Since holding its first competition in 1921, the Miss America Pageant has seen many of its tiara-crowned contestants go on to do incredible things. One winner in particular, Phyllis George, is a true (Denton) success story. Following her crowning in 1971, Denton-born Phyllis George signed a deal with CBS to become the first network female sportscaster, co-anchoring The NFL Today show from 1975 to 1984. From there, George has gone on to have a diverse career as an entrepreneur (she founded Chicken by George), author (she’s written six books), humanitarian (working with Save the Children for over 25 years), and as First Lady of Kentucky.
Before becoming the 50th Miss America and making the move to big-time television along with her other significant accomplishments, George was just like any other small-town girl growing up in Denton.
“I have the warmest, most loving feelings for Denton,” George says. “Knowing people by their first names and going into the shops around the Square; being a cheerleader.”
Whenever she gets back to her hometown, George reminisces by cruising by the homes she lived in with her folks and brother on Elm, Emory, Rockwood, and Cambridge streets. “Roots are very important, and I tell my children that.”
And if you ask the former Miss Denton High School about her time spent in the city, she’s got some favorite spots and memories.
“I recommend everyone see the Courthouse when they go to Denton, and go around the Square.” And favorite restaurants? “My mother had these favorite places we would go. El Matador, the Mexican place. [My mother] would order the No. 11. We’d also go to Independent Hamburger and we would get it with the works. That was our little routine.”
Though these days the mother of two spends the majority of her time between L.A. and New York City, it’s Denton she credits for helping to make her the person she is today.
“I believe it was [Denton] that gave me [my] courage and confidence, and I still think of it fondly,” she says. “I am definitely a small-town girl who has been very fortunate in her life to have a lot of wonderful things happen.”
BY JAMES MAYFIELD