Jo-Carroll Dennison

Jo-Carroll Dennison (December 16, 1923 – October 18, 2021) was an American actress and model who was Miss America 1942.

Jo-Carroll Dennison
Born(1923-12-16)December 16, 1923
Florence, Arizona, U.S.
DiedOctober 18, 2021(2021-10-18) (aged 97)
Idyllwild–Pine Cove, California, U.S.
TitleMiss America 1942
PredecessorRosemary LaPlanche
SuccessorJean Bartel
Spouse(s)
​
​
(m. 1945; div. 1950)​

Russell Stoneham
​
​
(m. 1954; div. 1981)​
Children2

Early years

Dennison was born on December 16, 1923, in Florence, Arizona, the daughter of Elizabeth (née Brownd) and Harry Arthur Dennison, who ran a travelling medicine show in Texas.[1][2] She was born in the infirmary of a men's state prison in Arizona, delivered by the prison doctor as he was the only medical help her travelling parents could find.[3] Her father had wanted her to be born in California so the couple had been driving west from Texas when her mother went into labour.[3]

Her family later lived in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, California, and Tyler, Texas.[1] She graduated from Hale Center High School in 1940,[2] and was a stenographer in Tyler.[4]

Pageantry

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.[5] As Miss America during World War II, much of her time was spent visiting "Defence plants, hospitals and service camps" and selling war bonds.[6]

Film career

After her time as Miss America, Dennison went to Hollywood. On November 18, 1942, 20th Century Fox signed her to a seven-year contract.[7] She had roles in Winged Victory and The Jolson Story.[6]

Personal life

Dennison married comedian Phil Silvers on March 2, 1945.[6][8] They divorced March 8, 1950.[9] The union produced no children. Dennison later married television producer Russell Stoneham and had two sons, Peter and John, with him.[10] She lived in Idyllwild, California, in the San Jacinto Mountains.[11][12]

Dennison died from COPD on October 18, 2021, at the age of 97.[13][3][14]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1943The Song of BernadetteYoung NunUncredited
1943The Gang's All HereMinor RoleUncredited
1944Ladies of WashingtonFriedaUncredited
1944Something for the BoysMinor RoleUncredited
1944Winged VictoryDorothy Ross
1945State FairGirlUncredited
1946The Missing LadyGilda Marsh
1946The Jolson StoryAnn Murray
1950Beyond the Purple HillsMollie Rayburn
1950Prehistoric WomenNika
1951Secrets of BeautyJo Carroll Dennison
1951PickupIrma
1951A Millionaire for ChristyNurse JacksonUncredited
1976Everybody Rides the CarouselStage 5Voice, (final film role)

References
  1. "Miss America '42 Is Texan". The Wilkes-Barre Record. September 14, 1942. p. 16. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ""Miss America" To Visit Hale Center". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. January 1, 1943. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Seelye, Katharine Q. (2021-10-29). "Jo-Carroll Dennison, Miss America During World War II, Dies at 97". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-10-30.
  4. "(untitled brief)". The Waxahachie Daily Light. August 17, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "'Miss America' Named Tonight". Santa Ana Register. September 12, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Miss America History 1942". Archived from the original on 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
  7. "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.
  8. "Jo-Carroll Dennison Is To Wed On Friday". The Piqua Daily Call. March 2, 1945. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Mate Stays With Mother-in-Law". The Ogden Standard-Examiner. March 9, 1950. p. 8. Retrieved October 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. Tauber, Michelle; Neill, Mike; Russell, Lisa; Fowler, Joanne; Dam, Julie; Tresniowski, Alex; Miller, Samantha; Dougherty, Steve; Yu, Ting (October 16, 2000). "American Beauties: 80 Years". People.
  11. PINE COVE: Reflection from 1942 Miss America’s home
  12. A Miss America story
  13. "Jo-Carroll Dennison, oldest ex-Miss America and longtime Idyllwild-area resident, dies". Retrieved October 18, 2021.
  14. "Jo-Carroll Dennison obituary". The Times. 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.


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