Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ali Landry

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 22, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ali Landry made an impact.

Ali Landry is an American actress, model, and former beauty pageant titleholder, best known for winning Miss USA in 1996. She gained further recognition for her role as Rita Lefleur on the sitcom *Eve* and as the 'Doritos Girl' in a memorable 1998 Super Bowl commercial. Landry was also recognized as one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1998, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in entertainment and popular culture.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 1990: Miss Teen USA Pageant

In July 1990, Ali Landry represented Louisiana in the Miss Teen USA pageant held in Biloxi, Mississippi. She placed first in the preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions, but ranked seventh during the final competition.

1995: Won Miss Louisiana USA

In 1995, Ali Landry won the 1996 Miss Louisiana USA title, becoming the first former Miss Louisiana Teen USA to win Miss Louisiana USA.

February 1996: Competed in Miss USA

In February 1996, Ali Landry competed in the Miss USA pageant, broadcast live from South Padre Island, Texas. She placed third highest after the preliminary competition, second highest on average during the final Top 10 competition, was the highest placed of the Top 6 finalists, and eventually won the 1996 title.

1996: Miss Universe Pageant

In 1996, Ali Landry competed in the Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas in May. She placed first in the preliminary competition and was ranked second in the evening gown and interview events during the final competition. She was second going into the next round of six delegates, but was eliminated after the judges' questions.

1996: Won Miss USA 1996

In 1996, Ali Landry won the Miss USA title. She also competed in the Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas in May 1996.

1998: Doritos Commercial and People Magazine's Most Beautiful

In 1998, Ali Landry appeared in a Doritos commercial during the Super Bowl and was named one of People magazine's 50 most beautiful people in the world.