Miss America 1989 Gretchen Carlson

Stanford University student who had also studied at Oxford University in England, Carlson was chosen as Miss American 1989.  Competing as Miss Minnesota, she is the only classical violinist to win and is credited with being one of the brightest titleholders ever.  After serving as Miss America, she returned to Stanford, where she graduated with honors.

Carlson began her broadcasting career as a political reporter for WRIC-TV in Richmond, Virginia. She then served as a weekend anchor and reporter for KXAS-TV in Dallas, TX, was an anchor and reporter at WOIO-TV in Cleveland, OH, and for WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. She went on to serve as a news correspondent for the CBS News and co-anchor of  the CBS Saturday Early Show. 

• Gretchen Carlson in Miss America pageant swimsuit competition

Gretchen joined FOX News (FNC) as an anchor in June 2005. She serves as co-anchor of Fox's live morning show, "FOX & Friends," which is rated as cable's number one morning program.

Gretchen's work as a television journalist has been honored by three American Women in Radio and Television National Awards (Gracie Awards), including awards for her coverage of domestic violence, daycare security, and best network feature. 

Gretchen serves as the national celebrity spokesperson for the March of Dimes and continues her Miss America platform commitment to advocating the  arts. She resides in New York City with her husband and two children.

Gretchen potential for a successful career in television was demonstrated during her reign when Mary Ann Mobley and Gary Collins played a prank on her.  After inviting her to be a special guest with them for TV segment to be aired live to a business conference, the couple pretended to be called away for an emergency phone call.  The producers asked her to step in for them as the live segment's "host" until the couple returned "momentarily".  All she would have to do, they assured her, was to read the cue cards. 

Gretchen reluctantly agreed and the (mock) show began to air live. Gretchen was capably handling her last moment role when the cameraman "accidentally" knocked over the cue cards!  Although the cue cards were now on the floor and upside down to her, without missing a beat, she calmly continued to read the cue cards and address her remote audience!

• Home State: Minnesota
  
• Age: 22
• Appearance: Green-eyed, blond
  
• Education: Stanford University/ Oxford University
  
• Talent: Classical violin, "Gypsy Airs"
  
• Scholastic Honors: Class valedictorian, numerous academic awards, won several competitions at MacPhail School of Music
  
• Career: Television anchor, Fox & Friends
  
• Preliminary Awards: Won the talent competition playing classical violin

Gretchen Carlson Notable Moments

• Carlson graduated with cum laude distinction from Stanford University in 1990
• Considered by many to have be one of the most talented, intelligent Miss Americas ever chosen
• William Goldman, who judged Carlson's year, described his judging experience (irreverently) in the book, "Hype & Glory," in which he put her chances of winning at "No chance a-tall".

• Gretchen Carlson Bio - Fox News
• Gretchen Carlson Wikipedia Bio

Gretchen Carlson Photos