Jo-Carroll Dennison

Jo-Carroll Dennison
Born (1923-12-16) 16 December 1923
Florence, Arizona
Title Miss America 1942
Predecessor Rosemary LaPlanche
Successor Jean Bartel
Spouse(s) Phil Silvers (1945–1950) (divorced)

Jo-Carroll Dennison (born December 16, 1923) was Miss America 1942.

Early years

Dennison was born in Florence, Arizona,[1] the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Dennison.[2] Her family later lived in San Francisco, California, Santa Barbara, California, and Tyler, Texas.[1]

She graduated from Hale Center High School in 1940[2] and was a stenographer in Tyler.[3]

Miss America

Dennison was crowned Miss America September 12, 1942, after having entered the contest as Miss Texas.[1] She had earlier won both the talent and the swimsuit competitions in the contest.[4] As Miss America during World War II, much of her time was spent visiting "defense plants, hospitals and service camps" and selling war bonds.[5]

Film

After her time as Miss America, Dennison went to Hollywood. On November 18, 1942, 20th Century Fox signed her to a seven-year contract.[6] She had roles in Winged Victory and The Jolson Story.[5]

Personal life

Dennison married comedian Phil Silvers[5] March 2, 1945.[7] They were divorced March 8, 1950.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Miss America '42 Is Texan". The Wilkes-Barre Record. September 14, 1942. p. 16. Retrieved October 9, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  2. 1 2 ""Miss America" To Visit Hale Center". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. January 1, 1943. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  3. "(untitled brief)". The Waxahachie Daily Light. August 17, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  4. "'Miss America' Named Tonight". Santa Ana Register. September 12, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  5. 1 2 3 "Miss America History 1942". Retrieved 2012-05-10.
  6. "Jo Carroll Dennison, Miss America of 1942, Given Movie Contract". The Waco News-Tribune. November 18, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Jo-Carroll Dennison Is To Wed On Friday". The Piqua Daily Call. March 2, 1945. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  8. "Mate Stays With Mother-in-Law". The Ogden Standard-Examiner. March 9, 1950. p. 8. Retrieved October 9, 2015 via Newspapers.com.

External links


Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Rosemary LaPlanche
Miss America
1942
Succeeded by
Jean Bartel
Preceded by
Gloria Byrnes
Miss Texas
1941
Succeeded by
Joyce Courrege


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