Personal Information
- Full Name: Crystle Danae Stewart
- Date of Birth: September 20, 1981
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)
- Profession: Actress, Model, Entrepreneur
- Years Active: 2008–present
- Spouse: Max Sebrechts (married in 2014)
- Children: Two
Early Life and Education
Crystle Stewart was born in Houston, Texas, to Robert and Cynthia Franklin Stewart. She has two siblings, a brother named Robert and a sister named Breana. Growing up in Missouri City, Texas, Stewart exhibited a passion for performance and competition from an early age. She attended Elkins High School, where she excelled academically and athletically. Notably, she won a silver medal in the 4×400 meter relay during the 1994 Junior Olympics.
Stewart pursued higher education at the University of Houston, earning a degree in Consumer Science and Merchandising in 2007. She also graduated from the Barbizon Modeling and Acting School in Houston, further honing her skills in the entertainment industry.
Family Life
In August 2014, Crystle Stewart married Belgian model Max Sebrechts. The couple has since welcomed two children, a daughter born in 2017 and a son born in 2020. Stewart often shares glimpses of her family life on social media, emphasizing the importance of balancing her career and personal life.
Professional Career
Pageantry
Stewart’s journey in pageantry is a testament to her resilience and determination. She competed in the Miss Texas USA pageant multiple times before securing the title:
- 2003: Semifinalist
- 2005: Third Runner-Up
- 2006: First Runner-Up
- 2007: First Runner-Up
- 2008: Winner
Her victory as Miss Texas USA 2008 led her to represent Texas in the Miss USA 2008 pageant, where she was crowned Miss USA on April 11, 2008. This achievement marked her as the ninth Texan to win the national title. Stewart went on to compete in the Miss Universe 2008 pageant in Nha Trang, Vietnam, where she advanced to the Top 10. During the evening gown segment, she experienced a minor stumble but handled it with grace, encouraging the audience’s applause.
Acting Career
Transitioning from pageantry to acting, Stewart made her debut in 2011 with a guest appearance on Tyler Perry’s sitcom “House of Payne.” Impressed by her performance, Perry cast her as a lead in the comedy-drama series “For Better or Worse,” where she portrayed real estate agent Leslie Morris from 2011 to 2017.
Stewart’s collaboration with Perry continued with roles in the films “Good Deeds” (2012) and “Acrimony” (2018). In 2024, she was cast as Mallory in the Netflix drama series “Beauty in Black,” further solidifying her acting career.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Beyond acting, Stewart is a dedicated entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment. In 2014, she founded the MISS Academy in Houston, a training school aimed at equipping young women with life skills through pageantry. The academy focuses on personal development, public speaking, and self-confidence.
In December 2020, Stewart made history by becoming the national director for the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant system, making her the first African American woman to hold this position. Her leadership aimed to modernize and diversify the pageant industry. However, in October 2022, Stewart and her company, Miss Brand Corporation, were suspended following allegations of favoritism and misconduct. She officially stepped down from her role in August 2023.
Social Media Presence and Public Image
Stewart maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where she shares insights into her professional endeavors, family life, and motivational content. Her authenticity and commitment to empowering others have garnered her a substantial following.
Conclusion
Crystle Stewart’s journey from a determined pageant contestant to a multifaceted actress, entrepreneur, and leader exemplifies resilience and versatility. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and dedication to empowering young women continue to inspire and influence future generations.
FAQs
1. What titles has Crystle Stewart won in her pageantry career?
Crystle Stewart won Miss Texas USA 2008 and Miss USA 2008.
2. In which TV series did Crystle Stewart play a lead role?
She starred as Leslie Morris in Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse” from 2011 to 2017.
3. What is the MISS Academy?
Founded by Stewart in 2014, the MISS Academy is a training school in Houston that teaches young women life skills through pageantry.
4. Has Crystle Stewart held any leadership roles in pageantry organizations?
Yes, she served as the national director for Miss USA and Miss Teen USA from 2020 until her resignation in 2023.
5. Is Crystle Stewart married?
Yes, she married Belgian model Max Sebrechts