Carol Morris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carol Morris
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Morris in Copenhagen in 1958
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Carol Laverne Morris
April 8, 1936 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Drake University |
| Height | 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in) |
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| Spouse(s) | Edward Burke |
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Hair color | Brown |
| Eye color | Blue |
| Major competition(s) |
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Carol Ann Laverne Morris, born on April 8, 1936, is an American actress, model, and beauty queen. She made history as the second Miss USA to win the Miss Universe title. This happened in 1956, during the fifth Miss Universe competition. The previous winner, Hillevi Rombin from Sweden, crowned her.
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Early Life and Education
Carol Morris was born in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the only child of a Christian minister. Her family first moved to Scott City, Kansas, where she went to elementary school. Later, they moved to Ottumwa, Iowa.
High School Years
In Ottumwa, Carol attended Ottumwa High School. She was a very good student, graduating fourth in her class of 300. Carol was also a talented swimmer and worked as a lifeguard. She sang in the church choir and played the violin.
College Life
After high school, Carol went to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. There, she joined the Beta Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, a sorority. She continued to be a decorated member of the swim team.
Beauty Pageant Journey
Carol Morris grew to be 5 feet 7 inches tall. She had blue eyes and dark brown hair. Her journey in beauty pageants began in her hometown.
First Pageant Wins
The first beauty contest Carol entered was the Miss Ottumwa contest. She won this competition while still in high school. The South Ottumwa Boosters Club sponsored her. While attending Drake University, she entered and won the Miss Iowa 1954 beauty contest.
Competing Nationally
After winning Miss Iowa, Carol represented her state in the Miss America 1955 contest. For the talent part of that competition, she played the song Stardust on her violin.
Miss USA and Miss Universe
Carol Morris continued her pageant success in 1956. She achieved two major titles that year.
Winning Miss USA
In 1956, Carol won the Miss USA 1956 contest. There were 43 contestants in this competition, which took place in Long Beach, California. Her victory here led her to the international stage.
Becoming Miss Universe
After winning Miss USA, Carol competed in the Miss Universe 1956 beauty pageant. This event was also held in Long Beach. She competed against 29 contestants and won the prestigious Miss Universe title.
Life as Miss Universe
During her time as Miss Universe, Carol met important people. She met Presidents Harry S. Truman and Herbert Hoover. She also traveled to entertain U.S. troops with famous comedian Bob Hope. When she returned home to Ottumwa, Iowa, the town held a huge celebration for her. A parade was organized, featuring Iowa's Governor Leo Hoegh and the large Miss Universe trophy. In 1956 and 1957, she appeared as a mystery guest on TV shows like What's My Line and To Tell the Truth.
Acting Career and Family Life
After her reign as Miss Universe ended, Carol Morris started a career in acting. Winning the Miss Universe title included a one-year movie contract.
Film and TV Roles
Her first film was Crazy Love, where she co-starred with Jeff Chandler. She acted in several films and television shows. Carol's last acting role was in the 1962 film Paradise Alley.
Personal Life
On June 30, 1959, Carol married Edward G. "Buzz" Burke in Chicago. He was an investor from Houston, Texas. Their first son, Christopher, was born in Houston on April 18, 1960. The couple later had two more children. After her husband passed away, she remarried and had one more child. As of 2010, she was living in Texas with her husband. She currently has one granddaughter.
Continued Involvement
As of 2015, Carol Morris was the only Miss Iowa USA to have won the Miss USA crown. She remains active in the Miss Iowa USA pageant, supporting new contestants.
See also
In Spanish: Carol Morris para niños
