Jo-Carroll Dennison

Dennison was born in Florence, Arizona, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Dennison.[1][2] Her family later lived in San Francisco, California, Santa Barbara, California, and Tyler, Texas.[1] She graduated from Hale Center High School in 1940[2] and was a stenographer in Tyler.[3]

Dennison was crowned Miss America September 12, 1942, after having entered the contest as Miss Texas.[1] She had earlier won both the talent and the swimsuit competitions in the contest.[4] As Miss America during World War II, much of her time was spent visiting "defense plants, hospitals and service camps" and selling war bonds.[5]

After her time as Miss America, Dennison went to Hollywood. On November 18, 1942, 20th Century Fox signed her to a seven-year contract.[6] She had roles in Winged Victory and The Jolson Story.[5]

Dennison married comedian Phil Silvers on March 2, 1945.[5][7] They divorced March 8, 1950.[8] The union produced no children. Dennison later married television producer, Russell Stoneham, and had two sons with him.[9] As of January 2020, she lives in the San Jacinto Mountains.[10][11]

• List of living actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood

• Jo-Carroll Dennison at IMDb
• Jo-Carroll Dennison at Miss America