Carol Morris
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
Carol Morris, right, with Ingrid Goude, Miss Sweden, in Copenhagen in 1958
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| Born |
Carol Laverne Morris April 8, 1936 Omaha, Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Drake University |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 131 lb (59 kg) |
| Measurements | 36-25-36-inch |
| Hair color | Brown |
| Eye color | Blue |
| Title(s) |
Miss Universe 1956 Miss USA 1956 Miss Iowa USA 1956 Miss Iowa 1954 |
| Spouse | Edward Burke |
Carol Ann Laverne Morris ( born April 8, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska ) is an American actress, model and beauty queen who was the second Miss USA to win the Miss Universe title in the pageant's fifth edition in 1956. She was crowned by Hillevi Rombin, Miss Universe 1955, of Sweden.
Morris was born in Omaha, Nebraska, as the only child of a minister. The family first moved to Scott City, Kansas, where she attended elementary school. After moving to Ottumwa, Iowa, Miss Morris attended Ottumwa High School where she graduated 4th in her class of 300. Morris was a champion swimmer and worked as a lifeguard, sang in the church choir, and played the violin. She attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was a member of the Beta Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta and a decorated swim team member.
Morris developed into a 5-foot 7-inch young lady, with blue eyes and dark brown, almost black, hair, 131 pounds and 36-25-36-inch figure. The first beauty pageant she entered and won was the Miss Ottumwa contest. Morris was in high school and was sponsored by the South Ottumwa Boosters club. While attending Drake University she entered and won the Miss Iowa 1954 beauty contest. Morris then represented Iowa in the Miss America 1955 contest. In the talent portion of that competition she played the song Stardust on her violin.
Morris won the 1956 Miss USA contest that had 43 contestants and was held in Long Beach, California. She then competed and won against 29 contestants in the 1956 Miss Universe beauty pageant, also held in Long Beach. While reigning as Miss Universe Morris met Presidents Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover, and entertained U.S. troops with Bob Hope. She was also able to return home to the biggest celebration ever held in Ottumwa. A parade was organized in her honor, including Iowa's Governor Leo Hoegh and the 4 foot high Miss Universe trophy. And in 1956 and 1957, she appeared as a mystery guest on What's My Line and To Tell the Truth, respectively.
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