Leanza Cornett

Leanza Cornett (June 10, 1971 – October 28, 2020) was an American television personality, actress, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss America 1993. Born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Cornett was known for her advocacy work, particularly focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness and education. Her reign as Miss America was marked by her commitment to these causes, making her one of the first titleholders to adopt a dedicated platform during her tenure.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Leanza Cornett was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she attended Terry Parker High School. After graduating, she pursued her higher education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, though she did not complete her degree, opting instead to focus on her career in entertainment and advocacy.

Pageantry[edit | edit source]

Cornett's journey in the world of pageantry began when she won the title of Miss Florida in 1992. Her victory in the state pageant led her to the Miss America 1993 competition, where she won the national title. During her reign, Cornett chose HIV/AIDS awareness as her platform, a cause that was close to her heart. She worked tirelessly to educate the public about the disease, its prevention, and the importance of compassion towards those affected.

Career[edit | edit source]

Beyond her work in pageantry, Leanza Cornett had a diverse career in television and entertainment. She was a host on Entertainment Tonight, where she interviewed celebrities and covered various events in the entertainment industry. Cornett also appeared in television shows and theatrical productions. Notably, she played the role of Ariel in the live-action version of "The Little Mermaid" at Walt Disney World's "Voyage of The Little Mermaid" show, making her one of the first actresses to bring the animated character to life on stage.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Leanza Cornett married Mark Steines, a television journalist and host, in 1995. The couple had two sons before divorcing in 2013. Cornett was known for her vibrant personality, compassion, and dedication to her causes.

Death[edit | edit source]

Leanza Cornett passed away on October 28, 2020, at the age of 49, from complications related to a head injury she sustained earlier that month. Her death was mourned by many, including those in the pageant community, television and entertainment industry, and the numerous individuals she impacted through her advocacy work.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Leanza Cornett's legacy is marked by her contributions to HIV/AIDS awareness and her pioneering role in using the Miss America platform to advocate for a cause. Her efforts not only brought attention to the epidemic but also helped destigmatize the disease. She is remembered as a trailblazer who used her voice and visibility to make a difference in the world.