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Mary Ann Mobley, Former Miss America and Actress, Has Died at Age 75

Julia Birkinbine

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11 years ago

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Mary ann mobley
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 23: Actress Mary Ann Mobley attends the John Wayne Cancer Institute Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 23, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Actress and former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley died Tuesday, Dec. 9 at her home in Beverly Hills, Calif., after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 75-years-old.

The Mississippi native was crowned the state's first Miss America in 1959. Following her reign, she embarked on a career in both film and television and landed her first TV appearance in the 1960s show, 'Burke's Law.'

mary ann mobley

Mary Ann in October 1958.

After landing theater gigs in musicals including 'Guys and Dolls' and 'The King and I,' Mary Ann starred opposite Elvis Presley in 'Harum Scarum' and 'Girl Happy' in 1965.

Related Story: 'The Addams Family' Star Ken Weatherwax Dead at 59

She also served as a regular on the show 'Circus with the Stars' and appeared on many popular small screen series like 'Fantasy Island,' 'The Love Boat' and 'Falcon Crest.'

mary ann mobley & elvis presley

Mary Ann and Elvis in 'Girl Happy' in January 1965.

In 1967, Mary Ann wed actor and talk show host Gary Collins. The couple later became devoted philanthropists and traveled the world volunteering with various relief organizations to end world hunger. Sadly, Gary passed away from natural causes in 2012.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Mary Clancy Collins, and stepchildren Guy William Collins and Melissa Collins.

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