Beauty pageants are dazzling, spectacular events that capture the attention of millions. They involve intense preparation, fierce competition, and high expectations regarding the contestants’ appearance and physique.
Founded in 1951, the Miss California World beauty pageant traditionally selects the representative for California at the Miss World America contest. We’re going to take a closer look at one of the pageant’s stunning contestants: Kelly Parsons from Los Angeles. losangeleska helps us recall the significant event of 1988.
Who is Kelly Parsons?
At the time of the pageant, the contestant was 22 years old, and organizers listed her hometown as Los Angeles. Let’s delve deeper into the beauty queen’s journey.
Kelly Parsons was born on January 23, 1964, in Coral Gables, Florida. Her parents, Jesse Parsons and Joan Charlton (her mother’s maiden name), actively supported her development in modeling and, later, in acting. Her parents’ encouragement was vital to her participation in beauty pageants.
From an early age, Kelly dreamed of becoming a movie star. She performed in the Orange Bowl Parade and shows alongside Anita Bryant and Joe Garagiola. Her younger sister, Kim, later joined Kelly in performances.
The artistic and talented girl loved to dance, with a particular passion for tap dancing. In 1975, she won the title of “Our Little Miss,” a beauty and talent pageant. At the tender age of 11, the girl was thrust into the spotlight of the pageant world.
This early fame led to her being noticed by a talent agent. The meeting and subsequent offer were life-changing, as she was invited to audition for the co-creator and producer of “The New Mickey Mouse Club.” When Kelly Parsons received the call with the good news, she recalls her mother crying while she herself was momentarily speechless.
Rehearsals and productions for “The New Mickey Mouse Club” were extremely demanding. Because of this, Kelly often had to decline scheduled events for her as “Our Little Miss.” This title came with a $2,000 college scholarship. The determined young woman did everything she could to keep the title and travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the crowning of the new winner.
Kelly’s Talents and Hobbies
Kelly Parsons performed for numerous civic and charitable organizations and local talent shows. Professionally, her credits include printed announcements for clothing companies.
As noted, Kelly Parsons loved tap dancing, but she was also skilled in ballet, jazz, and mime. She used all her abilities to captivate audiences repeatedly. After joining “The New Mickey Mouse Club,” she discovered she could sing well. Before then, even the words of her vocal coach, Cheryl Ford, couldn’t convince her. Ford had consistently commented on Kelly’s dynamic voice.
Acting Career Highlights
Kelly Parsons rose to fame through her work as a model and actress.
She starred in the American television show “The Mickey Mouse Club” (which ran from 1955 to 1996). In 1977, she appeared in the TV series “Disneyland.”
Other notable credits in Kelly’s career include:
- In the 1980 TV movie, Children Of Divorce, she played the role of Pat. This drama focuses on the conflicts and parental divorces and their impact on four children from different families. The drama was written and directed by Joanna Lee.
- In the sitcom Alice, in the episode “My Funny Valentine Tax,” Kelly played Wanda. The series chronicles the misadventures and trials faced by aspiring singer Alice Hyatt, her son Tommy, and her colleagues at a diner in Phoenix, Arizona.
- Kelly Parsons starred in one episode of the TV series Quincy, M.E. in 1983, playing Nancy Wallace.
- In 1985, she played Laura Lee in the science fiction horror film, Night of the Comet. The film was available in the Movies Unlimited video catalog until 1992. The plot revolves around vacationing teenagers who are systematically abducted and taken to a strange rural hospital. The facility is run by a mysterious group that needs their blood.
Miss World USA Journey
After “The New Mickey Mouse Club,” Kelly Parsons resumed her participation in beauty pageants. She successfully won the title of Miss California USA 1986. This win qualified her for the Miss USA contest in Miami, Florida, and subsequently for Miss Universe. The beauty made it to the finals, but finished in 4th place, losing to Christy Fichtner.
At the Miss California 1986 pageant, Kelly competed as Miss Northridge. The beauty contest took place at Knott’s Berry Farm on March 15, 1986, where Kelly claimed the crown.
What was Kelly Parsons like then? Imagine a blue-eyed blonde with a toned physique, thanks to her passion for swimming, sailing, cycling, and playing soccer. Essentially, she was into almost every sport you could enjoy in sunny California.
It’s worth noting that Kelly Parsons’ participation in the state beauty contest elevated her to a higher level. She demonstrated grace and composure, which ultimately secured her 4th place in the national pageant.
In 2024, Kelly Parsons celebrated her 60th birthday.
