Jo-Carroll Dennison


Jo-Carroll Dennison was Miss America 1942.

Early years

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

Pageantry

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

Film career

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

Personal life

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