From beauty queens to actresses

Halle Berry

Before she turned into a Bond girl, mutant superhero and multiple award winner, Halle Berry took part in several beauty pageants. The actress won Miss Ohio and Miss Teen All-American, finished second at the 1986 Miss USA contest and later on went to place sixth at Miss World. During her interview, Halle confessed she one day hoped to become a great artist. She sure did.

From beauty queens to actresses

Vanessa Williams

In 1983, Vanessa Williams made history when she became the first African-American woman to win Miss America. However, she had to give up the title, surrounded by controversy, when Penthouse magazine published naked pictures of herself she took before competing. Still, she turned into a major star, with both Tony and Grammy nominations, a successful musical career and considerable roles in both movies and TV, the most recent one being her outstanding part as scheming Wilhemina in 'Ugly Betty'.

From beauty queens to actresses

Susie Castillo

Susie became the first woman with Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage to win the title of Miss USA 2003. She flew to Panama City for the Miss Universe pageant, but failed to crack the top 10. (Amelia Vega won that year). After her beauty queen days, Susie went on to guest-star on shows like "My Wife and Kids" and "Half and Half". Now she works as an MTV VJ, helping launch the network's MTV Tr3s channel.

From beauty queens to actresses

Dayanara Torres

The beautiful Puerto Rican was long linked to singer Marc Anthony. She took part and won the Miss Universe pageant that took place in Mexico City, in 1993. She was barely 18 years old when the world surrendered to her looks. Since then, she's been a part of several films and soap operas. Now she's planning her big break into Hollywood.

From beauty queens to actresses

Amelia Vega

At only 18 years old, Dominican Amelia Vega was crowned the most beautiful woman on the planet in the 2003 Miss Universe pageant. She made her big screen debut along Andy Garcia in the film "The Lost City". Besides acting, Amelia wants to conquer the music world. A talent that, without a doubt, she inherited from her famous uncle, Juan Luis Guerra. She currently hosts the show 'Suegras' (Mothers-in-law).

From beauty queens to actresses

Marjorie Wallace

She was the first woman from the United States to win the Miss World contest, back in 1973 in London. But her reign ended a little too soon when she was heavily criticized for dating way too many famous stars, including singer Tom Jones and many athletes. She later became a host for the television shows 'Good Morning Los Angeles' and 'Entertainment Tonight'.

From beauty queens to actresses

Denise Quiñones

In 2001, Denise became the fourth contestant from Puerto Rico to obtain the crown, and she did it not only on her own country but also, while celebrating the pageant's 50th edition. Afterwards, Denise studied film and television in New York, and she's been a part of noted theater plays such as 'Ana en el Trópico' and 'Doña Rosita la soltera'. Last but not least, she's also been seen as a guest-star on the acclaimed TV show, 'Smallville'.

From beauty queens to actresses

Joyce Giraud

The girl from Aguas Buenas (right), turned Miss Puerto Rico en 1998, after entering the contest, according to her, 'on a dare'. This led to a second place finish in the Miss Universe contest. The actress and model has taken part on several television campaigns, as well as appearances on such shows as 'Joey' and 'Baywatch'.

From beauty queens to actresses

Alicia Machado

Originally from Venezuela, Alicia obtained the Miss Universe title in 1996. Since then, she's worked in both film and television. Also, a couple of years ago she took her chance in the music world, releasing her first CD, under the quite convenient name of, you guessed it, 'Alicia Machado'.