Terry Meeuwsen facts for kids

Terry Anne Meeuwsen Friedrich, born on March 2, 1949, is an American television host, writer, and singer. She is most famous for being a co-host of The 700 Club on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) since 1993. Terry also started Orphan’s Promise, a charity that helps orphans, especially in Ukraine.

Before her television career, Terry was crowned Miss Appleton in 1972 and then Miss Wisconsin in the same year. She went on to win the Miss America pageant in 1973. She was the first Miss Wisconsin to become Miss America.

Early Life and Pageant Success

Terry Meeuwsen was born in 1949 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She was the oldest of four children. Her father worked for a public service company, and her mother worked for the telephone company.

At De Pere High School, Terry was chosen as homecoming queen. She was also a cheerleader for three years. In 1967, she started college at St. Norbert College. She studied music and drama there.

Between 1969 and 1971, Terry traveled and performed with a singing group called The New Christy Minstrels. She left the group to enter the Miss America competitions.

After winning Miss Appleton and Miss Wisconsin in 1972, Terry competed in the 1973 Miss America Competition. During the competition, she won awards for her lifestyle and fitness, and for her talent. She then won the main title of Miss America 1973.

Terry's Career Journey

Starting in Television

After her year as Miss America, Terry began working in television. In 1978, she started co-hosting a morning news show called "A New Day" at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee. She worked there until 1986.

Joining the Christian Broadcasting Network

In 1981, Terry accepted a job at The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). She became a co-host for a new morning show called "USAM." This show shared news and features with other TV networks.

Terry appeared as a guest co-host on The 700 Club several times. In 1993, she became a permanent co-host, working alongside CBN founder Pat Robertson. Since 2000, she has also co-hosted another CBN show, Living the Life, with comedian Louise DuArt. Both shows are shown on Freeform.

During her time on The 700 Club, Terry has interviewed many people. She has shared stories of various women, including former First Lady Barbara Bush.

Other Projects

Terry also has a passion for music. On September 12, 1995, she released a pop music album called Eyes of My Heart.

She has also been a speaker at different events. In 1999, she toured with the Aspiring Women Conference. In 2000, she toured with the Women of Faith Group.

Orphan's Promise Charity

In 2006, Terry Meeuwsen started a non-profit organization called Orphan’s Promise. This group helps children who do not have parents. The organization works in many countries around the world.

Orphan's Promise is very active in Ukraine. Terry and her husband adopted three of their children from Ukraine. By 2022, Orphan’s Promise had helped 114,000 children worldwide. This charity is part of the Christian Broadcasting Network's efforts to do good in the world.

Personal Life

Terry Meeuwsen was married to Thomas A. Camburn from 1974 to 1979.

In 1981, she married her second husband, Andy Friedrich. They were married until his passing on July 29, 2023. Andy had Parkinson's disease. Terry and Andy strongly believed in adoption. Most of their seven children were adopted. Their three youngest daughters were adopted from Ukraine.