Marilyn Van Derbur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marilyn Van Derbur
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Van Derbur in 1981
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| Born |
Marilyn Elaine Van Derbur
June 16, 1937 Denver, Colorado, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Colorado at Boulder |
| Title | Miss University of Colorado 1957 Miss Colorado 1957 Miss America 1958 |
| Term | September 7, 1957 - September 6, 1958 |
| Predecessor | Marian McKnight |
| Successor | Mary Ann Mobley |
| Spouse(s) |
Gary Nady
(m. 1961; div. 1962)Lawrence Atler
(m. 1964) |
| Children | 1 |
Marilyn Elaine Van Derbur (born June 16, 1937) is an American author, motivational speaker, and beauty pageant winner. She is known for her inspiring words and her time as Miss America.
In July 1957, she won the title of Miss Colorado. Later, on September 7, 1957, she was crowned Miss America 1958. This big event happened in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The previous Miss America, Marian McKnight, crowned her.
Contents
Marilyn Van Derbur's Life Story
Early Life and Education
Marilyn Van Derbur was born on June 16, 1937. She grew up in Denver, Colorado. She was the youngest of four sisters.
Marilyn went to East High School. She graduated in 1955. After high school, she attended the University of Colorado. She studied English literature there. In 1960, she earned her degree with high honors.
Becoming a Pageant Queen
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While at college, Marilyn was chosen to represent her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. She competed in the Miss University of Colorado pageant. In May 1957, she won that title.
Just two months later, in July 1957, she competed for Miss Colorado. She won this pageant too! Her journey continued to the national stage. On September 7, 1957, Marilyn was crowned Miss America 1958. This was a huge achievement for her.
Career and Public Speaking
After finishing college, Marilyn moved to New York City. She became a television spokeswoman for AT&T. She appeared on The Bell Telephone Hour. She also hosted 10 episodes of the popular show Candid Camera. For five years, she was the television hostess for the Miss America Pageant.
Marilyn also became a very popular public speaker. She started the Marilyn Van Derbur Motivational Institute in 1975. Through this institute, she made motivational films. These films were shown at business meetings and conventions. Her inspiring story was even featured on the cover of People magazine in 1991.
Family Life
Marilyn Van Derbur married Gary Nady in 1961. This marriage was short and ended in 1962. Later, in 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence "Larry" Atler. They have one daughter named Jennifer.
Giving Back
In 2021, Marilyn Van Derbur decided to help Denver Public Schools. She announced that she would auction off her Miss America crown and bracelet. The money raised from this auction would go to support the schools. This shows her dedication to helping others.
Books by Marilyn Van Derbur
- Miss America By Day (Oak Hill Ridge Press, 2003)
Awards and Honors
- 1955: Seventeen's Miss Young America
- 1957: Miss Colorado
- 1958: Miss America
- 1996: Inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame
- 2019: Inducted into the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame
