The idea of such an accomplished racer, writer, and skier is hard enough to wrap your head around, but in 1959, that trifecta was almost unbelievable for a woman with the kind of poise and confidence of Denise McCluggage. With the news of her death this morning, McCluggagge’s appearance on To Tell The Truth is a perfect illustration of the incredible woman we’ve lost.
The gameshow pitted celebrity contestants against three panelists each trying to convince the panel that they were the person in question. McLuggage, who was weeks away from her second race in the 12 Hours of Sebring, fields questions about everything from skiing to publishing with the kind of courage and aplomb she brought to racing and writing. We won’t spoil the ending, but even a young Betty White isn’t as disarming, charming, or charismatic as one of the icons of our world.
Contact the author at damon@jalopnik.com.
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