Gary Collins

Married to former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley, Hollywood actor and television personality Gary Collins could very well be called Mr. America. He served in the Army for two years as a young man, where he discovered his passion for performing as part of the Armed Forces Network. Upon his return, his acting career began outright, and he found a role as Lieutenant Richard P. "Rip" Ripley in the sitcom "The Wackiest Ship in the Army," a short-lived TV adaptation of the 1960 Jack Lemmon comedy. Collins's military expertise helped secure him the part of a second officer in the 1970 thriller "Airport" as well. In 1972, Collins led another ill-fated series, this time playing parapsychologist Dr. Michael Rhodes in "The Sixth Sense," a supernatural mystery show. Though he appeared throughout the '70s in guest spots on dozens of TV favorites, it was as host of the 1980s talk show "Hour Magazine" that Collins met with the most success. He was five times nominated and once won a Daytime Emmy for his performance, which was highlighted by his natural charm and diplomacy in interviews. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he also hosted "The Miss America Pageant" from 1985 to 1989. It was an enviable gig, but Collins was already happily married to Miss America 1959.