Phyllis George facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phyllis George
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George in 2000
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| First Lady of Kentucky | |
| In office December 11, 1979 – December 13, 1983 |
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| Governor | John Y. Brown Jr. |
| Preceded by | Charlann Harting Carroll |
| Succeeded by | Bill Collins |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Phyllis Ann George
June 25, 1949 Denton, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | May 14, 2020 (aged 70) Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Resting place | Lexington Cemetery Lexington, Kentucky |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 2, including Pamela |
| Alma mater | University of North Texas Texas Christian University |
| Occupation | Sportscaster, actress |
| Known for | Miss America 1971 Miss Texas 1970 |
Phyllis Ann George (born June 25, 1949 – died May 14, 2020) was a famous American woman. She was a businesswoman, an actress, and a sportscaster. In 1975, Phyllis George became a reporter and co-host for The NFL Today on CBS Sports. This made her one of the first women to appear on national TV sports shows. She was also the First Lady of Kentucky from 1979 to 1983.
Phyllis George won the title of Miss Texas in 1970. She then became Miss America 1971.
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Early Life & Education
Phyllis George was born in Denton, Texas. Her parents were Diantha and James George. She went to North Texas State University for three years. After winning Miss Texas in 1970, she received a scholarship. She then attended Texas Christian University. Later that year, she won the Miss America crown.
Becoming Miss America
Phyllis first tried for Miss Texas in 1969 as Miss Denton. She placed fourth. The next year, she competed as Miss Dallas. She won the title of Miss Texas 1970. On September 12, 1970, she was crowned Miss America 1971.
In 1971, Phyllis traveled to Vietnam. She joined other beauty queens on a 22-day tour. This tour was for the United Service Organizations (USO). They visited American troops there. During her year as Miss America, Phyllis appeared on many TV shows. She was on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson three times.
Career in Television
Phyllis George started her TV career on Candid Camera. This was a popular comedy show.
Pioneering Sports Broadcasting
In 1974, CBS Sports asked Phyllis to become a sportscaster. The next year, she joined The NFL Today. She co-hosted live pregame shows before National Football League games. This was a big step. She became one of the first women to have a major role in national TV sports.
Some people criticized her at first. They thought she didn't have enough experience. But Phyllis became known for her great interviews with athletes. Hannah Storm, a famous sports anchor, called Phyllis a "true trailblazer." She inspired many women to work in sports broadcasting. Phyllis worked on The NFL Today for three seasons. She returned to the show in 1980 and stayed until 1984.
Phyllis also covered horse racing events for CBS Sports. These included the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. She also hosted a prime-time talk show in 1994. On this show, she interviewed President Bill Clinton. She also appeared on The Muppet Show in 1979.
Morning News Anchor
In 1985, CBS chose Phyllis George to be a main anchor for its morning news show. She was given a three-year contract. As co-anchor, she interviewed important people. One of them was then–First Lady Nancy Reagan.
This experiment didn't last long. Phyllis left the show after only a few months.
Business Ventures
Phyllis George started two companies. Her first company was "Chicken by George." It sold chicken fillets. In 1988, she sold the company to Hormel Foods.
She also wrote or co-authored five books. Three were about crafts. One was about dieting, called The I Love America Diet. Her last book was Never Say Never, published in 2002.
Phyllis was also the founder of the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. She loved collecting folk and traditional arts. She also helped start the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship.
In 2000, Phyllis George appeared in the movie Meet the Parents. This was one of her few film roles.
Family Life
Phyllis George was married twice. Her first marriage was to Hollywood producer Robert Evans. Her second marriage was to Kentucky Fried Chicken owner and Kentucky governor John Y. Brown Jr.. Phyllis served as Kentucky's First Lady during his time in office.
With John Y. Brown Jr., she had two children. They are Lincoln Tyler George Brown and Pamela Ashley Brown. Both of Phyllis's marriages ended in divorce.
Phyllis George passed away on May 14, 2020. She was 70 years old. She died from complications of a type of blood cancer.
