Anita Jane Bryant (March 25, 1940 – December 16, 2024) was an American singer, beauty queen, and activist known for her hits in the early 1960s and her later controversial anti-gay rights activism. She gained fame as Miss Oklahoma in 1958 and was a runner-up in the 1959 Miss America pageant. In the 1960s, she released multiple hit singles, including “Paper Roses” and “In My Little Corner of the World,” and later became a prominent spokeswoman for the Florida Citrus Commission.
However, her political activism in the 1970s, especially her opposition to LGBTQ rights, overshadowed her musical accomplishments, ultimately affecting her career and legacy.
In this article, we will delve into Anita Bryant’s life, exploring her career, activism, personal challenges, and enduring impact on American culture.
Anita Bryant Short Details
| Full Name | Anita Jane Bryant |
|---|---|
| Profession | Singer, Anti-Gay Activist |
| Hometown | Barnsdall, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | March 25, 1940 |
| Date of Death | December 16, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 84 years old |
| Genres | Pop, Christian |
| Height | Not Available |
| Spouses | Bob Green (m. 1960–1980), Charlie Dry (m. 1990–2024) |
| Children | 4 |
Early Life
Anita Bryant was born on March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, to Lenora A. (Berry) and Warren Bryant. After her parents divorced, her mother worked at Tinker Air Force Base, leaving Anita and her siblings to be raised by their grandparents temporarily. Bryant began singing at the age of two in church, where her talent for music became evident. By the age of 12, she had her own television program, The Anita Bryant Show, which aired on WKY in Oklahoma.
Bryant graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa and went on to win the Miss Oklahoma pageant in 1958. She competed in the Miss America pageant later that year, where she earned the title of second runner-up.
Career
Musical Success
Bryant achieved notable success as a pop singer in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Her first major hit was “Till There Was You,” which reached No. 30 on the U.S. charts in 1959. She followed this with three more hits: “Paper Roses” (1960, No. 5), “In My Little Corner of the World” (1960, No. 10), and “Wonderland by Night” (1961, No. 18). Each of these songs sold over one million copies and earned gold records.
She released numerous albums, including Hear Anita Bryant in Your Home Tonight and The World of Lonely People, transitioning to gospel music in the late 1960s with albums such as I Believe and How Great Thou Art.
Florida Citrus Commission and Commercial Work
In 1969, Bryant became the spokesperson for the Florida Citrus Commission, popularizing the slogan “Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.” Her role as a brand ambassador made her a household name, and she also endorsed products for Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, and Tupperware.
Bryant’s career included appearances at high-profile events, such as performing at the Super Bowl V halftime show in 1971 and singing at President Lyndon B. Johnson’s funeral in 1973.
Activism and Controversy
“Save Our Children” Campaign
In 1977, Bryant became the face of the “Save Our Children” campaign, which sought to repeal a Miami-Dade County ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Bryant argued that gay rights threatened Christian values and posed risks to children. The campaign succeeded in overturning the ordinance, but it sparked national outrage and led to boycotts of Florida orange juice.
Backlash and Career Decline
Bryant’s activism drew criticism from LGBTQ advocates, celebrities, and the general public. Gay bars boycotted orange juice, replacing it with “Anita Bryant Cocktails” (vodka and apple juice). She was famously pied in the face during a live broadcast, further cementing her polarizing image.
Her opposition to LGBTQ rights caused sponsors to sever ties, leading to financial struggles. By the early 1980s, Bryant’s entertainment career was in decline, and she faced bankruptcy multiple times.
Family and Relationships
Bryant married Bob Green, a Miami disc jockey, in 1960. The couple had four children: Robert Jr., Gloria, and twins Billy and Barbara. They divorced in 1980 after years of personal and professional strain.
In 1990, Bryant married Charlie Dry, a former astronaut test pilot. The couple faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 2001. They remained married until Dry’s death in 2024.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Bob Green | First Husband (1960–1980) |
| Charlie Dry | Second Husband (1990–2024) |
| Robert Jr., Gloria, Billy, Barbara | Children |
Legacy
Anita Bryant remains a contentious figure in American history. While she was a celebrated singer and spokesperson in her early years, her legacy is overshadowed by her anti-LGBTQ activism. Her involvement in the “Save Our Children” campaign galvanized LGBTQ advocacy and spurred greater visibility for gay rights in the United States.
FAQs
- Q: What was Anita Bryant’s biggest hit song?
A: “Paper Roses,” which peaked at No. 5 on the U.S. charts in 1960. - Q: Why is Anita Bryant controversial?
A: She led the “Save Our Children” campaign, opposing LGBTQ rights in the 1970s. - Q: Did Anita Bryant lose her career because of her activism?
A: Yes, her activism led to boycotts and loss of sponsorships, ultimately causing her career to decline. - Q: How many children did Anita Bryant have?
A: Anita Bryant had four children. - Q: When did Anita Bryant die?
A: Anita Bryant passed away on December 16, 2024, at the age of 84.
Conclusion
Anita Bryant’s life was marked by extraordinary highs and deeply polarizing controversies. From her chart-topping songs to her Florida Citrus Commission campaigns, she once represented the wholesome ideals of mid-century America. However, her anti-LGBTQ activism cast a long shadow over her career and legacy. Bryant’s story is a reminder of the power of cultural change and the complexities of public life.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details independently.
