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Myrna Hansen | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Hansen in a 1957Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer publicity photograph | |
| Born | (1934-08-05)August 5, 1934 (age 91) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Education | Carl Schurz High School |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1953–1973 |
| Known for | |
| Title | Miss USA 1953 |
| Spouse(s) | ? (?–1960)[citation needed] Lee Duke Hyatt (1961–1965) Allen H. Kane (1985–1998)[1] |
| Children | 2 |
Myrna Hansen (born August 5, 1934)[2] is an American actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder who wonMiss USA 1953.
Hansen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Hansen.[3] She graduated fromCarl Schurz High School in Chicago, Illinois, in June 1953. Before competing in the1953 Miss Universe contest, Hansen planned to study animal husbandry in Colorado. She had mailed her tuition for admission to college, aspiring to become a veterinarian.[4]
Hansen was chosen as Miss Photoflash of 1953 by the Chicago Press Photographers Association.[3] She was entered in theMiss USA contest by virtue of winning this title. She was 5'7" tall and weighed 125 pounds. Her measurements included a 37-inch bust, 25-inch waist, and 35-inch hips. She is a blonde with brown eyes.[5]By the end of 1955, her bust had increased by an inch. Her measurements read 38-25-35.[6]
For winning the Miss USA crown, Hansen was awarded aHillman Minx convertible, aUniversal Pictures contract, and a $2,500 diamond wrist watch. She also received an ornate trophy presented by Ruth Hampton, actress, and 1952Miss New Jersey USA.
After winning theMiss Illinois USA crown, Hansen, from Chicago, became Illinois's first representative to capture the Miss USA title. She was chosen as runner-up in theMiss Universe contest of 1953.Hedda Hopper reported in March 1954 that Hansen should have been awarded the Miss Universe title. The winner,Christiane Martel of France, was exposed as having been only age 17 when she won.[citation needed]
In January 1954, Hansen accompanied Martel in the 65th annualTournament of Roses Parade. They were aboard the float titledAmerican Heritage. It was an entry of the city of Long Beach, California. Adorned by cupids and thousands of whiteorchids andchrysanthemums, the float captured the sweepstakes prize.[7]
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Hansen negotiated a new seven-year contract withUniversal in August 1954. The agreement stipulated that her salary would start at $200 weekly, with options to $900. As a minor, she was required to purchase a $25U.S. savings bond weekly.[8]
Soon after her contract was negotiated, Hansen filmedThe Purple Mask (1955). Her character, Constance de Voulois, was one of three female spies in the film. The setting was in France after theFrench Revolution. She followed this project with a role as the fiancée ofJack Kelly inCult of the Cobra (1955). She played a showgirl inParty Girl (1958), a film which featuredRobert Taylor andCyd Charisse. Her final parts in movies were roles inGoodbye Charlie (1964) andBlack Caesar (1973).[9]
In December 1955, Hansen made her television debut onThe George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. Her appearance for eight minutes on the show was longer than her total time on screen in the 15 movies she had made. She was featured in two additional appearances as the love interest ofRonnie Burns. She performed in episodes ofThe Thin Man (1957),Hawaiian Eye (1960),77 Sunset Strip (1960),Westinghouse Playhouse (1960),Straightaway (1962), andGreen Acres (1971).
In 1959, Hansen did advertising for the American sunscreen brandCoppertone as a model.
| This section of abiography of a living persondoes notinclude anyreferences or sources. Please help by addingreliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourcedmust be removed immediately, especially if potentiallylibelous or harmful.(July 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Hansen married Lee Hyatt, a salesman who later became a realtor. After their divorce, she married Allen Kane, who had been married toGloria Pall. They later divorced. She has two children
After retiring, she made occasional appearances on television series such asVicki! andFamily Feud.
In July 2022, Hansen was profiled inClassic Images, where she discussed her onscreen career.
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