16 stars who started out as beauty queens

While beauty pageants have become more inclusive over time, they still stir up plenty of debate. But one thing’s for sure: for some women, these contests have been the perfect launchpad for their careers. Many celebrities got their first taste of fame as beauty queens, using their titles to skyrocket to success.

In 1971, a young Oprah won a beauty contest sponsored by local radio station WVOL. Her prize? A Longines watch, a digital alarm clock, and, most importantly, her first job in radio after the station noticed how comfortable she was in the spotlight.

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Michelle Pfeiffer became Miss Orange County in 1978. Though she didn’t win Miss California, placing sixth, it still worked out—she landed a talent agent and soon began auditioning, leading to the incredible career we know today.

Before becoming Italy’s greatest film diva, Sophia Loren won titles like Princess of the Sea, Mermaid of the Adriatic, and Miss Elegance in Miss Italy.

Halle Berry placed sixth in Miss World 1986, a contest won by Trinidad and Tobago's Giselle Laronde. Before that, Halle had snagged the title of Miss Ohio that same year.

Known globally for her role in 'Desperate Housewives,' Eva Longoria first made waves as Miss Corpus Christi in Texas.

The iconic Wonder Woman of the 1970s TV series was crowned Miss World USA in 1972 after winning the title in her home state of Arizona.

Another Wonder Woman with a pageant past, Gal Gadot represented Israel in Miss Universe back in 2004.

Before wielding her sword as 'Xena: Warrior Princess,' Lucy Lawless was crowned Miss New Zealand in 1989.

Tiffani Thiessen, known for her role in 'Saved by the Bell,' was just 13 years old when she won Miss Junior America in 1987.

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Yes, even Sharon Stone was a beauty queen! She won Miss Crawford County and went on to compete for Miss Pennsylvania. A judge advised her to move to New York to model, leading her to sign with Ford Models and launch her career.

The star of 'Quantico' and 'Baywatch' got her start when she was crowned Miss World in 2000 at just 18 years old, catapulting her into global fame.

Lucía Bosè, the matriarch of the famous Bosè family and muse of Italian neorealism, began her journey to fame by winning Miss Italy in 1947.

In 2012, a young Olivia Culpo took home the crown of Miss Universe after winning Miss USA. She later pursued modeling and acting, appearing in films like 'The Other Woman' and 'Reprisal.'

Before she became a Bond girl and an Oscar winner for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' Michelle Yeoh was crowned Miss Malaysia in 1983.

Cybill Shepherd won Miss Teenage Memphis in 1966, which kicked off her acting career. She later starred in memorable roles like the hit TV show 'Moonlighting' alongside Bruce Willis.

Vanessa Williams made history as the first Black woman to win Miss America in 1983. However, she had to give up her title after a scandal involving nude photos. Despite the setback, she went on to have an incredible career as an actress, singer, and model.

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