Maureen Hingert (1937-2025) – Miss Ceylon 1955 no more! – By Upali Obeyesekere
We are saddened with the passing of Maureen Hingert, former Miss Ceylon 1955. She was the country’s first-ever Miss Universe representative and a true icon in our beauty pageant history. In 1955, she proudly represented then-Ceylon at the 4th Miss Universe pageant and achieved a remarkable 2nd Runner-Up placement, a record that still stands as Sri Lanka’s highest achievement at Miss Universe.
Maureen Hingert’s journey from colonial Ceylon to Hollywood began when she was placed as second runner-up at the 1955 Miss Universe pageant in Long Beach, Calif., a breakthrough moment that many credited with putting Ceylon “on the map” internationally. She was touted a favorite for the world beauty crown together with “Miss Sweden,” “Miss USA,” “Miss England,” and “Miss El Salvador.” The Judges stated, “She is one of the most beautiful entrants we have ever had”. Her success led to contracts with Universal International Studios and 20th Century Fox.
Maureen was born on Jan. 9, 1937, in Colombo to Lionel and Lorna Hingert, both of Dutch Burgher ancestry. The family lived down Lorensz Road, Bambalapitiya where she attended Holy Family Convent. The Hingert’s were neighbours of popular musician Desmond Kelly who recently passed away in Australia.
Maureen Hingert parlayed her pageant success into a film career. She appeared in “The King and I” (1956) as a royal wife and took roles in “Gun Fever” (1958) and “Gunmen From Laredo” (1959) under the stage name Jana Davi. Trailblazing actress and beauty contest winner was first Sri Lankan to place at Miss Universe, appeared in films. Beyond her film work, Ms. Hingert was an accomplished dancer who performed at major venues including the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, serving as a cultural ambassador during a significant period in Sri Lankan history.
Maureen Hingert married American designer/artist, Mario Armond Zamparelli in 1958, and was divorced in 1970. Zamparelli was best known for his work as designer of Howard Hughes’ empire. The couple had three daughters. Regina N. Zamparelli (1959), Marisa N. Zamparelli (1964) and Unknown Zamparelli (1967). When one of her three daughters – Gina Zamparelli died in 2018 after achieving much fame herself in arts and entertainment and the field of historic preservation, Maureen slowed down and was saddened by her loss. She later married William J. Ballard in 1976.
We bid adieu to a trailblazer who put Sri Lanka on the global stage of beauty pageants!
