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Renate Huy Simpson Obituary
Renate was born in Ludwigshafen, Germany in 1930. In 1952, she was crowned Miss Nürnberg, then Miss Germany. She participated in the first Miss Universe pageant in Long Beach, CA in 1952, which led to a movie contract with Universal Studios. From 1953 - 1960, Renate starred in several movies and in a TV series. She was credited as Renate Huy, Renate Hoy, and Erika Nordin.
In 1954, she married actor Brett Halsey (nee Charles Oliver Hand) in Munich. Upon their return to to L.A., they had two children: Charles Jr. (aka Rock Halsey) and Tracy.
Renate became a U.S. citizen in 1960.
In 1959, she divorced Halsey. In 1963, she married barrister Raymond C. Simpson Jr., and they had one child: Richard. They divorced in 1975.
In addition to her pageant, film, and TV work, she owned a salon and was successful in real estate.
Renate is survived by her daughter Tracy Leigh Simpson, her son Richard James Simpson, her granddaughter Lauren Rose Sanders, and her son in-law Miguel Infanzon Hill.
Services are private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Renate Huy Simpson
Jay
July 3, 2025
Remembering
Kristy Maloof
July 13, 2024
Dear Tracy and Richard, I will always cherish all the time growing up I spent with your mother and all of you. May the memory of your beloved mother remain in your hearts forever. May her memory be Eternal and rest with all the saints.
Love Kristy
Cheryl Woodruff
July 13, 2024
Renate was a beautiful person, inside and out. Her remarkable life story of survival - childhood trauma, WWII, unimaginable loss, and worldwide celebrity as a beauty queen - will never be forgotten by those of us who knew and loved her.
Jay
July 11, 2024
Remembering
Jennifer Simpson
July 10, 2024
Dear Beautiful and oh so loving Renate,
What a special bond we created since our first meeting when I was four! I will always cherish how kind and caring you were with me!! Your passionate heart touched my heart as I felt your unconditional love!!! Thank you for gracing my life!!!!! Fly high, soar free, and know peace dear one!!!!!!!!!
Jill e
July 9, 2024
I know Richard and Miguel
I know Renate´s loss is huge
Richard will keep the love and memory alive
Cat & Erik Melton
July 9, 2024
A wonderful woman with a big heart. Renate will be deeply missed and always remembered. Our love to the family.
Miguel Infanzon Hill
July 9, 2024
Renate's love, kindness and tenacity will always be remembered. Love, Miguel
Richard James Simpson
July 9, 2024
I will love you always my dear mother. Love, Richard
Anne Simpson
July 9, 2024
So many nice memories, life experiences and stories shared. So glad she was in my life.
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