Rosemary LaPlanche


Rosemary E. LaPlanche was an American beauty queen and actress. She won Miss California three years in a row, and won Miss America in 1941.

Early life

LaPlanche moved to southern California from Kansas with her mother and sister, Louise LaPlanche, at a very early age.

Career

LaPlanche, who lived in Los Angeles, California, was Miss California in 1939, 1940 and 1941.
She was a finalist in 1939 and runner-up to Miss America in 1940. A new rule after her victory disallowed contestants from competing at the national level more than once.
LaPlanche became an actress, signing with RKO after she won the Miss America title. She appeared in films such as Angels' Alley and in episodes of television programs like The Donna Reed Show. She and her husband had a daily TV program, the Harry Koplan-Rosemary LaPlanche Show, on KHJ in Hollywood.
LaPlanche also worked as a model
In the 1960s, LaPlanche acted on a long-time interest and began to paint. She began by buying a book on art and a set of paints, and she later took lessons. She described her work as "impressionistic — just this side of realistic". Subjects of her works included birds, deserts, flowers, seashores, sheep, and people. In 1969, her paintings sold for prices ranging from $35 to $600,.

Personal life and death

She was married to Harry Koplan from 1947 until his death in 1973, and had two children: a daughter Carol and son Terry. She died from cancer in 1979, aged 55. She is interred in San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Partial filmography