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 was crowned Miss America 1958.
In July 1957, she became Miss Colorado. On September 7, 1957, she won the Miss America 1958 title in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Contents
Marilyn Van Derbur's Life Story
Early Years and School
Marilyn Van Derbur was born on June 16, 1937, in Denver, Colorado. She was the youngest of four daughters. Her family was involved in the mortuary business in Denver.
Marilyn went to East High School and finished in 1955. She then attended the University of Colorado. There, she studied English literature and graduated with high honors in 1960.
Journey to Miss America
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During her second year of college, Marilyn was chosen to represent her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, in the Miss University of Colorado pageant. She won the Miss University of Colorado title in May 1957.
After that, she competed in the Miss Colorado pageant in July 1957 and won. Her journey continued to the national stage. On September 7, 1957, Marilyn Van Derbur was crowned Miss America 1958 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Career and Public Speaking
After finishing college, Marilyn moved to New York City. She became a television spokeswoman for AT&T's 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 Van Derbur spent much of her career as a public speaker. In 1975, she started the Marilyn Van Derbur Motivational Institute. Through this institute, she created a series of short motivational films. These films were shown at business meetings and conventions to inspire people.
Family Life
Marilyn Van Derbur had a short marriage in 1961 to Gary Nady, a former football player from the University of Colorado. In 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence "Larry" Atler. Marilyn and Larry have one daughter named Jennifer.
Lasting Impact
In 2021, Marilyn Van Derbur announced that she would sell her Miss America crown and bracelet. The money from this auction was planned to help the Denver Public Schools. This shows her continued dedication to her community.
Published Works
- Miss America By Day (2003)
Music Recordings
- Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur At The Hammond Organ (1958)
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
