Marian McKnight

Marian McKnight (born December 19, 1936) is an American actress, model and former beauty pageant winner. She was crowned Miss America in 1957.

Pageantry

She earned the 1957 Miss America title with a Marilyn Monroe act in the talent portion. She later worked with Monroe's ex-husband, Joe DiMaggio, for a Virginia supplier of military bases. Despite the contention of Monroe biographer Donald Spoto, McKnight denied that she and DiMaggio were romantically involved.

Career

In 1967, McKnight played Jack's mother in Hanna-Barbera's live action version of Jack and the Beanstalk, an Emmy Award-winning film directed by Gene Kelly, in which he also appeared as Jeremy the Peddler. Her voice was dubbed by Janet Waldo so she would sound as well as resemble the animated Princess Serena.

She appeared in an episode of The Love Boat in 1984, along with Jean Bartel, Miss America 1943; Nancy Fleming, Miss America 1961; and Vanessa L. Williams, Miss America 1984.

Personal life

McKnight married actor Gary Conway in 1958 after meeting at UCLA. They have two children (Gareth and Kathleen).

McKnight and Conway were the former owners of Carmody McKnight winery.

References

External links

• Miss America profile of Marian McKnight
• Carmondy McKnight Winery

1. Gary Conway
2. McKnight
3. Joe DiMaggio
4. Marian University (Indiana)
5. Miss South Carolina
6. List of Miss America titleholders
7. Vanessa Lachey
8. Nancy Fleming
9. Miss America 1957
10. Marilyn Van Derbur
11. Miss America 1986
12. Vanessa Williams
13. Gina Tolleson
14. Jack and the Beanstalk (1967 film)
15. Jack and the Beanstalk
16. Caitlin Upton
17. Sharon Ritchie
18. Nancy O'Dell
19. Miss America
20. Maid Marian