Lillian Helling was a familiar face on early Denver television, and she hosted women’s shows on Denver radio as well. If you grew up watching Romper Room on Channel 2, she was “Miss Lillian.”
On the air in Denver
Live commercials with no teleprompters, on Denver stations, got her started in television in the early 1950s. Those spots came out of the Marshall Robertson Advertising Agency, whose client list included Miller’s Supermarkets. She often did cooking demonstrations. On Channel 2 she also hosted Sugar and Spice.
Radio-wise, KTLN, KBTR (today KNUS), KFML and KHOW all carried her shows for women. As a freelancer she kept lending her voice to radio and TV commercials.
Life away from the mic
Her parents were Polish immigrants. She studied speech communications at Montclair State Teachers College, later earned a master’s at the University of Denver, and married Jack Helling, who rose to prominence in Denver advertising. In 1962 she finished as second runner-up at the Mrs. America pageant. She also penned a consumer advice column for the Denver Post. Later in life she looked into her Polish roots, and on a trip to Poland she met Lech Walesa.
Lillian died in 2010 at age 84.
Sources
Did you watch Miss Lillian growing up? We’d love to hear your memories.
Awards & Recognitions
Documented awards, honors, and finalist or nomination recognition associated with this station or broadcaster.
- 2016InductedBroadcast Pioneers of ColoradoHall of FameBroadcast Pioneers of Colorado: 2016 Hall of Fame inductees
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