Before she became the towering star of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, Allison Hayes was a small-town girl chasing big dreams. Born in 1930 in Charleston, West Virginia, she earned early attention after winning Miss District of Columbia and competing in the 1949 Miss America Pageant. That spotlight led her to Hollywood, where she signed with Universal in 1954.
Her career began with light comedies and historical dramas, but a serious on-set injury cost her the momentum she had built. Dropped by the studio, Hayes refused to quit, later rebuilding her career at Columbia with stronger, more dramatic roles that showcased her depth and determination.
Video: The Life and D*ath of Allison Hayes
