The Controversy That Cost Marjorie Wallace Her Miss World Crown

The scandal that ended Marjorie Wallace’s reign as Miss World

It might just be a typical photo of a couple having a good time on vacation, two people who appear to have found their calling in life together.

It’s hard to see Tom Jones and Marjorie Wallace in the same light once you uncover what was really happening behind the scenes. “Not quite Mr. Faithful.”

At the height of his fame in the 1960s and 1970s, Tom Jones wasn’t just a music icon—he was a heartthrob with a notorious reputation. His electrifying stage presence and smoldering charm captivated audiences, but offstage, his personal life was just as wild. Rumors swirled that he had been romantically involved with hundreds of women, embracing a lifestyle as legendary as his voice.

At the height of his fame, Tom Jones fully embraced his role as a sex icon, once admitting to an astonishing 250 sexual encounters per year. His legendary charisma and electrifying stage presence made him irresistible, leading to countless affairs—including a brief romance with Mary Wilson of The Supremes. This relationship was particularly bold, as interracial partnerships were still controversial in many parts of America at the time.

But while Jones was living the life of a rock star, he had a devoted wife waiting at home. Linda, his childhood sweetheart, stood by him for nearly six decades before tragically passing away from lung cancer in 2016. Despite their long marriage, Jones was never known for his fidelity. “He wasn’t exactly Mr. Faithful from the start,” biographer Sean Smith revealed in a 2015 interview with the Daily Mail.

While it’s unclear how much Linda truly knew about her husband’s affairs, she undoubtedly had her suspicions. Jones admitted that while he was on tour, the couple maintained a “don’t ask” policy—an unspoken agreement that left much unsaid. His long list of extramarital romances was no secret, but one relationship in particular stood out: his infamous affair with Marjorie Wallace.

The First American Miss World

Born on January 23, 1954, Marjorie Wallace was a woman destined to leave her mark on history. With her stunning beauty, undeniable charm, and rebellious spirit, she captivated the world as an actress, TV personality, model, and beauty queen. In 1973, she became the first American to ever win the Miss World title, but her life wasn’t just glitz and glamour. Behind the dazzling smile, Marjorie carried the scars of a troubled past. Her parents’ divorce at age 14 devastated her, setting the stage for a rebellious streak that would later make headlines in ways no one could have predicted.

Marjorie Wallace proved early on that she was no stranger to bold decisions. At just 16, she embarked on a 1,200-mile road trip to Miami with a friend, a journey that showcased her adventurous spirit and hunger for new experiences. But it wasn’t all just reckless adventure—her high school years were also marked by athleticism and determination. She threw herself into cheerleading and competitive swimming, carving out a reputation as both strong and driven.

However, as she grew older, her focus began to shift, and relationships with men began to take on more significance in her life. It was during this time that Marjorie’s love for music and rebellion blossomed. At the age of 17, she moved in with a guitarist from the indie rock band Pure Funk, immersing herself in a world of passion, music, and a newfound sense of independence.

In 1973, Marjorie Wallace solidified her place in history by becoming the first American woman to win the title of Miss World. At just 20 years old, she triumphed over 53 competitors at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. However, the crown was more than just a beauty title—it marked the beginning of a journey that would intertwine her life with some of the most influential figures of the era.

One such figure was the legendary Tom Jones. In December 1973, just after winning Miss World, Marjorie, then 19, met Tom in his dressing room before his performance at the London Palladium. His publicist later revealed that Tom was immediately taken with her, and the two shared a visit to the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair. In the following month, Tom bought two bracelets—one for Marjorie and one for his wife, Linda—since their birthdays were close.

Although Tom had been known for his numerous romantic entanglements, Marjorie stood out. According to his friends, Tom acknowledged, “This one could really affect me.” In 1974, Tom and Marjorie traveled to Barbados for a Miss World TV event, where their affection for each other became public when they shared a kiss on the beach. The scandal cost Marjorie her Miss World title, but at the time, both denied having a romantic relationship.

Around the same time, Marjorie was reportedly engaged to Formula One driver Peter Revson, which created complications for Miss World’s strict administrators. Marjorie continued her affair with Tom while engaged to Revson, a situation that displeased Miss World’s founder. Tragically, Peter Revson lost his life in a crash shortly after, during a practice session for the 1974 South African Grand Prix. The gold locket Marjorie had given him, engraved with the words “If not for you,” was found with him after his death.

The loss of Peter, combined with the emotional turmoil surrounding her affair with Tom, left Marjorie devastated. To make matters worse, Tom ended the affair when he realized his wife, Linda, was about to learn the truth. Overcome with grief, Marjorie overdosed on sleeping pills in an attempt to cope with the heartbreak. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors used a kidney dialysis machine to help remove the drugs from her system. Although the number of pills she had taken was never confirmed, it was clear that Marjorie was struggling deeply.

Despite the tragic events that followed her rise to fame, Marjorie always maintained that the overdose was not a suicide attempt. In 1976, she admitted, “I was depressed and OD’d on a few too many sleeping pills,” and her mother, Alice, shared, “She might have felt like she couldn’t go on.” However, Marjorie’s strength and resilience shone through, and she made a full recovery. Tom, who was performing in Las Vegas at the time, was deeply shaken when he learned of her hospitalization and sent her a basket of flowers. The two met again in Mexico City months later after Marjorie had healed.

Today, at 71, Marjorie remains connected to the entertainment world. After relocating to New York, she pursued a career in TV sportscasting with ABC and CBS and had appearances in ads for major brands like American Express, Wella, and Ultra Brite. Her life, though filled with highs and lows, continues to captivate and inspire, a testament to her strength and indomitable spirit.

In 1978, Marjorie Wallace married film producer Michael Klein after meeting him at a party in 1977. The couple welcomed their son, Adam. In 1981, Marjorie became one of the inaugural co-anchors of Entertainment Tonight, though she left the position just a few months later. Following her marriage to Klein, which ended in 1982, she was briefly linked to Richard Cohen, the ex-husband of Tina Sinatra. In 1994, she married real estate mogul Donald Soffer, but their marriage ended in 1996.

So, what has become of Tom and Marjorie all these years later?

Despite the passage of time, Tom Jones, now 84, has stayed in touch with Marjorie, according to the Sunday Mirror. The two recently caught up when Tom shared his excitement about being appointed a judge on The Voice. “He is really excited to be doing it, and I told him it will be a huge hit if it’s as good as the American version,” Marjorie said. “We remain friends and stay in touch a lot,” she continued.

Marjorie is clear that while she has no interest in revisiting the past, it’s always a pleasure to catch up with Tom. “I don’t want to rehash our relationship from so long ago, but it’s lovely to chat with him on the phone now and then,” she shared. “I always keep up with his career, and I’m thrilled that he’ll be mentoring aspiring vocalists. His voice is so beautiful. Were you aware of this story? I didn’t know either! It’s amazing how much can be captured in just one image.”

Their enduring friendship and mutual admiration serve as a reminder of the lasting connections that can emerge from even the most tumultuous chapters of life.

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