A tireless humanitarian, Mary Ann has taken a particular interest in world hunger and children with learning disabilities, and has been an active participant with the March of Dimes for over 25 years.
Born in Biloxi, Mary Ann was voted into the University of Mississippi Hall of Fame along with fellow Mississipian William Faulkner. Mary Ann was the first woman to be so honored.
Daughter, Clancy Collins White, is a Paramount television executive.
Described herself as an "avid" scuba diver.
During the 1959 'Miss America' contest, Mary Ann sang, for the talent portion, a highly formal, operatic rendition of Puccini's "Un Bel Di" that segued into a belt version of "There'll Be Some Changes Made" as she stripped down into something skimpier. She won the crown.
Mary Ann was originally cast as "The Girl from U.N.C.L.E." (1966), but was ultimately replaced by Stefanie Powers.
Measurements: 34 1/2 -22-35 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)
Miss America 1959.
Miss Mississippi 1958.
Mother of Clancy Collins White, a Senior Vice President with MGM Television.
Mother-in-law of Dean White.
Received the Women's International Center (WIC) Living Legacy Award in 1987.
She suffers from the painful condition Crohn's Disease and is an advocate for research and fund-raising for the disease.
She was cast as the original Batgirl on "Batman" (1966) but was replaced by Yvonne Craig.
She was considered to be a panelist for the updated version of "The Match Game" (1962) in 1998, but turned down the offer due to illness.
Started off her TV career as a singing regular on variety shows. She later performed a number of musical roles in summer stock, including "Brigadoon", "Guys and Dolls", "Hello, Dolly!" and "The King and I".