Maureen Hingert, a trailblazing Sri Lankan beauty queen who went on to grace Hollywood screens, has passed away at 88 due to liver failure. Her remarkable journey from being the second runner-up in the 1955 Miss Universe pageant as Miss Ceylon to starring in acclaimed films like “The King and I” left an indelible mark on both the film industry and her homeland. How has Hingert left such an impact on the entertainment industry despite ending her career early?
From Beauty Queen to Hollywood Star
Maureen Hingert, born on January 9, 1937, in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), passed away at the age of 88 after battling liver failure. Her daughter Marisa Zamparelli confirmed the news, stating, “It was a beautiful and peaceful passing,” as Hingert was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.
Hingert’s journey to fame began when she represented Ceylon in the 1955 Miss Universe pageant, placing as the second runner-up and bringing international attention to her homeland. This achievement was particularly significant as it helped put Sri Lanka “on the map” during a time when the country had limited global recognition.
Maureen Neliya Ballard (née Hingert), professionally known as Jana Davi, has passed away. Born on 9 January 1937.
Read more: https://t.co/oGdPX1iTPo#PulseToday #SriLanka #SLNews #lka #MissCeylon pic.twitter.com/phC3eLY0Ag
— Pulse Today (@pulse_today) July 2, 2025
A Brief but Impactful Hollywood Career
Following her pageant success, Hingert remained in California and secured a contract with Universal Studios, launching her Hollywood career. She appeared in the acclaimed film “The King and I” (1956), which earned nine Oscar nominations and won five Academy Awards, establishing her presence in the industry.
Billed as Jana Davi in many of her productions, Hingert starred in films such as “Gun Fever” (1958), “Gunmen From Laredo” (1959), and “Fort Bowie.” Her versatility extended beyond acting, as she also performed as a dancer in Los Angeles and was featured in Playboy magazine in September 1957.
🇱🇰🌹 Maureen Hingert, Sri Lanka’s First Miss Universe Finalist & Hollywood Star, Passes Away 🎬👑
A true pioneer and icon remembered 🕊️💔Read more: https://t.co/oJ0krFTBqA#MaureenHingert #SriLankaLegend #MissUniverse #HollywoodStar #Trailblazer #RestInPeace #IconicWoman pic.twitter.com/EjWufDkubT
— Serendib News (@SerendibNewsAu) July 2, 2025
Personal Life and Lasting Legacy
Hingert’s acting career was relatively brief, ending by the early 1960s when she chose to focus on family life after having her first daughter. She was married to Mario Armond Zamparelli, a designer for Howard Hughes, from 1958 to 1970, and later to William J. Ballard.
Throughout her life, Hingert experienced significant personal losses, including the deaths of her daughters, Gina Zamparelli, a concert promoter who died in 2018, and Andrea Zamparelli, who passed away in 2009. Despite these hardships, her contributions to film and her role in bringing international attention to Sri Lanka have cemented her legacy.
Fans around the world have paid tribute to Hingert following news of her passing, with one noting, “Rest in peace, Ms Maureen Hingert. Thank you for bringing much glory to the ‘pearl in the Indian Ocean’ – Sri Lanka.” Her pioneering spirit as both a beauty queen and actress continues to inspire new generations of performers from South Asia seeking international recognition.