Armi Kuusela (1952)
Armi Kuusela, the original queen, captured the first Miss Universe title in 1952, proving that elegance is timeless. As the decades pass, she remains a beacon of grace.
Armi still looks stunning, even in her later years!
After the pageant, she embarked on a journey of philanthropy, inspiring generations with her charitable work and becoming a role model for all future beauty queens with a heart.
Christiane Martel (1953)
Christiane Martel, the fabulous Miss Universe of 1953, dazzled the world with her grace and beauty. After her reign, she strutted her stuff on the big screen, starring in films like Yankee Pasha and Viva el Amor.
As if that weren’t enough glamour to last a lifetime, she later became a judge on Miss Universe 1978, gracing the pageant world with her presence. Fast forward a bit, and there she was, making television appearances, including a delightful interview on Sale el Sol in 2017. It’s clear she’s not just a beauty queen, but also a timeless charmer!
Miriam Stevenson (1954)
Miriam Stevenson, the brash Miss Universe of 1954, sure knew how to grab headlines. After a brief fling in Hollywood, thanks to her beauty queen status, she packed her bags and returned to school, proving that even girls with crowns need an education.
Back in South Carolina, she traded the glitz of Hollywood for the allure of local television, hosting shows for WIS. The story is even better: she met her soulmate, Donald Upton, and they’ve been partners in crime ever since, raising a couple of kids along the way.
Carol Morris (1956)
Ah, Carol Morris, queen of the universe turned big-screen sensation. Winning Miss Universe earned her a glittering crown and a movie contract. She strutted alongside Jeff Chandler in Crazy Love and slayed her way into our hearts.
After a life filled with glitz and glamour, she found her own real-life leading man, Buzz Burke, in Chicago. They had a baby named Christopher and expanded their family. Now she’s a proud grandmother spreading wisdom and love in Texas, proving that the spark remains even after the spotlight goes out.
Gladys Zender (1957)
Gladys Zender, the accidental queen with a twist of fate! Soaring above the competition, she dazzled the judges. But imagine being 17 and winning the Miss Universe crown, a little underage for the glittering tiara. But hey, rules are made to be broken, right?
In Peru, she was the talk of the town, hailed by her fans and even sung in a catchy polka dedicated to her beauty. Today, she’s married to Antonio Meier and leads a low-key life while raising her children.
Norma Nolan (1962)
Norma Nolan, the mysterious Miss Universe of 1962, kept the world in suspense. After winning the crown, she did like Houdini and disappeared from the spotlight faster than you can say “beauty queen.”
Legend has it that during Argentina’s tumultuous times, it became a symbol of hope, shining brightly when the country needed it most. Today, it probably remains somewhere, a beacon of elegance and grace, reminding us all that sometimes a little mystery adds a touch of intrigue to the world.
Iêda Maria Vargas (1963)
Iêda Maria Vargas is the Brazilian bombshell who caused a sensation and won hearts at Miss Universe 1963. Can you believe she was the first Brazilian to win an international beauty pageant? Breaking barriers and looking fabulous.
During her reign, she even cut the ribbon on a mall near DC, so she’s the queen of fashion and shopping! Today, she’s probably sipping an adult beverage on a beach in Rio Grande do Sul, reminiscing about her runway days and opening malls. Because, let’s face it, once a queen, always a queen, and a little sparkle never hurt anyone!
Corinna Tsopei (1964)
Corinna Tsopei, the dazzling Miss Universe of 1964, not only won her place in our hearts, but also became a top pageant judge, proving she had a keen eye for the next beauty queen. After her reign, she went all in on Hollywood, making some extravagant on-screen appearances, including a stint as a “Girl in Cage.” What a career choice!
She’s not just a pretty face; she’s also a costumed superhero who heads an organization for children with leukemia. Who knew the lady in the crown had a heart of gold? Beauty, brains, and a heart of gold: Corinna has it all!
Apasra Hongsakula (1965)
Let’s talk about Apasra Hongsakula, the timeless beauty who won the Miss Universe crown in 1965 and left us all wondering if she’d discovered the secret to eternal youth. Today, she remains as charming as ever.
Apasra has not only aged gracefully, but has become a beacon of wisdom, offering advice on aging well. Every time she smiles, she looks a little more beautiful. She’s like a fairy of eternal beauty.
Margareta Arvidsson (1966)
Margareta Arvidsson is the most daring of 1966. After winning Miss Universe, she strutted her stuff as a model, but even the fabulous world of fashion had its quirks, and she was once called out for her weight. Can you believe it? Luckily, she recovered, and in the 1970s, she battled health problems like a champion.
Now a proud Iowan, she’s bringing a special touch to this land. She’s not just a pretty face; she’s also dedicated to changing policy! Margareta proves that beauty and brains are a winning combination.
Martha Vasconcellos (1968)
Ah, Martha Vasconcellos, the Miss Universe who conquered the world with her charm and then missed her family like crazy the next day. Now that’s relatable. After her year in the Big Apple, she packed her bags, returned to Brazil, and got married.
Martha currently leads a quiet life and has practically become a magician by disappearing from the public eye. She’s probably enjoying some well-deserved peace and quiet with her husband, children, and grandchildren, away from the public eye.
Gloria Díaz (1969)
Gloria Díaz, the original Filipino dynamo, swept the Miss Universe pageant and then conquered the big screen. From her stellar debut to her award-winning roles in films and television series like Nasaan Ka Man and Sagrada Familia, she’s the queen of the big screen.
Plus, she’s even appeared on Netflix! With her talent, humor, and timeless charm, Gloria Díaz continues to shine, proving that age is just a number. Hollywood, take note: the queen is here to stay!
Marisol Malaret (1970)
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to 1970, when Marisol Malaret won her way into our hearts as Miss Universe. Back then, she was the epitome of grace and beauty, turning heads with her poise and confidence.
Now, Marisol has gracefully embraced the passage of time, proving that elegance only improves with age. With her infectious smile and timeless charm, she is a testament to the fact that Miss Universe status is not just a title, but a way of life.
Kerry Anne Wells (1972)
Kerry Anne Wells is the Miss Universe winner who had her crowning moment in the dark—literally! Thanks to a strike threat, her victory was as mysterious as a magic trick. But that didn’t diminish her brilliance. After her reign, she traded the tiara for a news anchor chair, proving she’s not just a pretty face.
What a winning streak the Australians are on! In their year, Australians won titles left and right, making history. Now she’s a fashion designer, writer, and body positivity advocate. Kerry Anne isn’t just a queen, she’s also a real-life superhero championing self-love and confidence.
Margarita Morán (1973)
Margarita Morán is the queen who didn’t just wear a crown; she combined it with books and business knowledge! After her reign, she immersed herself in the academic world, earning titles like a boss. She managed resorts, triumphed on television, and even produced an award-winning film. Quite a multi-talented talent.
She’s not just a beauty queen, she’s also a cultural crusader! Her passion for dance led her to promote arts and culture, making waves at Ballet Philippines. She’s also the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Margie Moran is the queen who wears many hats, and she rocks them all with style!
Anne Marie Pohtamo (1975)
Anne Marie Pohtamo is the queen who had her own coronation story. Crowned by Kerry Anne Wells after a mishap involving her predecessor in Japan, she was always a public favorite.
After her fabulous reign, she traded the glitter of the catwalk for love, marrying her childhood sweetheart and returning to her roots in Finland.
Rina Messinger (1976)
Rina Messinger was a pioneer who brought the Miss Universe crown to Israel. After her glamorous reign, she didn’t rest on her laurels. Oh no, she became a judge for the Miss Israel pageant.
She’s also written a book about her adventures in the world of beauty pageants. But there’s more. She studied law and specialized in family law in the Netherlands. Now she’s back in Israel. She’s not only a lawyer, but also a regular on television, dispensing family law wisdom like she’s sprinkling fairy dust!
Janelle Commissiong (1977)
In 1977, Janelle Commissiong not only wore the tiara, but was also a fervent advocate for world peace, winning awards and even postage stamps in her honor
In 2017, the streets of Port-of-Spain’s capital decided they weren’t cool enough—unless they were named after her! Now she chairs the Tourism Trinidad Destination Management Company, proving herself a beauty queen and tourism pioneer. Bow down, world!
Margaret Gardiner (1978)
Margaret Gardiner, the original South African stunner, paved the way for future beauty queens like Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. Not just a pretty face, Gardiner holds a degree in psychology and has written two books on health and beauty. Basically, she’s a brainiac with a touch of glamour.
She dazzles not only in pageants, but also in the world of journalism in Los Angeles. Now, instead of crowns, she juggles words, working as a print and television journalist. She is also happily married to Andre Nel, professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at UCLA.
Maritza Sayalero (1979)
Ah, Maritza Sayalero, the queen who stole our hearts in 1979! Back then, she was crowned Miss Universe, leaving us all in awe of her beauty. But hold on to your tiaras!
Maritza continues to radiate that same charm, proving that age is just a number. Her smile may have a few more stories to tell, but it remains just as radiant, lighting up the room wherever she goes.
Shawn Weatherly (1980)
Shawn Weatherly, the South Carolina beauty, not only triumphed at Miss Universe, but also made her mark on television and film. You may remember her as Jill Riley on Baywatch, where she masterfully tackled beach drama while keeping an eye on pesky sharks. She even ventured into the wild world of reality TV, swimming with sharks on Oceanquest.
He even rose to fame in the iconic Dukes of Hazzard episode “Coy vs. Vance.” He also showed off his comedic chops in “Police Academy 3: Back in Training” and later battled monsters in “Love in the Time of Monsters.” Talk about a career with bite!
Irene Saez (1981)
After her time as Miss Universe, Irene Saez became interested in the problems in her region and decided to make a difference. She continues to prove that she’s much more than just a pretty face.
Today she’s in Miami, bringing her charisma to the boardroom. We believe it’s safe to say the world is Irene Saez’s oyster, and we’re all living in it!
Karen Baldwin (1982)
Karen Baldwin is the queen of beauty and wit. After her dazzling reign as Miss Universe, she ventured into television, dazzling audiences as host of The New You and gracing the stage as co-host of the Miss Universe pageant.
Hollywood answered her call and cast her alongside Madonna in Who’s That Girl and other films like Spellbinder and Sudden Death. And guess what? When she’s not stealing the show, she’s busy selling homes in sunny California as a real estate agent for Baldwin Scott Thomas Team.
Lorraine Downes (1983)
Who could forget Lorraine Downes, the personification of beauty and grace who won the Miss Universe crown in 1983? Back then, she captivated us with her elegance and poise, making us all want to master the art of walking in heels like her.
She’s still wearing those heels, but now she does it with style as a successful fashion entrepreneur. Lorraine has gone from pageant queen to boss, proving that beauty isn’t just skin deep, it’s the whole package.
