History of Dian Parkinson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 17, 2026

Dian Parkinson is an American former actress, model, and beauty pageant contestant. She was the first runner-up in the 1965 Miss World competition, representing the United States. Parkinson is primarily known for her 18-year tenure as a model on the popular game show *The Price Is Right* from 1975 to 1993.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 30, 1944: Dian Parkinson Born

On November 30, 1944, Dian Parkinson, originally named Diana Lynn Batts, was born. She would later become an actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder.

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December 1965: Travelled with Bob Hope USO Show

In December 1965, Dian Parkinson traveled with the Bob Hope USO Show, including performances in Vietnam, and served as Queen of the 1965 Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament.

1965: Represented the United States at Miss World 1965

In 1965, Dian Parkinson represented the United States at the Miss World competition held in London, ultimately securing the position of 1st runner-up.

1965: Miss USA World Contest

In 1965, Dian Parkinson won the Miss District of Columbia USA title and competed as Diana Batts in the Miss USA 1965 pageant. She placed fourth runner-up. Later, Parkinson won the 1965 Miss USA World contest, and became the first runner-up in the international Miss World 1965 contest.

1975: Guest star on The Mary Tyler Moore Show

In 1975, Dian Parkinson appeared as a guest star on "Ted's Moment of Glory", an episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

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1975: Model on The Price Is Right

In 1975, Dian Parkinson began her tenure as a model on the television show The Price Is Right.

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1978: Appeared in Vega$ pilot

In 1978, Dian Parkinson made an appearance in the pilot episode of the television series Vega$.

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December 1991: Cover girl of Playboy

In December 1991, at the age of 47, Dian Parkinson was featured as the cover girl of Playboy magazine.

May 1993: Playboy Cover Girl Again

In May 1993, Dian Parkinson was once again featured as the cover girl of Playboy magazine.

June 18, 1993: Final appearance on The Price Is Right

On June 18, 1993, Dian Parkinson's final taping of The Price Is Right aired, marking the end of her time on the show. Bob Barker announced that she was leaving to pursue other interests.

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1993: Spokesperson for EZ Krunch

In 1993, Dian Parkinson became the official spokesperson for the EZ Krunch, a home exercise machine.

1993: End of modeling on The Price Is Right

In 1993, Dian Parkinson concluded her role as a model on The Price Is Right, after serving in that role for 18 years.

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1993: Left The Price Is Right

In 1993, Dian Parkinson ended her 18-year role as a model on The Price Is Right.

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1994: Filed Lawsuit Against Bob Barker

In 1994, Dian Parkinson filed a lawsuit against Bob Barker in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging sexual harassment.

1994: Guest on Space Ghost: Coast to Coast

In 1994, Dian Parkinson made a guest appearance on the animated talk show Space Ghost: Coast to Coast, specifically in the "Punch" episode.

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April 1995: Lawsuit withdrawn

In April 1995, Dian Parkinson withdrew her sexual harassment lawsuit against Bob Barker, citing the financial burden and the negative impact on her health.

2003: Rachel Reynolds started on The Price Is Right

In 2003, Rachel Reynolds began her tenure on the television show The Price Is Right. This is only mentioned for context about Dian Parkinson's legacy in the text.

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