Guide Note

Model Alicia Machado won the Miss Universe competition in 1996. While serving as Miss Universe, Machado struggled with her weight. News and gossip organizations speculated that she might be replaced by the runner-up, although Machado finished out her term. In February 2006 she was the first Miss Universe to appear on the cover of the Mexican edition of Playboy.

Fast Facts

1. Birth name: Joseph Alicia Machado Fajardo
2. Born: December 6, 1976
3. Birthplace: Maracay, Venezuela
4. Was once engaged to Bobby Abreu
5. Runner up in Miss Universe: Taryn Mansell

• "Beauty is only temporary, but your mind lasts you a lifetime."— Alicia Machado

• "I know that people will remember me as Miss Universe because it was my first great achievement, but I still have my whole career ahead of me."— Alicia Machado

• "If you don't have talent or preparation for whatever you want to do, you will not be successful in anything."— Alicia Machado