Gail Margaret King
~ Sexy at 70 ~
TV/Radio Host/Model/Ms. NY Senior America
Copa: Have you always had a flair for fashion and style? If so, when did it start?
Gail: As an avid reader of everything in print in the sixties created by the British invasion of fashion, led me at age 14 to study from an array of magazines: Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Vogue. I adored Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy. I violated one dress code in my public school in order to create the mini skirt which I was obsessed with. After clearing the length of my skirt well past my knees, I would roll the skirt up. Never mind the bulge it created at my waist; I had on my mini skirt. Go-Go boots on the weekend and ironed hair to make my curls straight completed the look on the weekends.
Gail: As an avid reader of everything in print in the sixties created by the British invasion of fashion, led me at age 14 to study from an array of magazines: Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Vogue. I adored Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy. I violated one dress code in my public school in order to create the mini skirt which I was obsessed with. After clearing the length of my skirt well past my knees, I would roll the skirt up. Never mind the bulge it created at my waist; I had on my mini skirt. Go-Go boots on the weekend and ironed hair to make my curls straight completed the look on the weekends.
Copa: At what time did you take and interest in modeling and what was your earlier experience like?
Gail: I was entered in a modeling contest in 1966 for Seventeen Magazine sponsored by a local department store. I was a semi- finalist for the contest and modeled on weekends for Martin’s Department Store. I was thrilled to receive their Outstanding Teenage Achievement Award with a check for $500
Gail: I was entered in a modeling contest in 1966 for Seventeen Magazine sponsored by a local department store. I was a semi- finalist for the contest and modeled on weekends for Martin’s Department Store. I was thrilled to receive their Outstanding Teenage Achievement Award with a check for $500

Copa: We also see that you've had extensive experience in being an inspirational speaker please share that with us.
Gail: I became a motivational speaker after winning the only two pageants I ever entered. My goal was to write about the experience after retiring from my teaching position. After winning the New York State Title and then the National Title of Ms Senior America 2009, I decided to share my journey of overcoming breast cancer at age 25 given a 30% chance of survival. I made over 500 appearances across the Country including speeches at the Vanderbilt Breast Center, Adelphi New York State Breast Cancer Symposiums, on the Today Show, on TV Shows in Florida, Virginia and at Hospitals including Scottish Rights Children’s Hospital in Dallas Texas. I wrote articles for six Magazines and even a chapter in a published book. My goal was to help and inspire any woman or man diagnosed with cancer by helping them to maintain control over their lives before and during treatment. My philosophy like most things in my life is simple: Never Give Up, no matter what. Keep a positive attitude; maintain a balance Spiritually, Physically and emotionally. There is nothing you cant do.
Gail: I became a motivational speaker after winning the only two pageants I ever entered. My goal was to write about the experience after retiring from my teaching position. After winning the New York State Title and then the National Title of Ms Senior America 2009, I decided to share my journey of overcoming breast cancer at age 25 given a 30% chance of survival. I made over 500 appearances across the Country including speeches at the Vanderbilt Breast Center, Adelphi New York State Breast Cancer Symposiums, on the Today Show, on TV Shows in Florida, Virginia and at Hospitals including Scottish Rights Children’s Hospital in Dallas Texas. I wrote articles for six Magazines and even a chapter in a published book. My goal was to help and inspire any woman or man diagnosed with cancer by helping them to maintain control over their lives before and during treatment. My philosophy like most things in my life is simple: Never Give Up, no matter what. Keep a positive attitude; maintain a balance Spiritually, Physically and emotionally. There is nothing you cant do.
Copa: What great advice would you like to share with our readers about maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Gail: My advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle would first and foremost, take good care of yourself so you can do your best and also be available for your loved ones. Be appreciative of all that you have and all that you have accomplished in life. Balance your life with hard work and laughter. Step outside the box to try new things. Support others and encourage them them to be their best. There are so many charities an organizations who can use your help. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is to donate your time to shelters; You will sleep better and night knowing you made a difference. I try to stay positive surrounding myself with positive people and maintain a balance spiritually, Physically and Emotionally. |
Copa: When did you become a talk show and radio host, and what are some of the topics that you cover on your program?
Gail: After becoming a S.A.G. actress and featured extra on many T.V. shows and a few movies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to others. I found the evening news rather depressing and liked the idea of celebrities, entertainers and everyday Community people who make a difference in the communities they live in. Who doesn’t want to feel good hearing about kindness shared with individuals? I started my own Internet TV show “LooKING to make a Difference with GAIL”.With casual conversations, I shared many topics I thought would be of interest. Some of the topics included: Woman’s Issues, cancer treatment, modern beauty treatments Veterans, Animal fashions, Fashion Designers, Health, Exercise and Nutrition , Child Abuse and Gangs. Copa: What is your philosophy on style and fashion?
Gail: Age does not enter into my philosophy on style and fashion. I am a big believer in one wearing what she is not only comfortable in but also what makes her feel special and glamorous. I sometimes feel that I am a throwback to the elegant evening wear from the fifties. If I could, I would wear elegant gowns every evening from Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Edith Head, Piere Balmain as well as Givenchy. Audrey Hepburn is my muse from this time period. Another woman once asked me at age 40, why I didn’t cut my hair as “40 year olds and older” should not have long hair. At 70, my hair is well past my shoulders and I can wear it down or up. Some rules are meant to be broken. Not everything is going to be for you. Try different styles on and look in the mirror front and from the back. The only rule I subscribe to is if my decolletage is revealed with a low neckline then my legs are covered and if my dress is quite short then I am careful not to show a view of my breasts. Think about the area you want to emphasize and of course, have fun experimenting. Copa: What does the future hold for Gail Margaret King?
Gail: I am going to continue my Internet TV Show, interview at more Red Carpet Events and try to encourage Fashion Designers at shows to include more senior models. I would love to write my first mystery: "Who killed the Beauty Queen," before I turn 80. I set goals which I believe are realistic and challenging. What’s in your future? |