dennison.[1][2] Her family later lived in San Francisco, California, Santa Barbara, California, and Tyler, Texas.[1] She graduated from Hale Center High School in 1940[2] and was a stenographer in Tyler.[3]
Pageantry
Dennison was crowned Miss America September 12, 1942, after having entered the contest as Miss Texas.[1] She had earlier won both the talent and the swimsuit competitions in the contest.[4] As Miss America during World War II, much of her time was spent visiting "defense plants, hospitals and service camps" and selling war bonds.[5]
Film career
After her time as Miss America, Dennison went to Hollywood. On November 18, 1942, 20th Century Fox signed her to a seven-year contract.[6] She had roles in Winged Victory and The Jolson Story.[5]
Personal life
Dennison married comedian Phil Silvers on March 2, 1945.[5][7] They divorced March 8, 1950.[8] The union produced no children. Dennison later married television producer, Russell Stoneham, and had two sons with him.[9] As of 2014, she lives in the San Jacinto Mountains.[10]
References
- ^ a b c "Miss America '42 Is Texan". The Wilkes-Barre Record. September 14, 1942. p. 16. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b ""Miss America" To Visit Hale Center". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. January 1, 1943. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "(untitled brief)". The Waxahachie Daily Light. August 17, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "'Miss America' Named Tonight". Santa Ana Register. September 12, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Miss America History 1942". Archived from the original on 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
- ^ "Jo Carroll Dennison, Miss America of 1942, Given Movie Contract". The Waco News-Tribune. November 18, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Jo-Carroll Dennison Is To Wed On Friday". The Piqua Daily Call. March 2, 1945. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Mate Stays With Mother-in-Law". The Ogden Standard-Examiner. March 9, 1950. p. 8. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ 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.
- ^ PINE COVE: Reflection from 1942 Miss America’s home
External links
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