Debra Maffett | |
|---|---|
 Maffett and Ronald Letterman in 1983 | |
| Born | (1956-11-09) November 9, 1956 |
| Education | University of Houston Sam Houston State University Lamar University |
| Occupations | Television personality, producer, media consultant, speaker, songwriter, singer |
| Title | Miss California 1982 Miss America 1983 |
| Predecessor | Elizabeth Ward |
| Successor | Vanessa Williams |
| Spouse |
Buster Wilson (deceased 2004) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Emmy Nomination Best Host[citation needed] |
Debra Sue Maffett (born November 9, 1956) is an American beauty pageant titleholder from Cut and Shoot, Texas and was named Miss America 1983.[1]
Early life and education
Maffett graduated from S.P. Waltrip High School in Houston, Texas, in 1975.[2]
Pageantry
Although she competed in the Miss Texas pageant several years without winning, she moved to California and was subsequently crowned Miss California 1982.[3] She represented California when she won the Miss America crown. Some controversy arose after it was revealed that Maffett underwent nasal surgery to correct her deviated septum.[4]
Career
Maffett served as a host on PM Magazine; NBC and CBS pilots; Guinness Book of World Records with David Frost; Alive and Well; TNN Country News; Hot, Hip and Country; Making Healthy Choices; and The Harvest Show.[5]
In 1984, Maffett appeared as a panelist on several episodes of the Match Game Hollywood Squares Hour.
Maffett appeared in the episode of Matlock that aired December 1, 1987, entitled "The Network", as news anchor Terry McNeil.
Personal life
Maffett was married to singer Buster Wilson, until his death in 2004. Wilson had a daughter, Jenny (born 1990), from a previous relationship. Maffett gave birth to a son, Rydder, in 1996.[6]
References
- ^ Marshall, Sarah (May 2012). "Miss America Fates and Fortunes". The Montréal Review. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ^ Toscano, Louis (September 12, 1983). "Debra Sue Maffett: Miss America 1983". United Press International. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ^ "Miss California History". Miss California. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
- ^ "Miss America had surgery to correct nose". United Press International. September 15, 1982.
- ^ Freed, David. "TV: 'Crime-Time' Shows Raise Ethics Questions". Los Angeles Times. p. A17. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ^ Tauber, Michelle; Mike Neill; Lisa Russell; Joanne Fowler; Julie Dam; Alex Tresniowski; Samantha Miller; Steve Dougherty; Ting Yu (October 16, 2000). "American Beauties: 80 Years". People.
