“Miss Universe” is one of the most prestigious beauty contests in the world. It’s a part of the “Big Four” international beauty pageants, along with “Miss World,” “Miss International,” and “Miss Earth.” The competition began in 1952, and since then it has been held every year without fail. A pageant ripe with history, prestige, and legacy, Miss Universe brings people together all over the world to share in one common goal: admiring women, both on the inside and outside. The coronation of the Miss Universe is a life-changing event for each contestant, forever etching the winner in the history books.
Over the years, we’ve seen some incredible women win the crown. These women have played significant roles in our society and are role models for many.
So, let’s begin with 20 of the most beautiful Miss World winners in the twentieth century who have mesmerized people across the world. These women inspire millions around the world and keep the fairytale dreams of young girls alive.
#1 Armi Kuusela (1952)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Finnish actress and picture model Armi Kuusela was the first winner of the contest. After her triumph, Finland made the film “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”, where the young lady played herself.
#2 Hillevi Rombin (1955)
Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS / East News
In the Miss Univers 1955, the Swedish beauty Hillevi Rombin was crowned. She used to participate in professional sports before participating in beauty contests. After winning “Miss Universe,” she moved to Hollywood to pursue an acting career. She played 2 roles in several episodes before getting married and giving up her modeling and acting career.
#3 Luz Marina Zuluaga (1958)
Source: Getty Images
The Colombian model got entered the contest accidentally. She placed second in the “Miss Colombia” competition, but since the first-place winner got married, she was unable to compete in the “Miss Universe” competition, therefore Luz was put in her place. And finally, she was crowned.
#4 Marlene Schmidt (1961)
Source: Getty Images
Marlene Schmidt is the only German woman to date to hold the title of “Miss Universe.” After her victory in the contest, she produced films, wrote scripts, and started an acting career. Unfortunately, she did not achieve much success.
#5 Apasra Hongsakula (1965)
Source: Getty Images
Apasra Hongsakula was the first woman from Thailand to become Miss Universe. Perhaps it’s because it was the Queen of Thailand who was training the girl for the “Miss Universe” contest.
#6 Sylvia Hitchcock (1967)
Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS / East News
Sylvia Hitchcock represented the USA in the contest. After winning, she tried to start a modeling career in New York but was unsuccessful, so she went back to her hometown to work for a television station.
#7 Marisol Malaret (1970)
Source: Getty Images
Marisol Malaret had to start working at a young age because of the demise of her father and the severe illness of her mother. However, it didn’t prevent Marisol Malaret from becoming the first Puerto Rican woman to win the “Miss Universe” title.
#8 Amparo Muñoz (1974)
Source: © Cesar Lucas / Wikimedia Commons
After winning the beauty contest, the Spanish model Amparo Muñoz pursued her acting career. She appeared in 20 movies, the last of which was released in 2000.
#9 Rina Mor (1976)
Source: © Tim Boxer / Archive Photos / Getty Images
When Rina Mor was serving in the army, her neighbor was submitting applications to participate in the beauty contest. Finally, she won not only the title of “Miss Israel” but also “Miss Universe”.
#10 Janelle Commissiong (1977)
Source: © CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images
At the age of 24, Janelle Commissiong became the first woman of color to win the crown in the prestigious beauty contest. Now she is working to develop tourism in her hometown, Trinidad and Tobago.
#11 Margaret Gardiner (1978)
Source: Getty Images
Margaret Gardiner is the first South African beauty crowned Miss Universe. She is a well-known journalist and author who has written two books about health and beauty.
#12 Shawn Weatherly (1980)
Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS / East News
Shawn Weatherly was the daughter of the former Christian Dior model. She is a professional nurse. After winning the contest, she appeared in various films and TV shows like “Baywatch.
#13 Yvonne Ryding (1984)
Source: © Images Press / Archive Photos / Getty Images
A dancer and TV host, Yvonne Ryding was the third lady from Sweden to win the title of “Miss Universe.” At the time, she was 21 years old. She later launched her own cosmetics company.
#14 Cecilia Bolocco (1987)
Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS / East News
Cecilia Bolocco is a Chilean television reporter. In 1987, she was crowned Miss Chile and became the first Chilean to win the Miss Universe pageant.
#15 Mona Grudt (1990)
Source: George Rose/Getty Images
Mona Grudt is the only Miss Universe winner from Norway. Today, she is the editor of the magazine in Norway. Also, Mona came in second place in the Norwegian version of “Dancing with the Stars”.
#16 Lupita Jones (1991)
Source: AFP / EAST NEWS
As the first Mexican woman to win the “Miss Universe” title, Lupita Jones made history. As the official contest’s director, she supported her two compatriots to win in 2010 and 2020.
#17 Dayanara Torres (1993)
Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS / East News
Dayanara is a model and actress from Puerto Rico. After winning the competition, the girl began a career in modeling and acting.
#18 Alicia Machado (1996)
Source: AFP / EAST NEWS
In the competition, Alicia Machado represented Venezuela and was named the fourth national winner. She began to develop her acting career after winning, and in 1998, she even took home the “Best New Actress” honor.
#19 Brook Lee (1997)
Source: Mary Evans / AF Archive / Graham Whitby Boot / East News
Brook Lee has a mix of different nations flowing in her blood: Chinese, Korean, Hawaiian, Danish, Portuguese, French, and English. When she took home the “Miss Universe” crown, she was 26 years old which is an advanced age for someone competing in a beauty pageant.
#20 Mpule Kwelagobe (1999)
Source: Mary Evans / AF Archive / Graham Whitby Boot / East News
Mpule Kwelagobe comes from Botswana. After winning the contest, she enrolled in college and earned a degree in international political economy (IPE). Mpule actively fights for women’s rights and takes part in initiatives to stop the spread of AIDS and HIV.
