Chelsi Smith

Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith was an American beauty pageant contestant, actress, musician, and TV host. She was the third African-American to win the Miss USA title and the sixth American woman to claim the Miss Universe crown. Her win made history in the pageant world.

Born in Redwood City, California, she was raised by her maternal grandparents after her parents divorced when she was two. She attended high school in Deer Park, Texas, and studied education at San Jacinto College. In 1994, she was a semifinalist in the Miss Texas USA pageant. The following year, she won the state title and went on to take the Miss Universe crown.

As Miss Universe, she traveled the world representing the United States. After her reign, she pursued entertainment, appearing in films and TV shows and releasing the single 'Dom Da Da.' She also worked as a model and businesswoman. In 2017, she was diagnosed with liver cancer and died in 2018 at age 44. She was survived by her mother, two sisters, and a brother.