Tamara Hext

Tamara Lynne Hilliard (née Hext; born May 1, 1963) is an American beauty queen from Texas who competed in the Miss America pageant.

Career

Hext won the title Miss Texas 1984, after competing in that pageant as Miss Arlington. She went on to become a finalist in the nationally televised Miss America pageant that same year, and finished as the 4th runner up. Tamara attended Vidor High School.

After competing for the Miss America pageant, Hext relocated to New York City and began studying acting. She had a co-starring role in the 1988 horror film Through the Fire. She subsequently returned to Texas where she completed a degree at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Personal life

Hext was married to Jim Hilliard, who played for the Texas Longhorns football team and was an orthopedic surgeon for 35 years. In March 2018, Jim Hilliard was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The couple raised three sons, the youngest of whom, Sam Hilliard, is a professional baseball player. Jim died on September 12, 2021.

References

  1. ↑ (16 September 1984). Miss Utah New Miss America, Spartanburg Herald-Journal (Associated Press)
  2. 1 2 3 Canning, Whit (July 10, 1987). "Hext finds new role a 'fantasy job'". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ Newman, Kyle (August 9, 2019). "As Rockies' prospect Sam Hilliard chases 30/30 – and a potential call-up – he carries his dad's battle with him". Denver Post. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  4. ↑ Grammer, Geoff (June 15, 2019). "Grammer: An Isotopes family grows closer as father fights ALS". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Rockies OF Sam Hilliard's father, diagnosed with ALS, attends Rangers game". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.