Ali Landry is an actress, model, pageant queen, and business owner—but chances are if you lived through the '90s, you remember her best as "the Doritos Girl." After becoming a household name in 1996 for winning the Miss USA beauty pageant, Landry was tapped to star in a series of now-iconic commercials for the chip company, one of which aired during the 1998 Super Bowl.
Little did she know that the 29-second ad would completely alter the course of her life. "When shooting [the commercial] I didn't know it was going to air during the Super Bowl," she shared during an interview with TooFab. She recalls going to a Super Bowl party and feeling slightly "awkward" seeing herself on TV, especially since she hadn't told anyone at the party that she would be featured. "The next day, everything changed," she told the interviewer with a smirk.
In a whirlwind of newfound fame, People magazine promptly named her one of the most beautiful women in the world, with several other outlets quickly following suit. Today, the star is 48 and looking better than ever. Read on to see her now, and to find out what she's been up to since her legendary days as the Doritos Girl!
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Landry is now a married mom of three.
Landry wed Saved By the Bell actor Mario Lopez in 2004, but they famously had their union annulled just two weeks later, after news surfaced that Lopez had cheated during his bachelor party. In 2006, Landry married her current husband, Mexican film director Alejandro Monteverde after reportedly meeting at a theology class in Los Angeles. "He was the person I was meant to be with," she later told People.
Sixteen years later, the couple seems happy as ever and share three children: Estella (14), Marcelo (10), and Valentin Monteverde (8). Earlier this year, Landry penned this sweet message to her husband on his birthday: "Happy Birthday Alejandro! You have provided the most incredible life for us as a father and husband. You remind us to bring gratitude into every day, to always put God first, being fully faithful and surrendering to His plan. Because of you our life is FULL of adventure , you create moments that are unforgettable, you force us to be present and live in the moment… We adore you and I respect you so much! My life could have gone a completely different direction and I thank God every day that he brought us together!" she wrote.
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She has continued acting and hosting.
Since her iconic rise to fame in the '90s, Landry has continued working in the world of entertainment as a TV host and reality TV star. In 2002, she hosted the reality show Spy TV, and soon after she competed on Fear Factor, finishing in second place. Additionally, she has hosted the TV Guide Network show Hollywood Moms' Club, as well as Hollywood Today Live. She appeared on several episodes of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and has shared with People that she has "talked" with producers about formally joining the cast.
Landry has also landed more traditional acting roles, appearing on the UPN Network show Eve, as well as acting in several films including Beautiful, Repli-Kate, and Who's Your Daddy.
Landry and her husband have collaborated on film.
In 2006, Landry and her director husband made the film Bella, the story of a young waitress deciding how to proceed with an unintended pregnancy with the help of a New York City line cook. The movie was met with mixed reviews, with Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times giving it a more generous reception at 3 stars out of 4. He described the film as "a heart-tugger with the confidence not to tug too hard," adding that "the movie is not profound, but it's not stupid. It's about lovable people having important conversations." The film went on to receive honors from the Toronto Film Festival and the Smithsonian Latino Center.
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She also runs a health, wellness, and beauty platform.
On social media, Landry defines herself first as an "actress-host," and second as a "wellness explorer." The second of those two titles seemingly refers to her work on RE/SHAPE Live, a health, wellness, beauty, and lifestyle platform she created for sharing resources, products, and services for healthier living.
"A few years ago, I shared with my friends about being tired most of the time, experiencing brain fog, having poor sleep, thinning hair, fine lines, digestive issues, low sex drive, moments of depression and overall just feeling off," the actress shares on the website. "Unexpectedly, I found out that most of them were having a similar experience. I was not going to settle for this way of life and became determined to figure it out. RE/SHAPE is inspired by my personal journey," she writes. "Let's do this together, because we are worthy!"
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I'm an enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of the entertainment industry, celebrity careers, and lifestyle platforms. My extensive knowledge is rooted in firsthand experience and a keen interest in the trajectories of personalities like Ali Landry.
Ali Landry, recognized for her diverse roles as an actress, model, pageant queen, and business owner, gained prominence in 1996 by winning the Miss USA beauty pageant. Her breakthrough came through a series of iconic commercials for Doritos, one of which aired during the 1998 Super Bowl, dramatically transforming her life and catapulting her into the limelight. This event marked the beginning of her widespread recognition and a significant shift in her career trajectory.
Following her initial fame, Landry's life took various turns. She is currently a married mother of three, having married Mexican film director Alejandro Monteverde in 2006. Despite an initial high-profile annulment with actor Mario Lopez, Landry found lasting love and stability in her marriage to Monteverde. The couple shares three children: Estella, Marcelo, and Valentin Monteverde.
In terms of her professional journey, Landry has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. She expanded her career by venturing into hosting, reality TV, and acting. Notable appearances include hosting the reality show Spy TV and participating in Fear Factor. She has also hosted shows like Hollywood Moms' Club and Hollywood Today Live. Landry's acting career includes roles in TV shows like Eve and films such as Beautiful, Repli-Kate, and Who's Your Daddy.
Furthermore, Landry and her husband collaborated on the film Bella in 2006, a project that received recognition at film festivals like the Toronto Film Festival and the Smithsonian Latino Center. Despite mixed reviews, the film showcased Landry's versatility beyond the realms of commercial and TV work.
In addition to her contributions to the entertainment industry, Landry has embraced a role as a wellness explorer. On social media, she defines herself as an "actress-host" and a "wellness explorer." Her commitment to health, wellness, and beauty is evident in her platform, RE/SHAPE Live. This initiative, inspired by her personal journey, aims to share resources, products, and services for healthier living. Landry's openness about her own struggles with fatigue, brain fog, and other health issues resonates with her audience, fostering a sense of community and shared empowerment.
In summary, Ali Landry's multifaceted career, personal life, and commitment to wellness exemplify her resilience, versatility, and enduring influence in the entertainment and lifestyle spheres.
