Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Elise Ann Roemheld |
| Known As | Ann Macomber, Ann Cullen |
| Birth Date | June 6, 1928 |
| Birth Place | Washington, D.C. |
| Death Date | July 21, 2018 |
| First Marriage | John Burns Macomber (1949–1953) |
| Second Marriage | Bill Cullen (December 24, 1955–1990) |
| Parents | Heinz Roemheld (father), Emeline Defnet (mother) |
| Siblings | Mary Lou Roemheld (sister) |
| Children | None confirmed |
| Education | University of Southern California (USC), Chouinard Art Institute |
| Professions | Model, Artist, Collector |
| Notable Achievements | Academy Award-winning father’s legacy, $2.8 million estate gift, Art collection donations |
Early Life and Family Background
Born Elise Ann Roemheld on June 6, 1928, in Washington, D.C., Ann Macomber was raised in a creative and successful household. Heinz Roemheld, born Heinrich Erich Roemheld, was an American film composer who won an Academy Award for his 1942 musical “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” He lived from 1901 to 1985 and scored many films with classical and Hollywood influences. Ann’s early interests were shaped by art.
Her mother, Emeline Defnet (occasionally Defult), maintained the family while Heinz worked. Ann and her older sister Mary Lou Roemheld were their daughters. Born 11 months before Ann, Mary Lou entered the entertainment industry indirectly through marriage. Family stories show the sisters were close.
Ann studied art at USC after moving to California with the Roemheld family. She improved at the Chouinard Art Institute, which later became CalArts. These schools taught her watercolor painting and art appreciation, which shaped her later life. The late 1940s saw Ann graduate from USC, launching her personal and professional career.
Marriages and Personal Relationships
Ann married USC graduate John Burns Macomber in 1949. The couple divorced around 1953. In her early twenties, she took the surname Macomber, which remained in certain records after her marriage. This connection coincided with her modeling career and early career milestones, however details are few.
William L. and Ann married December 24, 1955. Famous radio and TV host “Bill” Cullen was born in 1920. Bill, who died in 1990, hosted many game shows over 40 years, becoming an American entertainment classic. Their marriage lasted 35 years till his death. Ann often appeared on TV with Bill, mixing their personal and professional lives. They loved art and collected California-regional watercolors.
Mary Lou, Ann’s sister, married game-show host Jack Narz, cementing entertainment industry family links. Mary Lou and Jack had children, expanding the family. Ann and Bill never had children, and Ann’s first marriage has no surviving offspring. This childlessness allowed the couple to focus on work, travel, and philanthropy. After Bill’s death, Ann managed their shared estate and promoted intellectual and creative pursuits.
Career and Achievements
Ann Macomber’s career combined glamor, creativity, and culture. Her 1950s runway modeling career included Robinson’s and fashion shows. She then appeared in minor parts and advertisements as Ann Cullen. In network television, her game show appearances, often with Bill, increased her visibility.
Ann excelled in watercolor painting as well as modeling. She created landscapes and regional pieces after studying at USC and Chouinard. Inspired by California art, her creations were detailed and colorful. Ann and Bill built the Ann and Bill Cullen Collection together as enthusiastic collectors. This collection of nearly 100 California watercolors was historically and artistically significant.
The collection became famous through exhibitions. After Ann’s death, the Bowers Museum displayed it to honor her as a curator and patron. Ann donated estate funds to cultural preservation. From 1950 to 2010, she went from performer to artist-collector, influencing entertainment and fine arts.
| Career Milestones | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| USC Graduation | Late 1940s | Art major, foundation in visual arts |
| Modeling Debut | 1950s | Runway and commercial work |
| Television Appearances | 1950s–1980s | Game shows and credits |
| Art Collecting Peak | 1960s–1990s | Built collection with Bill Cullen |
| Posthumous Exhibition | Post-2018 | Bowers Museum showcase |
Philanthropy and Legacy
Ann’s later years stressed giving back. She focused their estate on meaningful charities after Bill’s 1990 death. After her death on July 21, 2018, her will left $2.8 million to the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at UC Irvine. Her gift advanced medical research, showing her passion in health and innovation.
The Bowers Museum received Cullen collection artworks. After her death, the museum’s “Artistic Legacy: The Ann and Bill Cullen Collection” exhibition highlighted her curatorial vision. California art history is preserved by over 50 cataloged and displayed items.
Ann’s contributions live on. Bill’s earnings and investments increased her estate’s value, enabling such generosity. Obituaries and fan communities praise her charm and dedication. Fans of game-show history exchange photographs and anecdotes on social media to remember her.
FAQ
Who was Ann Macomber’s father?
Ann’s father, screen composer Heinz Roemheld, received an Oscar for “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in 1942. His 1901–1985 life shaped her creativity.
What was Ann Macomber’s birth name?
Elise Ann Roemheld, born June 6, 1928, in Washington, D.C., became Ann Macomber from her first marriage and Ann Cullen professionally.
Did Ann Macomber have any children?
No children from Ann’s first marriage to John Burns Macomber or Bill Cullen are listed in public documents.
Who was Ann Macomber’s sister?
Born 11 months earlier, Ann’s older sister Mary Lou Roemheld married game-show star Jack Narz. The sisters retained tight entertainment family ties.
What was Ann Macomber’s career?
After modeling in 1950s runway shows and commercials, Ann became a watercolor artist and collector. She occasionally appeared on gameshows.
When did Ann Macomber marry Bill Cullen?
Ann married Bill Cullen on December 24, 1955, and they lived together until his 1990 death. They collected art and appeared publicly during their 35-year marriage.
What philanthropic acts did Ann Macomber perform?
The Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at UC Irvine received $2.8 million from Ann in 2018. She gave Bowers Museum artworks from her collection.
Where did Ann Macomber study art?
Ann attended Chouinard Art Institute and USC for her art major. These studies influenced her watercolor and collecting career.
How did Ann Macomber contribute to art collections?
Ann and Bill collected approximately 100 California watercolors. Parts were donated to the Bowers Museum posthumously.
What was Ann Macomber’s connection to game shows?
Ann was connected to the industry through her marriage to presenter Bill Cullen and her sister Mary Lou’s to Jack Narz. She appeared on network shows.
