Date of Birth: July 16, 1924
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: December 14, 2014
Biography
Bess Myerson was a trailblazer in many respects. Born on July 16, 1924, in the Bronx, New York, she rose to fame as the first Jewish woman to win the Miss America pageant in 1945. Her victory was significant not only because of her Jewish heritage in a time of rampant anti-Semitism but also because she used her platform to advocate for various social causes. After her reign as Miss America, Myerson pursued a career in television, becoming a notable figure as a panelist on the game show “I’ve Got a Secret” and as a co-host on the show “The Big Payoff.” In addition to her television career, Bess Myerson was deeply involved in public service. She served as New York City’s Commissioner of Consumer Affairs under Mayor John Lindsay and later as a Commissioner of Cultural Affairs under Mayor Ed Koch. Despite her professional successes, Myerson’s life was not without controversy. She was implicated in a scandal known as the “Bess Mess” in the late 1980s, although she was eventually acquitted of all charges. Myerson was also a fierce advocate for mental health issues and cancer research, having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the 1970s. She lived a life marked by resilience, intelligence, and a commitment to public service until her passing on December 14, 2014.
5 Interesting Facts about Bess Myerson
1. Bess Myerson was the first Jewish woman to win the Miss America pageant in 1945.
2. She was a panelist on the popular game show “I’ve Got a Secret” for over a decade.
3. Myerson served as New York City’s Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs.
4. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the 1970s but continued her public service work.
5. Myerson was implicated in a political scandal known as the “Bess Mess” in the late 1980s but was acquitted of all charges.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bess Myerson
1. “You can’t be beautiful and hate. Hate is a disease, and it pollutes you.”
2. “I’m not perfect, but I strive for honesty and integrity in all I do.”
3. “Winning Miss America was a moment of great pride for me, but also a responsibility to use that platform for good.”
4. “My life has been a mix of triumphs and trials, but I’ve always believed in rising above the challenges.”
5. “Public service is a way to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Bess Myerson’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
Bess Myerson had one daughter, Barbara Myerson.
Relevant Links
1. [Bess Myerson Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bess_Myerson
2. [Bess Myerson Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/personality/bess-myerson
3. [Bess Myerson on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0616813/
