She captured America’s heart as a beauty queen and went on to captivate audiences on both the big and small screens for decades. But behind the spotlight and glitter of Hollywood was a woman whose life was defined not only by her remarkable achievements but also by her strength, deep love for family, and enduring resilience. This is the inspiring journey of actress Lee Meriwether—a story filled with ambition, grace, and quiet determination.
As a young girl growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, Lee didn’t imagine her life would one day be played out on television screens and theater stages across the country. Her father worked as an accountant, and though her childhood was relatively modest, she held onto a dream—a dream of becoming an actress. Her heart belonged to the stage, and she pursued her passion while studying drama in college. It was during this time that a friend encouraged her to do something entirely out of the ordinary: enter a local beauty pageant.
That decision changed her life forever. What began as a spontaneous leap of faith soon catapulted her into the national spotlight. In 1955, she was crowned Miss America, and although that title came with fame and responsibility, she never allowed it to limit her true aspirations. Lee never forgot what she wanted at her core—to be an actress.
“I still don’t know exactly why people voted for me,” she once said with a modest chuckle. “Maybe it was the talent portion. I performed a monologue as a 70-year-old Irish mother mourning her son who died at sea. I took off all my makeup, put on a shawl and my dad’s black socks—the same ones I wore in my high school play. That was my only idea of performance at the time. But I was sincere. Acting was what I loved. It’s what I wanted to do.”
During her time as Miss America, Lee Meriwether made history as the first winner to be serenaded with “There She Is, Miss America” by Bert Parks. Her reign brought her across the country and even around the world, introducing her to world leaders and public figures such as Argentina’s former President Juan Perón. She also received over $60,000 in scholarships and awards—a life-changing amount at the time.
She dated baseball legend Joe DiMaggio during this period, but the relationship was carefully watched over by her mother and journalist Walter Winchell. It was a reflection of the era and the constant scrutiny public figures endured, particularly women. Despite the public admiration and glitz that came with her crown, Lee remained grounded, aware of the misconceptions attached to her pageant title.
Many believed beauty queens lacked intelligence or ambition beyond the pageant circuit. Lee was determined to prove otherwise. Shortly after her reign ended, she landed a spot as a contributor on NBC’s “The Today Show” alongside host Dave Garroway. “Halfway through the Miss America tour, they called and asked if I wanted to be a regular on the show. I was thrilled. It was the opportunity I needed to begin my career in media and performance,” she recalled.
That role allowed her to invest her scholarship money in furthering her education in acting. She studied with the esteemed Lee Strasberg, the famed method acting coach who had also trained some of the most iconic actors in American cinema. Under his guidance, Lee honed her craft in acting, singing, and even fencing, all skills that would later serve her well in her professional career.
Lee transitioned from pageant queen to professional actress with admirable ease. Her television debut came on “The Philco Television Playhouse,” and her first film role was in the 1959 science fiction thriller “The 4-D Man.” From there, her star continued to rise.
She became widely recognized for her portrayal of Catwoman in the 1966 “Batman” film, a role that brought her a new generation of fans and solidified her status in pop culture history. But that was just one chapter in her varied career. She also appeared in other films such as “Angel in My Pocket” and “The Undefeated,” acting alongside Hollywood heavyweights like John Wayne.
In her personal life, Lee married actor Frank Aletter in 1958. The couple had two daughters, Kyle and Lesley Aletter. Though the marriage ended in divorce in 1973, Lee remained an active and loving mother to her daughters. Kyle eventually joined her mother onstage in productions such as “The Gingerbread Lady” and “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” while Lesley found her place behind the scenes as a talented stunt double.
Their mutual love of the entertainment world even led the family to appear together on “Circus of the Stars,” where celebrities performed daring circus acts for charity. It was yet another example of how Lee was never just a performer—she was a mother who found joy in sharing the stage with her children.
Years later, love returned to Lee’s life when she met actor Marshall Borden during a production of the mystery play “Angel Street.” Their bond over theater blossomed into romance, and the couple married in 1986 while performing in San Francisco. Their partnership extended beyond marriage; they often performed together in stage productions, creating a life that blended love and creativity seamlessly.
But Lee’s life took a heartbreaking turn when both she and her daughter Kyle were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It was Kyle who first revealed their diagnoses publicly in an emotional interview. Despite the devastation of the news, Kyle remained remarkably lighthearted, even referring to her brain tumor as “the easiest one I went through.”
As Kyle’s condition progressed, she began to understand that her own personal battles had prepared her to be by her mother’s side during this painful chapter. “I realized that my surgeries had caught up with me just as I was ready to stop working. And I didn’t even know what was ahead. But it was Mom,” she said tearfully.
Kyle shared openly about the emotional challenges of navigating the legal and personal complexities of being a caregiver and co-conservator. “I’m not overstepping,” she said. “It’s about balance—for her, for me, and for the whole process. I’m grateful for every moment.”
Tragically, Kyle passed away from Alzheimer’s on July 31, 2024. Her death marked a devastating end to a journey filled with love, sacrifice, and courage. A social media post shared the news: “Model Kyle Aletter has passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. Pray for her family. May she rest in peace.”
Even in the face of loss, Lee refused to give up. Long before Kyle’s passing, she made it clear that retirement wasn’t in her plans. “I’m working on a memoir called ‘From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk,’” she announced in an interview, a title that perfectly captured her unique journey.
She continued to perform her acclaimed one-woman show, “The Women of Spoon River,” where she portrayed twenty-three different female characters in under an hour. Even in her seventies and beyond, Lee auditioned for roles, including a voiceover for “Tom and Jerry.” When asked if she ever considered slowing down, she laughed, “Oh no, it’s fun. I love it.”
When people asked about the secret to her timeless beauty and vitality, Lee credited it to a mix of good genetics, positivity, and a few simple tricks. “I started rubbing up,” she joked, referring to how she applied her skincare in an upward motion to fight gravity.
She also followed a fitness routine that included going to the gym three times a week. “And it helps to stay positive toward other people. The laugh lines will be there whether you like it or not—might as well keep them,” she smiled.
Beyond the stage and screen, Lee dedicated much of her life to philanthropy. She served as the honorary chairperson of Ability First, an organization supporting individuals with disabilities. Her compassion also extended to causes like the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Blind Children’s Center. A devoted animal lover, she worked closely with Actors and Others for Animals, an organization dedicated to promoting humane treatment for pets and rescue animals.
Still, perhaps her favorite role has been that of grandmother. Through it all, Lee has maintained a sense of elegance, kindness, and resilience that continues to inspire. On social media, fans often comment on her timeless beauty and grace. “You’re still a classic American beauty!” one admirer wrote. Another chimed in, “That lovely smile!” Others praised her sparkling eyes and noted, “You’re just as beautiful now as you were then. Must be those amazing genes.”
Lee Meriwether’s legacy is more than just a collection of film credits or pageant crowns. It’s a testament to a woman who pursued her dreams fearlessly, embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, faced personal hardships with courage, and gave back with a generous heart. Whether onstage, onscreen, or in service to others, she remains a symbol of strength, grace, and an unwavering commitment to living fully.
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