Miss USA Through The Years: Get To Know America’s Most Beautiful Women Beyond Just The Physical

TrendingJuly 13, 2021

Beauty pageants are often criticized for the high (and sometimes impossible) standards they impose on women. And with the image of a tall, slender, and long-haired glamazon being touted as the ideal, even young girls might feel the pressure to conform. But does beauty really only come in one form?

Looking back on the women who have worn the Miss USA crown, the answer is a resounding no! The pageant winners of decades past show that a variety of beauties have gotten their chance to shine. What’s more, many of them proved that they’re more than just their good looks with their impressive list of career and personal achievements.

Terry Huntingdon – Miss USA 1959

Then a dance student, Terry Huntingdon (now Tydings), twirled her way into America’s hearts to become Miss USA 1959. What’s more, the Californian fit the era’s beauty standards to a T with her voluptuous figure and demure allure reminiscent of screen siren Betty Grable.

She proved that she has more than just physical beauty, though. Huntingdon, who studied at the University of California Los Angeles, went on to work in politics and was a staff member for Senator Alan Cranston in the ’70s. According to her LinkedIn, she’s now an author and wrote a book on American electoral history in 2015.

Arlene Howell – Miss USA 1958

An elegant swan is what comes to mind when we see photographs of a young Arlene Howell. She was the image of grace with her long neck and slender physique as she won the Miss USA title in 1958. Her natural charm later earned her the third runner-up spot at the Miss Universe pageant.

Sadly, not much is known about Howell’s life after taking the small screen by storm with roles in Maverick and Bourbon Street Beat. However, we do know that she became a bride twice and married her second husband, Gerald F. Maruschak, in 1983.

Carol Morris – Miss Universe 1956

With her almost jet black hair and contrasting bright blue eyes, Iowa’s Carol Morris looked like she could be sisters with movie star Elizabeth Taylor. But instead of ruling the silver screen, she found fame when she was declared fairest of them all at the Miss Universe pageant in 1956.

She was on the way to becoming a Hollywood star, appearing in films like Paradise Alley and Born To Be Loved. But ultimately, Morris chose to live a more quiet life with her husband and their four children. Although she occasionally participated in Miss Universe events, she’s declined to give updates about her life since 2007.

Miriam Stevenson – Miss Universe 1954

Miriam Stevenson’s beauty in her youth was one-of-a-kind alright. See, she was the first-ever American woman to wear the Miss Universe crown. And it looked right at home atop her brown locks, didn’t it? We don’t doubt it’ll fit her today just as well, given how great she looks in her late 80s.

Like those who came before and would come after her, Stevenson began a career in Hollywood. However, she later chose to continue her education instead of staying in the limelight. She did find work hosting and modeling in the ‘70s, though. Last we heard in 2017, Stevenson is all good and even attended a family reunion.