How did Robbin Bain die? Fashion and beauty icon was known as 'Today Girl' on NBC morning show
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Robbin Bain, a beloved figure who made a name for herself as a 'Today Girl' on NBC's morning show, died on October 21, 2023, in Southampton, New York. The cause of her demise was breast cancer, as confirmed by her daughter Lara McLanahan.
Born on August 10, 1936, as Barbara Jane Bain, she embarked on her illustrious career in 1959 when she was crowned Miss Rheingold, a prestigious title in a time when Rheingold beer was all the rage in the region.
Robbin Bain's unique perspective on success in beauty industry
According to the New York Post, her victory came with a substantial $50,000 prize, leading her to make appearances across the United States and Europe.
She even caught the eye of major beauty brands like Revlon and Helena Rubinstein, who tapped her for their advertisements.
However, for Bain, her success was not merely about appearances.
In a 2000 interview with The New York Daily News, she emphasized, "It was not a body thing." She stressed that personality and wholesomeness were of paramount importance.
To her, the key was to look approachable to the people sitting at the bar or going to the supermarket.
“Personality and wholesomeness were very important. You had to look very approachable to the guys sitting at the bar or going to the supermarket,” Bain added.
Robbin Bain's journey from 'Portrette' to being a 'Today Girl'
Bain's fame reached new heights when she became one of the four 'Portrettes' who introduced the legendary Jackie Gleason on his popular variety show 'The Jackie Gleason Show'.
In 1961, Bain's journey took a new turn when she joined 'Today', where she discussed a range of topics, including fashion and makeup, catering to female audiences.
Notably, Barbara Walters, who died the previous year at the age of 93, also became a 'Today Girl' after joining the show in 1961, initially as a writer and researcher.
Bain held her role at 'Today' for only two months before leaving due to pregnancy, but she cherished her time on the set.
Reflecting on her experience during a 2012 on-air reunion of "Today Girls," she recalled, "I was the only woman, with the exception of the makeup woman, on the set." Her time on the show left a lasting impression on her.
Following her departure from "Today," Robbin Bain ventured into a new career path as an interior designer.
She leaves behind a legacy that continues to influence the worlds of fashion, beauty, and television.
Robbin Bain is survived by her daughter, Lara McLanahan, another daughter, Dina Nemeth, her husband, Alexander Guadieri, stepson Alexandre Guadieri, and six cherished grandchildren.