Mary Hart

Photo of Mary Hart

Biography

A finalist in the 1970 Miss America Pageant, Hart was born in Sioux Falls, SD and raised in the USA and Europe. She attended boarding schools and college in South Dakota. After representing her home state as Miss South Dakota, she taught high-school English before trying her hand at showbiz. Relocating to Iowa, she entered broadcasting with a public-service radio and TV program. By 1976, this genial blonde had moved to Oklahoma City, where …

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Job Title

Actor

Born

Mary Johanna Harum on November 8, 1950 in Madison, South Dakota, USA

Career Milestones

After college, taught high school English

Debuted a Las Vegas nightclub act

Hosted the Tournament of Roses Parade

Invited by President George Bush to sing at the White House for the annual President's dinner; also performed at the first anniversary of his inauguration

1970

Won title of Miss South Dakota; participated in and was a top 10 finalist at the Miss America Pageant

1974

Moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa; got started in TV by developing a public service program broadcast on radio and TV

1975

Produced and co-hosted the locally-produced morning interview program "Danny's Day" in Oklahoma City

1979

Moved to Los Angeles to co-host the local edition of "PM Magazine"

1981

Chosen by Regis Philbin to co-host the NBC talk and information show, "The Regis Philbin Show"; show cancelled after four months

1982

Joined the syndicated program "Entertainment Tonight" as a reporter; shortly thereafter elevated to co-host

1984

Participated in the Olympic torch relay, carrying the torch for one kilometer en route to Los Angeles

1987

Co-hosted the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for NBC

1989

Was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May in coincidence with the 2000th episode of "Entertainment Tonight"

1990

Released the exercise videos "Shape Up With Mary Hart" and "Mary Hart - Fit and Firm"

1993

Lent her voice to the ABC animated film "Hollyrock-a-Bye Baby"

2001

Voiced a newscaster in the animated feature, "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius"

2003

Made a cameo in the comedy "Marci X," starring Lisa Kudrow

2008

Appeared as the host of "Entertainment Tonight" in the comedy "An American Carol"

2010

Announced she was leaving "Entertainment Tonight" (CBS) after 29 years with the show

Awards

2004

Palm Springs International Film Festival for Emcee

2005

Palm Springs International Film Festival for Emcee

2006

Palm Springs International Film Festival for Emcee

2007

Palm Springs International Film Festival for Emcee

2008

Palm Springs International Film Festival for Emcee

2009

Palm Springs International Film Festival for Emcee

2010

Palm Springs International Film Festival for Emcee

2011

Palm Springs International Film Festival for Emcee