Actor and Miss Universe finalist Maureen Hingert has passed away at the age of 88. Her death on Sunday at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, California, was due to liver failure, a loss that resonates deeply within the world of entertainment.
Hingert’s daughter, Marisa Zamparelli, described her passing as “beautiful and peaceful.” Such a serene farewell is a stark contrast to the vibrant life she led.
Born on January 9, 1937, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Hingert made her mark by relocating to Los Angeles for college, where she quickly ascended to fame. At just 18, she was crowned Miss Ceylon and earned the title of second runner-up in the inaugural televised Miss Universe contest in 1955 held in Long Beach, California.
Her pageant victory effectively launched her Hollywood career. Hingert is perhaps best recognized for her role as a royal wife in the 1956 classic “The King and I.” This iconic film, starring legends like Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner, garnered nine Academy Award nominations and won five, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
Following her breakout role, Hingert showcased her talent in films like “Gun Fever” and “Gunmen from Laredo.” Notably, she also graced the silver screen in “Pillars of the Sky,” “Elephant Walk,” “Fort Bowie,” and “The Rawhide Trail.” Her television credits include appearances on “The Adventures of Hiram Holliday,” “Death Valley Days,” and “Captain David Grief,” where she was frequently credited as Jana Davi.
In addition to acting, Hingert was a skilled dancer, performing at prestigious venues such as the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
In 1958, she married designer Mario Armond Zamparelli, who collaborated with aviation pioneer Howard Hughes. The couple had three daughters—Marisa, Gina, and Andrea—before their divorce in 1970. Tragically, Hingert’s family faced loss, with Gina passing away in 2018 and Andrea in 2009.
Hingert remarried in 1976, this time to William J. Ballard, who passed away in 2012.
Maureen Hingert’s legacy is not merely confined to the roles she played on screen but includes the lives she touched, both through her performances and her family. Her contributions to film and television remain a testament to her remarkable talent and enduring spirit.
