Chelsi Smith (born August 23, 1973) is a former beauty pageant titleholder from the USA who became the first Miss USA in fifteen years to capture the Miss Universe crown on May 12, 1995. She was crowned by former Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen of India.
What’s your current profession?
I work with pageant contestants on their stage presentation. I also have a few other irons in the fire haha.
Do you have a website?
Yes, but it’s under construction right now. It will be up and running by the fall! In the interim, I very happily linked it to one of my dear friends and very talented drummer, Don Vaughn. www.chelsismith.com
What are your top 3 achievements?
Winning Miss Universe, being signed to a major record label and being credited for co-writing and recording a song that was selected to be in a major motion picture.
Your educational background?
I graduated from high school and completed 2 years of college.
Tell us more about your family, with whom you are closest?
I’m an only child and love my family dearly, but I’d have to say my mother and I are the closest. I miss my Gaga and Papa that raised me, and am very thankful to still have my Grandma Pearl!
What kind of modeling/spokesperson projects have you done?
Wow, I’ve done several different things! The ones that are at the top of my list are when I presented with Army Archerd at the opening of the People’s Choice Awards in 1995 and when I co-hosted Beyonce’s pay-per-view special in 2003.
What kind of philanthropic/fundraising work have you done?
I try to align myself with projects and events that help fund HIV/AIDS research.
What are your favorite platforms or which charitable organizations you admire most?
Special Olympics, NOH8 Campaign and anything regarding positive race awareness and positive awareness for the LGBT communities.
Do you have any interest in politics?
Not really. I’d like the people that are holding public office to just do their jobs to the best of their abilities and most importantly keep us safe.
What’s your dream job?
Recording artist, Spokesmodel
Who is your favorite role model?
That’s a tough one. I have many. They’ve changed over the years because of my own personal growth. Generally speaking it’s usually someone who’s stayed strong in the face of adversity. Someone who’s made a comeback or someone who’s persevered through life.
Ten years from now where do you see yourself?
I’d like to be successful in my chosen profession. In a happy and loving relationship, with possibly some children.
Fun stuff:
Favorite Book (s):
Anything written by Patricia Cornwell. I’m a Kay Scarpetta fanatic!
Favorite Musician (s):
I LOVE music, so my likes are very broad. Billie Holiday to Luciano Pavarotti to Alice in Chains haha. My newest favorite is Florence + The Machine.
Favorite Movie (s):
Again this one is pretty wide open. I love to laugh or have a good scare. I also love documentaries.
Favorite Actor (s):
Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Shirley MacLaine, Jack Nicholson, Lena Dunham, Seth Rogan…the list goes on and on!
Favorite Sport (s):
Love American football, but I really get into sports!
Favorite Athlete (s):
Haha, so many amazing athletes to choose from! I really can’t list them all…
Favorite TV Show (s):
I probably love TV a little too much haha! Girls, True Blood, Nurse Jackie, The Big C, Scandal, Weeds, CSI, Criminal Minds, forensic shows on Discovery…again the list goes on and on
Favorite Place (s):
I’ve traveled the world and still have so much I want to see. I love beaches with light turquoise waters and soft breezes.
Favorite Website (s):
Probably Twitter or Facebook right now haha. I’m trying to keep up with everyone
Favorite Restaurant (s):
That’s a hard one too, so many wonderful places to eat. I love food in general! I love Tex Mex, sushi, Greek, Italian and of course good ol’ BBQ, but that list goes on too.
Do you have any pets?
I do not currently, but I had to beautiful blue Persians for 14 yrs and I miss them dearly. I need to be less of a gypsy before I get another one though haha