First Miss USA Jackie Loughery dies aged 93-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Jackie Loughery was a pageant icon before becoming a Hollywood actress (Picture: Everett/REX/Shutterstock)

Jackie Loughery, who was crowned the first Miss USA in 1952, has died aged 93, it has been announced.

The pageant queen’s death was announced in a statement on the Miss USA organisation’s Facebook page.

Her cause of death has not been revealed.

‘It is with great sorrow that we share the news of Jackie Loughery’s passing, a pioneer who made history as the FIRST EVER Miss USA in 1952,’ the statement said.

Paying tribute to Loughery, it continued: ‘Jackie Loughery will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of beauty pageants. Her grace, poise, and intelligence captivated audiences and paved the way for future generations of women to shine on the stage.

‘As the very first Miss USA in 1952, she left an indelible mark on the pageant world and inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

‘While her physical presence may no longer be with us, her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her remarkable spirit.

Loughery appeared in several films in the 50s and 60s(Picture: Everett/REX/Shutterstock)

Her death was announced by the Miss USA organisation on Facebook (Picture: Facebook)

‘Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this time, and may they find comfort in the memories of her extraordinary life. She is reunited with her fur babies that she loved so much!’

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Loughery became Miss Rockaway Point in 1947 before being crowned Miss New York USA in 1952.

That same year, she was the first-ever winner of the Miss USA competition and went on to represent the US at the first Miss Universe, coming in ninth place.

Loughery competed in a number of pageants and beauty competitions including Miss Universe (Picture: Los Angeles Examiner/USC Libraries/Corbis via Getty Images)

Loughery later pursued a career in Hollywood, appearing in the comedy Pardners with Martin and Lewis and the 1957 drama The DI.

Her other film credits include Abbott and Costello Go to Mars, Eighteen and Anxious and The Hot Angel.

On TV, meanwhile, she starred in the short-lived variety show Seven at Eleven and was Johnny Carson’s assistant in game show, Earn Your Vacation.

Loughery was married to movie star Webb (Picture: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Elsewhere, she co-starred with Edgar Buchanan and Jack Buetel in the syndicated western television series Judge Roy Bean and made guest appearances on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.

Loughery was first married to US popstar Guy Mitchell, who was behind song My Heart Cries for You.

After they were divorced, she tied the knot with actor Jack Webb but their marriage ended some years later.

In 1968, she married Jack W Schwietzer and they remained together until he died in 2009.

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