Today is the birthday of Robbin Bain (August 1, 1938-October 23, 2023). Bain was elected Miss Rheingold 1959, the 20th model chosen. She was born Barbara Jane Bain in Flushing, Queens, in New York City, though her family later moved to Bronxville in Westchester County. She appears to have been married three time, first to Arno Schefler in 1962, then to Alexander Gaudier, and finally to Edward V. Mele, whom she remained married to until his death in 2003. He started a manufacturing company that became the largest maker of jewel boxes in the world.

This is from her obituary in the New York Times:

Pursuing a career as a model, Barbara appeared in ads for Helena Rubinstein and Revlon. She was also one of four women, called “Portrettes,” who introduced Jackie Gleason on his television variety show, “The Jackie Gleason Show,” in 1956 and 1957. The next year, she graduated with an associate degree from Bradford Junior College (which later became Bradford College) in Haverhill, Mass., where she studied psychology, art and theater.

She changed her first name to Robbin early in her career, to avoid confusion with the actress Barbara Bain.

Ms. Bain was famous enough in 1961 to be a panelist on “To Tell the Truth,” a game show whose object was to figure out which of three people claiming to be the same person was the real one. In one episode she was so good at it — singling out the true “inventor of cocktails” from a three-man lineup — that another panelist, Betty White, playfully said, “I think Robbin’s disgusting.” In response, Ms. Bain lightly punched Ms. White on the shoulder.

Her obituary continues:

Ms. Bain joined NBC as the “Today Girl” in late August 1961, working alongside the host John Chancellor and the news anchor Frank Blair. It was a stereotypical female role that had previously been filled by the actresses Estelle Parsons, Lee Meriwether and Florence Henderson.

Robert Bendick, the “Today” show’s producer at the time, outlined the role in 1959, telling The Associated Press: “A girl is essential to the show. You need a woman’s face to brighten up things. And you also need a woman for some types of features — fashions, beauty and talking to certain guests.”

But Ms. Bain said she loved it. “I was the only woman with the exception of the makeup woman on the set,” she said during a reunion of “Today Girls” on “Today” in 2012. And, Ms. McLanahan noted: “The role did transition to co-host. She always felt that she was groundbreaking in that sense.”

Ms. Bain left “Today” after only two months; the press speculated that she didn’t like the hours, but in fact she was pregnant with her first daughter, Dina.

“I ruined her career,” her daughter, now known as Dina Nemeth, joked in a phone interview.

Ms. Bain later became an interior designer.

And this is from the Palm Beach Daily News:

Robbin Mele Gaudieri (formerly Robbin Bain) died peacefully in her home on October 21, 2023, surrounded by her husband and two daughters.

Robbin grew up in Bronxville, NY with her parents Margaret Davison Bain and James Emms Bain. After graduating from Bronxville High School her remarkable beauty led her into the limelight. She won Miss Surf Maid USA at the age of 12 and was elected Miss Rheingold in 1959. This prestigious and highly anticipated contest drew 24 million votes across the nation.

Robbin pursued her education at Bradford Junior College where she studied psychology, art, and theatre. Her captivating presence made her a beloved television personality, notably as one of the Today Show’s inaugural female broadcasters, co-hosting alongside John Chancellor and Hugh Downs. She also frequently appeared as a panelist on “What’s My Line” and “To Tell the

Truth” game shows. Represented by the William Morris Agency, Robbin became an iconic image for Revlon, Playtex, and Helena Rubenstein. Throughout her life, she passionately pursued art and design, earning numerous awards for her paintings. She also served as President of the Central New York Arts Council in Utica, New York for many years. Her charitable commitments extended to a role as a Board Member of The Madison Square Boys and Girls Club.

Robbin’s life encompassed two previous marriages. Her first was to Arno Schefler with whom she had two daughters. Later, she enjoyed a 30-year marriage with Edward V. Mele until his passing in 2003.

She was devoted to her family who adored her tremendously. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 19 years, Alexander V.J. Gaudieri of Palm Beach; her daughters Dina Schefler Nemeth and Lara Schefler Mclanahan; sons-in-law Robert Raymond Nemeth and William Duer McLanahan; six grandchildren: Nicholas Bain Nemeth, Georgia Bain McLanahan, James Duer McLanahan, Annabelle Clare Nemeth, Brooke Denning McLanahan, and James

Edward Nemeth; and her stepson Alexandre Barclay Everson Gaudieri.

Robbin was a member of the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, The Meadow Club of Southampton, and The Lost Tree Club at the time of her passing.

To many, Robbin had an illuminating presence whenever she entered a room, but to her family, her true beauty radiated from within through her unconditional love, devotion, warmth, and affection. Fondly referred to as “Gummy” by her family, she embraced this endearing nickname over time.