Remembering the Late Chelsi Smith: Miss Universe 1995

I know this feature on the demise of a Miss Universe titleholder is quite old news in this day of social media and the internet but Your Roving Eye just had to give this tribute to a beauty queen who left a legacy of beauty, kindness and optimism. She will be remembered for being the inspirational multiracial beauty queen and advocate who paved the way for people of color to pursue their dreams of joining and winning a pageant.

Chelsi’s Miss USA & Miss Universe crowning moments

Miss USA 1995 and Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith passed away at the age of 45 on September 8, 2018 after losing her battle with liver cancer. 

Here are some of the highlights of the late Chelsi Smith's foray into pageantry.

MISS USA 1995. During the final question & answer segment of the Miss USA Pageant, she was asked how she, if she is an advisor to then U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton, would change the First Lady's image if asked for a consultation, Smith replied:

"I would tell her not to change her image, actually. I believe very strongly in who I am, and I've seen 50 ladies tonight who believe very strongly in who they are, and I really think that she wouldn't have made it as far as she has if she wouldn't have been herself, so I really truly think she should stay exactly the way she is."

Aside from the Miss USA crown and the Best in Swimsuit award, she also set a record as the first and only Miss USA to be selected by fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality. 

First African- American to win Miss Universe

MISS UNIVERSE 1995. After becoming Miss USA, Smith traveled to Windhoek, Namibia to compete in the 1995 Miss Universe pageant, broadcast live from Windhoek Country Club on May 12, 1995. She topped the preliminaries and led nine other girls into the top ten semifinal round. After topping the top ten, winning the swimsuit competition and placing second in the top six, she was propelled into the final top three.

1^st RU India, Miss U 1995 2^nd RU Canada

An excellent response, a captivating beauty and great personality made it possible for Chelsi to be crowned Miss Universe 1995 just ahead of Miss India Manpreet Brar 1^st RU and Miss Canada Lana Buchburger 2^nd RU.

Best in Swimsuit at Miss Universe 1995

TRIVIA:  Chelsi Smith’s triumph prevented history from happening during coronation night. If Chelsi didn’t win the crown that year, India would have been the first country to have a back- to- back victory in Miss Universe for the outgoing queen was Sushmita Sen of India. The first back to back victory would later come 14 years later in Bahamas when Venezuela’s Estefania Fernandez would be crowned by her predecessor and compatriot Dayana Mendoza as Miss Universe 2009.

Chelsi & her Little Sister created Miss U history 

Chelsi Smith is also the last semifinalist and last titleholder in Miss Universe history to be escorted by a Little Sister during the Little Sisters’ 13 year appearance in Miss Universe. 

Read more about the Little Sisters feature story HERE.

After passing her crown to Alicia Machado of Venezuela

LIFE AFTER MISS UNIVERSE. After her Miss Universe reign, Chelsi became a model, an actress, and a singer. As a model, Smith worked for Hawaiian Tropic, Jantzen  Pontiac, Venus Swimwear, and Pure Protein among others  She made appearances on Martin, Due South and the TLC documentary, The History of the Bathing Suit.    She was also a celebrity contestant on the American television show Wheel of Fortune and an award presenter at the People's Choice Awards.

The beautiful brunette released her first single, Dom Da Da, which appeared in the movie “The Sweetest Thing” in 2002.

In 2011, she was presented the Influential Multiracial Public Figure award.

FAREWELL CHELSI. Chelsi Smith would always be remembered as one of the most remarkable Miss USA and Miss Universe titleholders. May her light continue to shine even at the Great Beyond.