A beloved icon from the golden age of 1980s Hollywood turned heads this week with a rare public outing. Deborah Shelton, the actress and former Miss USA who became a household name through her sizzling Playboy covers and memorable film roles, was spotted running errands in Los Angeles.
From Pageant Crown to Silver Screen
The 77-year-old star, who looked in high spirits during her LA excursion, first captured the nation's attention in 1970 when she won the Miss USA title. Her journey to the crown began somewhat unexpectedly; she entered the Miss Virginia USA pageant to spite a boyfriend at the time and ended up winning. She then represented Virginia at the national Miss USA pageant in Miami, where she was crowned the winner, also securing the Miss Photogenic award.
This victory made history as part of the first back-to-back win for a single state. Shelton didn't stop there, going on to compete in the Miss Universe contest that July, where she finished as first runner-up to Marisol Malaret of Puerto Rico.
Hollywood Fame and a Quirky Film Secret
Following her reign, which included international tours to Japan, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Puerto Rico, and rewards like a $5,000 cash prize and a mink coat, Shelton moved to New York to study acting. Her modelling career skyrocketed with a 1974 Playboy cover, paving the way for Hollywood.
While she landed numerous TV roles on hit shows like Dallas, Cheers, and The Love Boat, she is perhaps best remembered for her role in Brian De Palma's 1984 erotic thriller 'Body Double' alongside Melanie Griffith. However, film buffs know a fascinating behind-the-scenes secret: director De Palma was unsatisfied with Shelton's vocal delivery on set. Consequently, all her dialogue in the film was later dubbed by actress Helen Shaver.
A Lasting Legacy of Glamour
Beyond her film work, Shelton became a fan favourite as Mandy Winger, one of J.R. Ewing's most memorable mistresses on the iconic series Dallas, appearing from 1984 to 1987 and even returning for the 2012 revival. In her personal life, she was married twice: first to Cuban exile Vici Castro in 1971, with whom she had a son, and later to Israeli music producer Shuki Levy in 1977, with whom she had a daughter and collaborated musically.
Spotted dressed head-to-toe in black, the star presented a more subdued style than the bikini-clad image that made her famous. Yet, Deborah Shelton remains a potent symbol of 1980s Hollywood glamour, a living reminder of an era defined by both intrigue and undeniable star power.
