Former Miss Ceylon and “The King and I” star Maureen Hingert died at the age of 88, leaving a legacy that helped make Sri Lanka famous. For immigrants hoping to succeed in the entertainment industry, her incredible journey from beauty queen to Hollywood actress personified the American Dream. Her passing signifies the end of a period in the history of pageants and classic Hollywood that emphasized talent and beauty, unencumbered by the political agendas of the present.
From Miss Ceylon to Hollywood Star
Maureen Hingert, born January 9, 1937, in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), died from liver failure at the age of 88. She first gained international recognition as Miss Ceylon in the 1955 Miss Universe pageant, where she placed as second runner-up, bringing unprecedented attention to her home country.
Maureen Hingert, ‘The King and I’ actress and Miss Universe star, dead at 88 https://t.co/E8TODDr64R pic.twitter.com/JkzlXDzfs0
— New York Post (@nypost) July 3, 2025
Her beauty pageant success opened doors in Hollywood, where she secured a contract with Universal Pictures. Hingert appeared in the Oscar-winning film “The King and I,” which earned nine Academy Award nominations and won five, establishing her as a legitimate talent in American cinema.
A Diverse Acting Career
Throughout her career, Hingert appeared in several films under the stage name Jana Davi, including “Gun Fever” (1958) and “Gunmen From Laredo” (1959). Her filmography also included “Pillars of the Sky,” “Fort Bowie,” and “The Rawhide Trail,” showcasing her versatility across various film genres.
🇱🇰🌹 Maureen Hingert, Sri Lanka’s First Miss Universe Finalist & Hollywood Star, Passes Away 🎬👑
A true pioneer and icon remembered 🕊️💔Read more: https://t.co/oJ0krFTBqA#MaureenHingert #SriLankaLegend #MissUniverse #HollywoodStar #Trailblazer #RestInPeace #IconicWoman pic.twitter.com/EjWufDkubT
— Serendib News (@SerendibNewsAu) July 2, 2025
Beyond the silver screen, Hingert expanded her talents as a dancer in Los Angeles and appeared in Playboy magazine in September 1957. She also made television appearances in shows like “The Adventures of Hiram Holliday,” “Death Valley Days,” and “Captain David Grief,” further cementing her place in entertainment history.
Family Life and Legacy
Hingert retired from acting by the early 1960s after having her first daughter, choosing family over fame. From 1958 to 1970, she was married to Mario Armond Zamparelli, a designer who worked for Howard Hughes, and later married William J. Ballard.
“It was a beautiful and peaceful passing.” – Marisa Zamparelli, Maureen’s daughter.
Tragically, Hingert experienced the loss of two daughters during her lifetime – Andrea Zamparelli in 2009 and Gina Zamparelli, a concert promoter, in 2018. Despite these personal hardships, she remained a symbol of pride for Sri Lanka, with fans continuing to recognize her pioneering role in bringing international attention to the island nation.
Hingert’s story represents the traditional American success story – an immigrant who achieved fame through talent and determination, rather than through identity politics or victimhood. Her legacy reminds us of a time when entertainment celebrated beauty, skill, and cultural exchange, free from today’s divisive political agendas.
Sources:
https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/breaking-maureen-hingert-cause-death-1241905