Advertisement

Bess Myerson, political activist and first Jewish Miss America, dies aged 90

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
In this September 8, 1945 file photo, Bess Myerson holds the scepter after being crowned Miss America 1945 at the annual pageant in Atlantic City. Photo: AP

Bess Myerson, the first and only Jewish Miss America and a New York political force until a series of scandals forced her into obscurity, has died. She was 90.

Advertisement

Myerson died on December 14 at her home in Santa Monica, California, according to the Los Angeles coroner’s office and Department of Public Health Vital Records Office. Her death was first reported by The New York Times on Monday.

The Bronx-born Myerson was hailed as a groundbreaker for her religion and sex after parlaying her stunning 1945 Miss America victory into national celebrity.

The 1.75-meter dark-haired beauty, unlike her predecessors, accentuated her intelligence. Myerson landed a series of television jobs, from game show hostess to on-air reporter, before her appointment as New York City’s chief consumer watchdog in 1969.

The Miss America Organization said in a statement Monday that Myerson would be remembered for her unwavering commitment to equality.

Advertisement

“Bess used her Miss America title to fight anti-Semitism and racial bigotry as she travelled around the country,” the organisation said.

loading
Advertisement