Bess Myerson was born in the Bronx, New York. While competing in beauty pagents Myerson was repeatedly advised to use a pseudonym that would "sound less Jewish", but she refused. She faced prejudice even after winning the Miss America title, with many sponsors and events long associated with the pagent refusing to deal with her. She became a social activist for civil rights.
From 1958 through 1967 she was a panelist in the "I've Got a Secret" tv game show, and worked as an actress on other shows.
In 1987 her autobiography was published, "Miss America, 1945: Bess Myerson's Own Story".
As of 2003, she remains active in promoting social causes and in philanthropy.