Bess Myerson Net Worth - Net Worth FAQ (2024 Edition) (2024)

What is Bess Myerson Net Worth and Salary?

Bess Myerson was an accomplished beauty queen, actress, television host, and American politician who dedicated her life to serving the public. The estimated net worth of Bess Myerson at the time of her death was $4 million. She earned her wealth from her television, politics, real estate investments, and later her mental health advocacy.

During her time as a Miss America winner, she earned about $40,000 in endorsem*nts and various other activities. She served as a judge on the television show “I’ve Got a Secret” from 1958 to 1967 earning $25,000 per year. Myerson also served in various public offices, including Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, earning a salary of $12,000 at the time, and as a television journalist working for WNBC in New York City, where she received a salary of $125,000 per year.

Early Life and Education

Bess Myerson was born on July 16, 1924, in the Bronx, New York City, to Russian Jewish immigrants. She was the second-born in a family of three children. Growing up, Myerson learned the vital principles of hard work, education, and perseverance from her parents.

Myerson attended Hunter College, where she majored in music and graduated cum laude. Later, she attended the Juilliard School of Music, where she graduated with a degree in music and was known for her beautiful singing voice.

Career

Bess Myerson’s career started in 1945 when she was crowned Miss America, making her the first Jewish woman to ever hold the prestigious title. During her reign, Myerson became a sought-after television personality, appearing as a performer and comic on popular shows such as “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Morey Amsterdam Show.”

In 1949, Myerson moved to New York City to pursue a career in television. She worked as a television host for “The Big Payoff,” a game show, and “I’ve Got a Secret,” a popular quiz show, in which she became a permanent panelist.

In 1965, Myerson served as the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs for New York City. She used her position in government to fight for the rights of the consumer and make policies regarding the standard of commercial goods. Her accomplishments in the role led to her receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom award, the highest award given to civilians by the United States.

Personal Life

Bess Myerson was a beloved figure by many because of her beauty, talent, and determination. She was married three times, first to Allan Wayne, whom she divorced in 1958, then to Arnold Grant in 1962, and finally to Carl Capasso in 1983.

Throughout her life, Myerson had many well-known friends and acquaintances, including President John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Eddie Fisher. Her personal life was a source of fascination to many people, with her marriages and romantic relationships frequently making headlines in the press.

Illness and Death

In her final years, Bess Myerson suffered from declining health, including hearing loss, visual impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. On December 14, 2014, at the age of 90, Myerson passed away at her home in Santa Monica, California, due to complications caused by a heart attack.

Real Estate

Throughout her life, Bess Myerson was involved in several real estate ventures, including buying and selling properties. She owned a private estate in upstate New York and a condominium in Atlantic City. Her real estate investments helped to increase her net worth and provided her with a source of income for many years.

Legacy

Bess Myerson was an accomplished public figure who spent her life dedicated to the betterment of society. She was a tireless advocate for women, people of color, and the poor, and her work helped to advance their rights and dignity in American society.

Myerson’s legacy lives on in the numerous charitable organizations she supported throughout her life. She founded the Bess Myerson National Civic League, an organization that encourages grass-roots initiatives in communities across America, and the Bess Myerson Women’s Health Center, which provides comprehensive healthcare for women in the Bronx.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was Bess Myerson’s most significant accomplishment as a beauty queen?

As the first Jewish woman to win the Miss America pageant, Bess Myerson’s victory represented a significant breakthrough for women of all backgrounds. Her success showed that beauty could come in many forms, and she became a symbol of hope for millions of Americans.

2. How did Bess Myerson get involved in advocacy work?

Throughout her life, Bess Myerson was passionate about social justice issues. She was particularly concerned with issues related to women’s rights, consumer protection, and civil rights. Her advocacy work began in earnest when she was appointed Commissioner of Consumer Affairs in New York City in 1969.

3. Did Bess Myerson ever run for political office?

Yes, Bess Myerson was elected to public office several times throughout her career. In addition to serving as Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, she ran for the United States Senate in 1980 and was later appointed as a public delegate to the United Nations in 1982.

4. What was Bess Myerson’s role in the civil rights movement?

Bess Myerson was an early and passionate supporter of the civil rights movement. She spoke out against racism and segregation during her time as a beauty queen and used her platform to raise awareness about the need for equality and justice for all Americans.

5. What was Bess Myerson’s impact on television?

Bess Myerson was a popular television personality during the 1950s and 60s. Her appearances on shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “I’ve Got a Secret” helped to make her a household name and cemented her status as one of the most recognizable faces on television during that era.

6. What was Bess Myerson’s relationship with President John F. Kennedy?

Bess Myerson was a close friend of President Kennedy and was invited to his inauguration in 1960. She was a frequent visitor to the White House during his presidency and was known to be a trusted advisor on many issues.

7. What was Bess Myerson’s involvement with mental health advocacy?

After her retirement from public life, Bess Myerson became a vocal advocate for mental health issues. She was particularly concerned with the stigma surrounding mental illness and worked to increase awareness of these issues throughout the country.

8. Did Bess Myerson have any children?

No, Bess Myerson did not have any children. She was married three times, but none of her marriages produced any children.