Eric Mobley Founder of the Miss World beauty contest Date of Birth: 26.09.1918 Country: Great Britain

1. Founder of Miss World Beauty Pageant
2. War Service and Career in Show Business
3. Political Ambitions and Later Life
4. Creation of Miss World
5. Criticism and Charitable Contributions
6. Legacy and Passing

Founder of Miss World Beauty Pageant

Eric Morley, the founder of the Miss World beauty pageant, was born in London, England. He grew up as an orphan, losing both his mother and stepfather to tuberculosis at the age of 11. Morley attended Whitstable Grammar School in Kent and later joined the Royal Navy at the age of 14, serving on a training ship. He played the French horn in the navy's orchestra.

War Service and Career in Show Business

During World War II, Morley served as a captain in the Royal Army Service Corps, organizing recreational activities for the troops and participating in the Battle of Dunkirk. After leaving the army in 1945, Morley entered the entertainment industry and managed a variety show in Scotland. In 1949, he joined the company "Mecca" as an advertising manager and later became the director of the company. Under his leadership, "Mecca" expanded its entertainment offerings, including bingo, dance halls, restaurants, and ice skating rinks. The company also provided catering and entertainment services to major football clubs in London.

Political Ambitions and Later Life

Morley left "Mecca" in 1978 due to disagreements with the parent company, "Grand Metropolitan". He then became the chairman of the Scottish company "Belhaven Brewery" and pursued his political ambitions. In 1979, he ran for Parliament and significantly narrowed the lead of the Labour Party candidate. Morley was a staunch supporter of Margaret Thatcher.

Creation of Miss World

Morley transformed beauty contests into fashion shows held in the dance halls of "Mecca". In 1951, he organized the first Miss World pageant as a promotional event for "Mecca", coinciding with the "Festival of Britain". When Miss Universe began in the United States, Morley turned Miss World into an annual event held at the Royal Albert Hall. The pageant was first televised in 1959.

Criticism and Charitable Contributions

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Miss World pageant attracted millions of British viewers. Morley faced criticism from those who believed the contest was demeaning to women, but he defended it by saying that people could choose not to watch if they found it objectionable. Over the years, the pageant raised over £30 million for charity. Morley exerted strict control over the winners, acting as their agent and sometimes stripping them of their titles for behavior he deemed unworthy.

Legacy and Passing

In his 60s, Morley ran the London Marathon despite having a damaged tendon. On November 9, 2000, just a day after the Miss World 2000 final, Eric Morley passed away from a heart attack at the age of 73. He left an estate of approximately £2.6 million and was buried at West Norwood Cemetery in London. His wife, Julia Morley, succeeded him as the chairwoman of the Miss World pageant.