Bess Myerson (1924–2014) was an American politician, model, and television personality who made history as the first Jewish Miss America in 1945. Her victory was a milestone for Jewish representation in American culture, particularly after the Holocaust.
Born in New York City, Myerson grew up in the Bronx, excelling academically and musically. She attended Hunter College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in music in 1945. After winning Miss America, she faced discrimination from sponsors unwilling to associate with a Jewish titleholder, prompting her advocacy for civil rights and anti-discrimination efforts.
Myerson transitioned to television, appearing on game shows such as The Big Payoff and I’ve Got a Secret. She later entered public service as New York City’s Commissioner of Consumer Affairs (1969–73) and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs (1983–87,) also serving on presidential commissions addressing urban issues.
Her career faced controversy in the late 1980s when she was indicted on bribery and conspiracy charges in a judicial scandal. Though acquitted, the scandal ended her public service career. Jennifer Preston’s biography, Queen Bess: The Unauthorized Biography of Bess Myerson (1990) chronicles her rise and fall.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Bess Myerson
The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference.
—Bess Myerson
Topics: Corruption
To fall in love is awfully simple, but to fall out of love is simply awful.
—Bess Myerson
Topics: Love
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