Miss USA 1977
Encyclopedia
Miss USA 1977, the 26th Miss USA
pageant, was televised live by CBS
from the Gillard Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, South Carolina
on May 14, 1977.
The pageant was won by Kimberly Tomes
of Texas
, who was crowned by outgoing titleholder Barbara Peterson
of Minnesota
. Tomes was the first woman from Texas to win the Miss USA title, and went on to place as a semi-finalist at Miss Universe 1977
.
Miss USA
The Miss USA beauty contest has been held annually since 1952 to select the United States entrant in the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe Organization operates both pageants, as well as Miss Teen USA...
pageant, was televised live by CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
from the Gillard Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
on May 14, 1977.
The pageant was won by Kimberly Tomes
Kimberly Tomes
Kimberly Louise Tomes is a beauty queen from Texas who has held Miss USA title.Tomes won the Miss Texas USA title in 1976, and later represented Texas in the Miss USA 1977 pageant held in Charleston, South Carolina. In the nationally televised pageant, Tomes won the Miss USA title, becoming the...
of Texas
Miss Texas USA
The Miss Texas USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state Texas in the Miss USA pageant. In turn, the winner of Miss USA competes for the title of Miss Universe....
, who was crowned by outgoing titleholder Barbara Peterson
Barbara Peterson
-External links:*...
of Minnesota
Miss Minnesota USA
The Miss Minnesota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Minnesota in the Miss USA pageant.Despite a strong start in the first three years of competition at Miss USA, Minnesota has been largely unsuccessful overall...
. Tomes was the first woman from Texas to win the Miss USA title, and went on to place as a semi-finalist at Miss Universe 1977
Miss Universe 1977
Miss Universe 1977, the 26th annual Miss Universe pageant was held at the National Theater, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on July 16, 1977. 24-year-old Janelle Commissiong earned Trinidad & Tobago its first Miss Universe crown as well as becoming the first black woman to win the title...
.
Results
- Miss USA 1977: Kimberly TomesKimberly TomesKimberly Louise Tomes is a beauty queen from Texas who has held Miss USA title.Tomes won the Miss Texas USA title in 1976, and later represented Texas in the Miss USA 1977 pageant held in Charleston, South Carolina. In the nationally televised pageant, Tomes won the Miss USA title, becoming the...
(TexasMiss Texas USAThe Miss Texas USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state Texas in the Miss USA pageant. In turn, the winner of Miss USA competes for the title of Miss Universe....
) - The runners-up were:
- 1st runner-up: Mary O'Neal Contino (NevadaMiss Nevada USAThe Miss Nevada USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Nevada in the Miss USA pageant.While Nevada did well in the early years of the Miss USA pageant, they only placed once from 1987 to 2000...
) - 2nd runner-up: Deborah Cossette (MinnesotaMiss Minnesota USAThe Miss Minnesota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Minnesota in the Miss USA pageant.Despite a strong start in the first three years of competition at Miss USA, Minnesota has been largely unsuccessful overall...
) - 3rd runner-up: Pamela Gergely (CaliforniaMiss California USAMiss California USA is a pageant that selects the representative for the state of California in the Miss USA pageant.The current titleholder is Katie Blair. She succeeded Alyssa Campanella on June 25, 2011 after Campanella was crowned Miss USA 2011....
) - 4th runner-up: Lynn HerringLynn HerringSheryl Lynn Herring is an American soap opera actress.-Early life:Before acting, Herring was Miss Virginia USA 1977, and was 4th runner-up to Kimberly Tomes for the title of Miss USA 1977...
(VirginiaMiss Virginia USAThe Miss Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.Virginia has been only moderately successful in terms of number of semi-finalists, they have had two Miss USAs. They are one of only three states to have had two Miss...
)
- 1st runner-up: Mary O'Neal Contino (Nevada
- The semi-finalists were:
- Toni Abranovic (ArizonaMiss Arizona USAThe Miss Arizona USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Arizona in the Miss USA pageant.In 2005 the rights to produce the Miss Arizona USA pageant were given to Casting Crown productions...
) - Sharon Sutherland (District of ColumbiaMiss District of Columbia USAThe Miss District of Columbia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the District of Columbia in the Miss USA pageant....
) - Linda Kerr (GeorgiaMiss Georgia USAThe Miss Georgia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Georgia in the Miss USA pageant.Historically, Georgia has been the eleventh most successful state at Miss USA and has performed in more recent years, placing eighth on the table of most successful states...
) - Cely de Castro (HawaiiMiss Hawaii USAThe Miss Hawaii USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Hawaii in the Miss USA pageant.Hawaii is the most recent state to start competing at Miss USA, as it first competed in 1962. Prior to this delegates were sent to Miss Universe...
) - Tina Brown (MaineMiss Maine USAThe Miss Maine USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Maine in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant has been directed by Mackenzie Davis, Miss Maine USA 2004, since 2007....
) - Juanita McCarty (New JerseyMiss New Jersey USAThe Miss New Jersey USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Jersey in the Miss USA pageant.New Jersey has had only moderate success at Miss USA, and has never produced a winner. New Jersey's best streak was from 1989 to 1991 when they had two 2nd...
) - Denise Funderburk (New MexicoMiss New Mexico USAFor the state pageant affiliated with Miss America, see Miss New MexicoThe Miss New Mexico USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Mexico in the Miss USA pageant....
)
- Toni Abranovic (Arizona
Special awards
- Congeniality: Linda Lefevre (FloridaMiss Florida USAThe Miss Florida USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Florida in the Miss USA pageant.While Florida has been successful in terms of runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists, the state has never won the Miss USA pageant, although Cheryl Patton became Miss USA...
) - Photogenic: Elizabeth Curran (IllinoisMiss Illinois USAThe Miss Illinois USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state Illinois in the Miss USA pageant.Illinois is one of the most successful states in the competition. It is one of only four states to have won four or more Miss USA titles and one of only three states to...
)
Delegates
The Miss USA 1977 delegates were:
AlabamaMiss Alabama USAThe Miss Alabama USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Alabama in the Miss USA pageant.Alabama is one of the more successful and consistent states at Miss USA. Although they have had a number of runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists, they have only...
- Cheryl Burgess
AlaskaMiss Alaska USAThe Miss Alaska USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Alaska in the Miss USA pageant.Alaska's highest placement was in 1964, with Patricia Marlin as the second runner up. Alaska's most recent placement was in 1990 when Karin Meyer placed in the top 6...
- Edith Baker
ArizonaMiss Arizona USAThe Miss Arizona USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Arizona in the Miss USA pageant.In 2005 the rights to produce the Miss Arizona USA pageant were given to Casting Crown productions...
- Toni Abranovic
ArkansasMiss Arkansas USAThe Miss Arkansas USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Arkansas in the Miss USA pageant.The state pageant was directed by Premier Pageants from 2002 to 2007 before becoming part of the Vanbros organization in 2007...
- Debra Duree
CaliforniaMiss California USAMiss California USA is a pageant that selects the representative for the state of California in the Miss USA pageant.The current titleholder is Katie Blair. She succeeded Alyssa Campanella on June 25, 2011 after Campanella was crowned Miss USA 2011....
- Pamela Gergely
ColoradoMiss Colorado USAThe Miss Colorado USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Colorado in the Miss USA pageant. The event was held in Loveland from 2006 to 2008 and moved to Greeley in 2010....
- Mary Anne Genzel
ConnecticutMiss Connecticut USAThe Miss Connecticut USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Connecticut in the Miss USA pageant. This pageant is directed by Crown Productions, who took over the pageant in 2003....
- Susan Crone
DelawareMiss Delaware USAThe Miss Delaware USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Delaware in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant is directed by D&D Investments....
- Debby Faulkner
District of ColumbiaMiss District of Columbia USAThe Miss District of Columbia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the District of Columbia in the Miss USA pageant....
- Sharon Sutherland
FloridaMiss Florida USAThe Miss Florida USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Florida in the Miss USA pageant.While Florida has been successful in terms of runners-up, finalists and semi-finalists, the state has never won the Miss USA pageant, although Cheryl Patton became Miss USA...
- Linda Lefevre.svg.png)
GeorgiaMiss Georgia USAThe Miss Georgia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Georgia in the Miss USA pageant.Historically, Georgia has been the eleventh most successful state at Miss USA and has performed in more recent years, placing eighth on the table of most successful states...
- Linda Kerr
HawaiiMiss Hawaii USAThe Miss Hawaii USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Hawaii in the Miss USA pageant.Hawaii is the most recent state to start competing at Miss USA, as it first competed in 1962. Prior to this delegates were sent to Miss Universe...
- Cely de Castro
IdahoMiss Idaho USAThe Miss Idaho USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state of Idaho in the Miss USA pageant.Idaho is one of the least successful states in the history of the competition, with only four placements in fifty-seven years...
- Leslie Kingon
IllinoisMiss Illinois USAThe Miss Illinois USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state Illinois in the Miss USA pageant.Illinois is one of the most successful states in the competition. It is one of only four states to have won four or more Miss USA titles and one of only three states to...
- Elizabeth Curran
IndianaMiss Indiana USAThe Miss Indiana USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Indiana in the Miss USA pageant.Nine Miss Indiana USA winners previously competed at Miss Teen USA. The state currently holds the record for the most Miss Teen USA state winners to win a Miss USA...
- Lynn Flaherty
IowaMiss Iowa USAThe Miss Iowa USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Iowa in the Miss USA pageant.While Iowa has not been greatly successful in the past four decades, they were one of the most consistent states in the first decade of the pageant's existence...
- Cindy Woodard
KansasMiss Kansas USAThe Miss Kansas USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state of Kansas in the Miss USA pageant.Kansas did not place at Miss USA until 1973, the third-to-last state to make their first placement. From then, no delegate from Kansas made the cut until 1991, when Kelli...
- Sherry Brane
KentuckyMiss Kentucky USAThe Miss Kentucky USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Kentucky in the Miss USA pageant. The current director for the Miss Kentucky USA and Miss Kentucky Teen USA titles is Connie Clark Harrison. Mrs...
- Sandy Smith
LouisianaMiss Louisiana USAThe Miss Louisiana USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Louisiana in the Miss USA pageant.Louisiana is one of the most successful states at Miss USA and is one of only seven states to have had three or more Miss USAs.Three Miss Louisiana USA titleholders...
- Patti Rosenbalm
MaineMiss Maine USAThe Miss Maine USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Maine in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant has been directed by Mackenzie Davis, Miss Maine USA 2004, since 2007....
- Tina Brown
MarylandMiss Maryland USAThe Miss Maryland USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Maryland in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant is directed by D&D Investments....
- Twyla Littleton
MassachusettsMiss Massachusetts USAThe Miss Massachusetts USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Massachusetts in the Miss USA pageant....
- Carolyn Marcil
MichiganMiss Michigan USAThe Miss Michigan USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Michigan in the Miss USA pageant.Michigan is recognized by as being within the top 15 states in terms of Miss USA success. Their first Miss USA victory was in 1990, and notable because Carole Gist...
- Jenny Pinks
MinnesotaMiss Minnesota USAThe Miss Minnesota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Minnesota in the Miss USA pageant.Despite a strong start in the first three years of competition at Miss USA, Minnesota has been largely unsuccessful overall...
- Deborah Cossette
MississippiMiss Mississippi USAThe Miss Mississippi USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Mississippi in the Miss USA pageant.Mississippi has not been very successful in Miss USA pageants, with only 10 placements as of 2010...
- Leigh Tapley
MissouriMiss Missouri USAThe Miss Missouri USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Missouri in the Miss USA pageant. In 1993, Missouri joined the Vanbros group of state pageants for the Miss USA and Teen USA system....
- Connie Ast
MontanaMiss Montana USAThe Miss Montana USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Montana in the Miss USA pageant.Montana is one of the least successful states in Miss USA history, but there has been success in other pageants. Miss Montana USA 2005 Amanda Kimmel was chosen to...
- Theresa Rose Bajt
NebraskaMiss Nebraska USAThe Miss Nebraska USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Nebraska in the Miss USA pageant.In 2002, Nebraska joined the Vanbros group of state pageants for the Miss USA and Teen USA system....
- Debbie Ridge
NevadaMiss Nevada USAThe Miss Nevada USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Nevada in the Miss USA pageant.While Nevada did well in the early years of the Miss USA pageant, they only placed once from 1987 to 2000...
- Mary O'Neal Cantino
New HampshireMiss New Hampshire USAThe Miss New Hampshire USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Hampshire in the Miss USA pageant.New Hampshire has had little success at Miss USA, and has only placed four times...
- Belinda Bridgeman
New JerseyMiss New Jersey USAThe Miss New Jersey USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Jersey in the Miss USA pageant.New Jersey has had only moderate success at Miss USA, and has never produced a winner. New Jersey's best streak was from 1989 to 1991 when they had two 2nd...
- Juanita McCarty
New MexicoMiss New Mexico USAFor the state pageant affiliated with Miss America, see Miss New MexicoThe Miss New Mexico USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New Mexico in the Miss USA pageant....
- Denise Funderburk
New YorkMiss New York USAThe Miss New York USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New York in the Miss USA pageant. Amber Collins is the reigning Miss New York USA 2011...
- Deborah Martin
North CarolinaMiss North Carolina USAThe Miss North Carolina USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state North Carolina in the Miss USA pageant. This state is part of the RPM Productions group....
- Vikki Verbyla
North DakotaMiss North Dakota USAThe Miss North Dakota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of North Dakota in the Miss USA pageant.North Dakota has had only three placements and have never won the Miss USA crown. Their highest placement was in 1966 when Judy Slayton placed 3rd runner-up to...
- Barbara Redlin
OhioMiss Ohio USAThe Miss Ohio USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Ohio in the Miss USA pageant.Ohio achieved success in the first decades of the Miss USA competition but has not done as well in recent years...
- Lesa Rummell
OklahomaMiss Oklahoma USAFor the article about the Miss America state pageant, see Miss OklahomaThe Miss Oklahoma USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Oklahoma in the Miss USA pageant....
- Kathy Malchar
OregonMiss Oregon USAThe Miss Oregon USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Oregon in the Miss USA pageant.Oregon has only had limited success at Miss USA and has never won the competition. The highest placed Miss Oregon USA was Gail Atchison who finished 2nd runner-up to...
- Charisse Charlton
PennsylvaniaMiss Pennsylvania USAThe Miss Pennsylvania USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Pennsylvania in the Miss USA pageant.Michele McDonald is Pennsylvania's only Miss USA so far. At only eighteen, she was one of the youngest competitors ever to win the crown...
- Lorraine Lincoski
Rhode IslandMiss Rhode Island USAThe Miss Rhode Island USA competition is the beauty pageant that selects the representative for the state Rhode Island in the Miss USA pageant....
- Susan Carten
South CarolinaMiss South Carolina USAThe Miss South Carolina USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state South Carolina in the Miss USA pageant. The pageant has been produced by RPM Productions since 1980....
- Pam Hoover
South DakotaMiss South Dakota USAThe Miss South Dakota USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of South Dakota in the Miss USA pageant. This state pageant is currently directed by Future Productions....
- Ginger Thomson
TennesseeMiss Tennessee USAThe Miss Tennessee USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Tennessee in the Miss USA pageant.Since 2001 the pageant has been held in the auditorium at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee....
- Rene Jean Smith
TexasMiss Texas USAThe Miss Texas USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state Texas in the Miss USA pageant. In turn, the winner of Miss USA competes for the title of Miss Universe....
- Kimberly TomesKimberly TomesKimberly Louise Tomes is a beauty queen from Texas who has held Miss USA title.Tomes won the Miss Texas USA title in 1976, and later represented Texas in the Miss USA 1977 pageant held in Charleston, South Carolina. In the nationally televised pageant, Tomes won the Miss USA title, becoming the...
UtahMiss Utah USAThe Miss Utah USA competition is the pageant who selects the representative for the state of Utah in the Miss USA pageant.Utah has been quite successful at Miss USA, with 20 placements as of 2009. Their most consistent period was in the 1950s and 1960s. Utah has produced one Miss USA in 1960...
- Michele Miner
VermontMiss Vermont USAThe Miss Vermont USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Vermont in the Miss USA pageant.Vermont is one of the least successful states, but they have produced a Miss USA - Carlene King Johnson in 1955...
- Anne Kent
VirginiaMiss Virginia USAThe Miss Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.Virginia has been only moderately successful in terms of number of semi-finalists, they have had two Miss USAs. They are one of only three states to have had two Miss...
- Lynn HerringLynn HerringSheryl Lynn Herring is an American soap opera actress.-Early life:Before acting, Herring was Miss Virginia USA 1977, and was 4th runner-up to Kimberly Tomes for the title of Miss USA 1977...
WashingtonMiss Washington USAThe Miss Washington USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Washington in the Miss USA pageant.Washington has been moderately successful in terms of number of semi-finalists and placements, and has had one Miss USA...
- Ivy Lynn Reed
West VirginiaMiss West Virginia USAThe Miss West Virginia USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of West Virginia in the Miss USA pageant.West Virginia has not been greatly successful at Miss USA and they have never produced a winner...
- Pat Brown
WisconsinMiss Wisconsin USAThe Miss Wisconsin USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Wisconsin in the Miss USA pageant. Since 2008 the state pageant has been directed by Future Productions of Savage, Minnesota....
- Vicki Payne
WyomingMiss Wyoming USA, Miss Wyoming USA 2012]]The Miss Wyoming USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Wyoming in the Miss USA pageant. The Miss Wyoming USA pageant is currently produced by Future Productions....
- Michele Fisser