Notable Celebrities from Miss USA, Including Olivia Culpo and Halle Berry

The Miss USA pageant has been a stepping stone for numerous celebrities who have achieved public acclaim.

As we approach the 74th Miss USA pageant in Reno, Nevada, on October 24, let’s explore the journeys of prominent figures who graced the Miss USA stage.

Amongst these are Halle Berry, Olivia Culpo, and Hannah Brown, each of whom once aspired to clinch the Miss USA title.

Halle Berry: Almost Miss USA in 1986

Before her Oscar win, Halle Berry was close to capturing the Miss USA title in 1986. Representing Ohio, she was the runner-up to Miss Texas, Christy Fichtner. A win by Fichtner at Miss Universe would have made Berry the Miss USA titleholder.

Berry made history as the first African-American woman to represent the USA at the Miss World competition, finishing sixth.

Though she didn’t win the pageant crown, Berry broke ground in Hollywood, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role in 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge' in 1999. In 2001, she became the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress.

Kenya Moore's Victory in 1993

In 1993, Kenya Moore crowned Miss USA, represented Michigan, and secured a spot among the top six at Miss Universe.

Her pageant success opened doors to a TV career with roles in series like 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and movies alongside Nas and Tupac. Moore became a Bravo star with 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' and participated in several reality competitions.

From Runner-Up to Titleholder: Shanna Moakler in 1995

Shanna Moakler, representing New York in 1995, was initially the first runner-up but later became Miss USA following Chelsi Smith's Miss Universe win.

Post-pageantry, Moakler appeared in shows such as 'Pacific Blue.' Her public life extended to a marriage with drummer Travis Barker, highlighted in the reality show 'Meet the Barkers.'

Ali Landry's Miss USA Triumph in 1996

In 1996, Ali Landry won Miss USA representing Louisiana and made it to the top six at Miss Universe.

Her fame further grew through memorable Doritos commercials and her role in 'Eve.' Her marriage to Mario Lopez ended soon after beginning, due to infidelity issues.

Olivia Culpo: A Trailblazer in 2012

Olivia Culpo broke a 15-year streak by winning Miss Universe after her Miss USA victory. Her influence soared on social media, with 5.5 million followers and roles in films and TV.

She is married to NFL player Christian McCaffrey, and the couple welcomed a daughter in July 2025.

Hannah Brown and Her 2018 Pageant Journey

Competing as Miss Alabama in 2018, Hannah Brown didn’t place at Miss USA but later gained fame on 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette.' Her engagement from the show ended due to an unfaithful partner.

Brown won season 28 of 'Dancing With the Stars' and authored a best-selling memoir. She married Adam Woolard in July.

Caelynn Miller-Keyes: A Notable Runner-Up

Caelynn Miller-Keyes was first runner-up at Miss USA 2018, representing North Carolina. Like Brown, she appeared on 'The Bachelor' and 'Bachelor in Paradise,' where she met and married Dean Unglert.

She remains a prominent social media figure with a significant following.