Singer and anti-gay activist Anita Bryant has died. See photos of her time in Miami

By Miami Herald Archives

Updated January 9, 2025 10:34 PM

4/25/1977: Joe Rimkus Jr./Miami Herald Staff -- Orange juice, a Bible and Anita Bryant. Joe Rimkus Jr.

Multi-Grammy nominated singer, beauty queen, Florida Orange Juice pitchwoman and conservative activist Anita Bryant has died. She was 84.

Bryant was a popular singer before becoming mired in career-altering controversy. Her time in South Florida was spent juggling singing gigs, co-hosting broadcasts of the Orange Bowl Parade and later leading a group of conservative activists to repeal an ordinance prohibiting discrimination against members of the gay community.

MORE: Watch the documentary chronicling Anita Bryant’s role in Miami’s fight for LGBTQ rights

Here are some images of Anita Bryant through the years.

Anita Bryant at gay debate in 1977 Tim Chapman The Miami Herald

Anita Bryant speaking before the metro commission meeting in 1977. She was one of those against the amendment Joe Rimkus Jr. The Miami Herald

Anita Bryant sings in church with all the others Bob East The Miami Herald

February 25, 1977 - Anita Bryant addresses the media at her home in Miami Beach during her 1977 campaign against Dade County’s gay-rights ordinance. Battle Vaughan

Anita Bryant at breakfast at 1328 NW 3rd Ave. She sang two songs for black ministers group John Walther The Miami Herald

March 22, 1977 - Anita Bryant, right, on hand for Soviet Jewry march down Lincoln Mall from Washington to Alton Road. Approximately 400 people were on hand for the rally . Pauline Lubens The Miami Herald

9/14/1971: Ralph Pabst/Miami Herald Staff -- Anita Bryant with twin children Barbara and Billy. Ralph Pabst

Published 6/18/1972: Ralph Pabst/Miami Herald Staff -- Anita Bryant during filming of a commercial at Woroner Studios. Ralph Pabst

1/4/1970: Battle Vaughan/Miami Herald Staff -- Anita Bryant celebrates the first birthday of her twins, Barbara and Billy... “miracle babies” were not expected to live. Battle Vaughan

11/26/1972: Battle Vaughan/Miami Herald Staff -- Anita Bryant portrait for Tropic magazine. Battle Vaughan

This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 10:03 PM.

Dana Banker

Miami Herald

As managing editor of the Miami Herald, I oversee the newsroom’s coverage, from local issues and state politics to entertainment, sports, visual journalism and investigations. I’m a native Floridian and a veteran journalist who twice led teams honored with the Pulitzer Prize Gold Medal for Public Service. A University of Florida graduate, I grew up in Tampa and spent the first decade of my career as a reporter in South Florida, covering beats ranging from cops and government to education and environment. Before joining the Herald, I was managing editor of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. I’ve served as a Pulitzer Prize juror and president of the Florida Society of News Editors. I prioritize stories that matter to readers, and journalism that makes a positive impact in our community.

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