Carolyn Mitchell

Biography

Carolyn Mitchell, born Barbara Ann Thomason on January 25, 1937, in Phoenix, was an American model, beauty pageant winner, and aspiring actress. She was the daughter of Don and Helen Thomason and gained early attention for her striking beauty during her school years.

In 1951, her family relocated to Inglewood, part of the greater Los Angeles area, where opportunities in entertainment and modeling were more accessible. This move played a significant role in shaping her ambitions.

Early Life and Pageant Success

During her time at Morningside High School in Inglewood, Carolyn began participating in beauty pageants. Her success came quickly—she won titles such as “Miss Venus” in 1953 and went on to secure numerous crowns, including “Miss Muscle Beach,” “Miss Surf Festival,” and “Miss Huntington Beach.”

In 1954, she enrolled at Hollywood Professional School, where she refined her appearance and presentation skills to further compete in pageants. By the mid-1950s, she had earned several regional titles, including “Queen of Southern California,” establishing herself as a prominent beauty figure of her time.

Modeling and Early Career

After completing her education, Carolyn worked as a dance instructor for Arthur Murray. She later transitioned into modeling under the name “Tara Thomas,” appearing in magazines such as Modern Man in 1957.

She also ventured into acting, appearing in low-budget independent films, including The Cry Baby Killer, which featured a young Jack Nicholson. Though her acting career was brief, it marked her entry into Hollywood.

Personal Life and Marriage

Carolyn’s life took a dramatic turn in 1958 when she met Hollywood star Mickey Rooney. The two quickly became romantically involved and were secretly married in Mexico later that year. Due to legal uncertainties surrounding the marriage, they remarried in Los Angeles in 1960.

The couple had four children together, including daughters Kelly Ann and Kerry Yule, and son Michael Joseph. Their relationship, however, was marked by turbulence, including public incidents, separations, and reconciliation attempts.

Later Years and Tragic Death

By the mid-1960s, Carolyn’s marriage to Mickey Rooney had deteriorated significantly. During this period, she became involved with actor Milos Milosevich, which further complicated her personal life.

On January 31, 1966, Carolyn Mitchell died tragically in Brentwood in a murder-suicide involving Milosevich. She was only 29 years old. Her death shocked the entertainment community and brought a tragic end to a life filled with both promise and turmoil.