The entertainment industry has seen numerous talented individuals rise to fame, and many of them started their journey by winning local beauty pageants. Stars like Eva Longoria and Michelle Pfeiffer were once crowned Miss Corpus Christi, TX and Miss Orange County, respectively. However, some Hollywood stars have not only won major pageants but also found immense success in the world of acting. Let’s take a look at five beauty pageant winners who made a seamless transition from the pageant stage to the Hollywood spotlight.
Ali Landry: From Miss USA to Doritos Girl
Ali Landry was crowned Miss Louisiana USA and later Miss USA in 1996. She also received the title of Most Photogenic and finished in the top 6 in the 1996 Miss Universe pageant. After her reign, Landry ventured into modeling and became the face of Doritos, appearing in their Super Bowl commercials from 1998 to 2000. She later appeared in the TV series Felicity and hosted Spy TV from 2003 to 2006. Landry also starred in the UPN show Eve and served as the executive producer of Hollywood Moms’ Club. Currently, she is wrapping up her role in the fantasy-thriller, Earth Angel.
Lynda Carter: Miss World USA Turned Wonder Woman
Lynda Carter was named Miss World USA in 1972 and has since enjoyed a successful Hollywood career. She is best known for her iconic role as Wonder Woman in the TV series. Carter has also appeared in Starsky and Hutch, Law and Order: SVU, Hope & Faith, and Two and a Half Men. She served as a spokesperson for Maybelline cosmetics and even walked the runway wearing a Carolina Herrera design during the 2009 New York Fashion Week.
Gal Gadot: Miss Israel’s Rise as Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot, crowned Miss Israel in 2004, has recently gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and the blockbuster film, Wonder Woman. Gadot has also appeared in several films in the Fast & Furious franchise, 2016’s Criminal, and Keeping Up with the Joneses. She is a spokesperson for Gucci and serves as the face of their latest perfume, Gucci Bamboo. Later this year, she will reprise her role as Wonder Woman in the highly anticipated movie, Justice League.
Halle Berry: From Beauty Pageant Circuit to Oscar Winner
Before becoming an Oscar winner for her role in Monster’s Ball, Halle Berry was a regular on the beauty pageant circuit. She was named Miss Teen All America in 1985, Miss Ohio 1986, and was the first runner-up in the 1986 Miss USA pageant. Berry quickly transitioned into modeling before moving to New York City to pursue acting. She has starred in numerous films, including Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (for which she won a Golden Globe and an Emmy), the X-Men franchise, and the 2002 blockbuster, Die Another Day, where she played Bond Girl “Jinx.” Berry is known as the only black woman to have won an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Priyanka Chopra: Miss World 2000 Conquers Bollywood and Hollywood
Priyanka Chopra, crowned Miss India 2000 and Miss World 2000, has enjoyed an acting career spanning both Bollywood and Hollywood. She is one of the highest-paid Indian actresses in history. Chopra portrayed Alex Parish in the ABC drama thriller Quantico for two seasons. She has appeared in more than 50 films, including providing the voice for characters in 2013’s Planes and 2016’s The Jungle Book. Chopra can currently be seen on the big screen in Baywatch. In late 2016, her luxurious locks landed her the gig of being the new face of Pantene.
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