Jeanne Robertson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeanne Robertson
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Performing onstage in Charlottesville, Virginia, April 2012
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| Born |
Jeanne Flinn Swanner
September 21, 1943 Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Died | August 21, 2021 (aged 77) |
| Education | Auburn University |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1963–2021 |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Spouse(s) |
Walter Bowline
(m. 1965, div. early 1970s)Jerry Robertson
(m. 1974; died 2021) |
| Children | 1 |
| Title | Miss North Carolina 1963 |
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Hair color | White (formerly blond) |
| Major competition(s) |
Miss America 1964 |
Jeanne Flinn Swanner Robertson (born September 21, 1943 – died August 21, 2021) was a famous American humorist and speaker. She was also a teacher, an athlete, and even won the title of Miss North Carolina in 1963. Jeanne was well-known for her funny stories about her life, which she shared with audiences all over the country and on YouTube.
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Early Life and Growing Up
Jeanne Flinn Swanner was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, but she grew up in Graham, North Carolina. She was one of three daughters. Jeanne was very tall from a young age. By the time she was 13, she was already 6 feet 2 inches tall! She loved playing basketball and was a talented athlete.
Becoming Miss North Carolina
In 1963, when Jeanne was 19, she was crowned Miss North Carolina. After that, she competed in the Miss America competition and was named Miss Congeniality. This award goes to the contestant who is the most friendly and pleasant. Jeanne was the tallest person ever to compete in the Miss America pageant, standing at 6 feet 2 inches. She often said that winning Miss North Carolina helped start her career.
Jeanne used her scholarship from the pageant to go to Auburn University. There, she studied physical education and played college basketball. She graduated in 1967.
A Career Full of Laughter
Jeanne taught physical education for eight years. But she became much more famous for her public speaking, especially as a humorist. A humorist is someone who tells funny stories, often about their own life, to entertain people. Jeanne's stories were often heard on comedy radio channels.
Her popularity really grew after 2009 when many of her funny stories became popular videos on YouTube. Jeanne explained that a humorist tells longer stories with a message, unlike a comedian who might tell quick jokes. She said, "I'm telling my life."
Jeanne was recognized as a top speaker. In 1985, she even became the president of the National Speakers Association. She also received the Golden Gavel award from Toastmasters International, another group for public speakers. In 2008, she was invited to speak at the White House to honor volunteers.
Awards and Special Mentions
Jeanne Robertson received many awards for her speaking and humor:
- She was put into the National Speakers Association Speaker Hall of Fame in 1981.
- She was the first woman to receive the National Speakers Association Cavett Award in 1989.
- In 1998, she won the Toastmasters International Golden Gavel Award.
- The North Carolina Press Association named her North Carolinian of the Year in 2001.
Her hometown of Graham, North Carolina, even has a special exhibit about her at the Graham Historical Museum.
Jeanne's Family Life
Jeanne had one son, Walter Bailey "Beaver" Bowline. In 1974, she married Jerry Robertson. Jerry was also very tall, standing at 6 feet 6 inches, and played basketball at Duke University. He was an educator and school principal. Jeanne often called him "Left Brain" in her performances because he was very logical. They were married until Jerry passed away in June 2021.
Jeanne and Jerry were big supporters of Elon University, where Jeanne's son and two of her grandchildren attended. The university's track and field complex is named after them. Jeanne was a member of the Methodist church and loved the TV show The Andy Griffith Show. She even wrote a book called Mayberry Humor Across the USA, connecting to the show's humor.
Passing Away
Jeanne Robertson passed away at her home in Burlington, North Carolina, on August 21, 2021, at the age of 77.
Audio and Video Stories
You can find many of Jeanne Robertson's performances on DVD and CD. Some of her popular titles include:
- Rocking Humor
- Fabulously Funny
- Looking for Humor
- Just for Fun
- Flat Out Funny
- Southern Style
- Talkin' Funny
- Not Just for Laughs
- Here She Is
Many shorter clips of her stories are also available on her official YouTube channel. She also had a livestream series called "Live from the Back Porch" in 2020–2021.
