Margaret Gardiner: Biography, Age, Husband, Miss Universe,
March 7, 2025Margaret Gardiner (born 21 August 1959) is a South African journalist and model. She is the first South African woman to win the Miss Universe.
As an author, Gardiner launched her book Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. She currently works as a print and television journalist in Los Angeles.
| Margaret Gardiner | |
|---|---|
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full name: | Margaret Gardiner |
| Born: | 21 August 1959 (age 65 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Psychology |
| Alma mater: | College of Charleston |
| Title: | Miss Republic of South Africa 1978 Miss Universe 1978 |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in |
| Los Angeles | |
Early Life and Education
Margaret Gardiner was born on 21 August 1959 in Cape Town, South Africa. She obtained a BA in psychology from the College of Charleston. She studied at St. George’s Cathedral.
Career
Gardiner is the first South African woman to win the Miss Universe title at 18. After three semi-final competitions, she placed fourth among other finalists. She eventually won the pageant after answering the final question.
The beauty queen received her crown from Janelle Commissiong at the event held in Acapulco, Mexico. She was the only Miss Universe title from South Africa for 39 years until 2017. She returned to South Africa in August 2024 for the crowning event at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
Gardiner is a journalist in the entertainment industry. She has interviewed and engaged many famous faces in Hollywood.
She has walked the Oscar red carpet alongside accomplished stars such as Helen Mirren and Emma Stone.
The Cape Town beauty queen is an active member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). Her research articles have appeared in The Simmons Business School’s Management Magazine and Huffington Post.
Her article Africa’s New Hope – Mentoring Mothers earned her a nomination for a National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award in 2015.
Gardiner is also a two-time nominee for the International Media Award by ICG Publicists Awards. She has worked in other aspects of entertainment for over 20 years.
Many top magazines have featured her personality profiles, including Marie Claire, The Week-end Argus, TV+, You, Huisgenoot, Cosmopolitan, and People magazine. She is a Fashion Editor for GoldenGlobes.com.
Gardiner covers entertainment for The Sunday Times, Rooi Rose, and Fair Lady. She has also become an advocate for mental health and body positivity.
Gardiner is an author of books on health and beauty. She has launched her new book, Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar, in the USA and UK. She is preparing to release it in South Africa in Afrikaans and English on 10 March.
The model will visit Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town for promotional events, book signings, and a media tour. She frequently attends red-carpet events in the United States of America.
Personal Life
Margaret Gardiner is married to Andre Nel, a Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at UCLA.
In 2018, the former Miss Universe had a cancerous growth removed from her nose. The hospital discharged her the same day, leaving her nostrils and nose cartilage intact. She resides in Los Angeles, United States.
References
- Joel Ontong. “Former Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner set for homecoming to attend Miss SA accreditation“. News 24.
- Franco Havenga. “Margaret Gardiner ‘positive and grateful’ after nose op“. YOU.
- Staff Reporter. “Saturday Star News Former Miss Universe, Margaret Gardiner’s book rakes in 5-star reviews around the globe“. IOL.
- “Margaret Gardiner“. Golden Globes.
