This Beauty Was Miss America 1955 and Now Battles the Same Illness as Her Daughter – See Her Transformation

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.

“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 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.

“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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.