Schaefer, Laurel Lea (c. 1949–)

views updated

Schaefer, Laurel Lea (c. 1949–)

Miss America and actress. Name variations: Laurie Lea Schaefer; Laurel Schaefer. Born Laurel Lea Schaefer, c. 1949, in Bexley, Ohio; Ohio University School of Theater, BFA.

Named Miss America (1972), representing Ohio; founding chair of the Women's Leadership Foundation; serves on the Zonta International Committee for Strategies to Eliminate Violence Against Women; motivational speaker; vocalist. Was a regular on "Falcon Crest" (1986–87) and guest starred on "Matlock," "LA Law," and "Rockford Files," among other tv shows.

More From encyclopedia.com