From Beauty Queen to Battling Alzheimer’s: The Remarkable Journey of Lee Meriwether

Lee Meriwether, crowned Miss America in 1955, has lived a life filled with extraordinary highs and challenging lows. From the bright lights of Hollywood to deeply personal struggles, her story is one of resilience, love, and an “unwavering spirit.” Today, she faces the same difficult disease that took her beloved daughter, yet her grace and determination shine through. Let’s take a closer look at the incredible path of this iconic actress.

An Unexpected Path to Stardom

Born in Phoenix, Lee was the daughter of an accountant and had big dreams of becoming an actress. While studying theater in college, a friend encouraged her to enter a local beauty pageant. This simple decision changed her life forever. It led to her being crowned “Miss America in 1955,” a title that brought her national attention but never limited her goals.

Lee often shared her surprise at winning. “I still don’t know why people voted for me. I’m thinking it’s because I selected a talent that got them to sit up.” She performed a dramatic piece, playing “a 70-year-old Irish mother mourning the loss of her last son to the sea.” She explained her simple approach: “I removed all of my makeup and dressed in a shawl and my father’s black stockings, the same outfit I wore in the high school play. It was all I knew to do. ‘I’m an actress; that’s what I wanted to be,’ the beauty explained.”

Her year as Miss America was memorable. She was the first Miss America to be serenaded by Bert Parks with “There She Is, Miss America.” She earned over $60,000 in prizes and met famous people, including Juan Perón. Even though she dated baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, her mother and journalist Walter Winchell kept a close eye on their relationship. Lee knew that some people might think beauty queens weren’t smart, and she was determined to prove them wrong.

A Flourishing Career and Personal Life

Soon after her reign ended, Lee joined “The Today Show” as a regular guest, working alongside Dave Garroway. “Halfway through my Miss America tour, they called me from ‘The Today Show’ and said, ‘We’d like to have you as a regular member of our company.’ ‘I was ecstatic,’ she remembered.” This opportunity launched her television career and allowed her to use her scholarship money to study acting with the renowned teacher Lee Strasberg. She honed her skills in acting, singing, and even fencing, preparing for a long and successful career in entertainment.

Lee quickly moved from beauty queen to actress. She made her TV debut on “The Philco Television Playhouse” and got her first movie role in “The 4-D Man.” She became a well-known face in Hollywood, delivering memorable performances in popular shows and films. She famously played Catwoman in “Batman” and also appeared in movies like “Angel in My Pocket” and “The Undefeated.”

In 1958, she married actor Frank Aletter, and they had two children, Kyle and Lesley Aletter. Though their marriage ended in divorce in 1973, Lee remained a very involved mother. Her daughter, Kyle, even joined her on stage in plays like “The Gingerbread Lady” and “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove.” Her other daughter, Lesley, chose a different path, working as a stunt double. The family’s love for entertainment was clear when Lee and her daughters appeared together on “Circus of the Stars,” showcasing their adventurous spirit.

Years later, Lee found love again when she met actor Marshall Borden while performing in the play “Angel Street.” Their shared passion for the stage strengthened their bond, and they married in 1986 while working together on a play in San Francisco. They continued to perform together, showing that their love story was also a beautiful professional partnership.

Facing Adversity with Grace

Despite her many achievements, life presented Lee with a heartbreaking challenge. Both she and her daughter, Kyle, were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Kyle shared this difficult news in an interview, showing incredible strength and even humor, referring to a brain tumor as “the easiest one I went through.” As Kyle’s illness progressed, she realized that everything in her life had prepared her to be by her mother’s side.

“I realized that my surgeries had caught up with me just as I needed to quit [my work], and I had no idea what was coming up. ‘That was Mom,’ she reflected.” Kyle bravely continued, “I’m not overstepping. That’s the toughest part. It’s also about finding a balance for her, myself, and conservatorship in general. All of this factors into it.’ And I’m grateful,’ she continued.”

Sadly, Kyle passed away from Alzheimer’s. A social media user in 2024 shared the news, saying, “Model Kyle Aletter has passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, July 31st of this year. Pray for her family, and may she rest in peace.”

Despite this profound loss, Lee Meriwether has remained incredibly strong. Even before Kyle’s passing, Lee made it clear she had no intention of leaving the stage. “I’m working on a memoir called ‘From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk,’” she revealed in an interview. She also continued to perform her one-woman show, “The Women of Spoon River,” portraying twenty-three different characters in just one hour. Even in her seventies, she actively auditioned for roles, including a voiceover for “Tom and Jerry.” When asked if she planned to slow down, she simply replied, “Oh no, it’s fun. ‘I love it,’ she remarked.”

A Legacy of Beauty, Giving, and Positivity

Lee Meriwether, known for her timeless beauty, often shared her secrets: good genes, a positive outlook, and a few simple routines. “[…] I started rubbing up,” she joked, explaining how she applied skincare in an upward motion to fight gravity. Staying active was also key; she made sure to go to the gym three times a week. “And it helps to have a positive attitude about others. ‘The laugh line will be there whether you like it or not, so keep it there,’ she said.”

Beyond her acting career, Lee has dedicated herself to many charitable causes. She was the honorary chairperson for Ability First, an organization that supports children and adults with disabilities. She has also worked with the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Blind Children’s Center. Her compassion extends to animals, as she actively supported Actors and Others for Animals.

However, her most cherished role has been that of a grandmother. Through all of life’s changes, Lee Meriwether has remained a symbol of grace, strength, and elegance. Even social media users continue to praise her beauty at 89. One person wrote, “You’re still a classic American beauty!!!!” Another commented, “That lovely smile!” A third said, “Just as beautiful as you were years ago. You have excellent genes.” And a fourth social media user noted, “Your [sic] eyes are captivating as always!!!”

From winning Miss America to bravely facing the same illness that claimed her daughter, Lee Meriwether has shown “unflinching courage and dedication” throughout her life. Whether through her work in films, on stage, or her kind charitable efforts, her legacy is a true testament to “tenacity, love, and a life well lived.”