SAPAGEANTSBLOGSPOT HAD THE PRIVILEDGE OF INTERVIEWING SOUTH AFRICA'S ONLY MISS UNIVERSE TITLEHOLDER TO DATE ON THE EVE OF MISS UNIVERSE 2009...THE LOVELY MARGARET GARDINER!!!
1. WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION AT MISS UNIVERSE 1978?
Can Cun. After a very stressful time we got to hang and have fun. The girls danced with each other and took in the view. I am actually on my way back to Can Cun for the first time since the pageant and looking forward to it. I will be interviewing Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eissenberg, Thandie Newton, John Cusack, Chiwetel Eijefoor and director Roland Emmerich.
2. Share some special moments from your reign as Miss Universe 1978?
Gosh so many....The comradie amongst the contestants was unique. So many songs and so much laughter!
3. How has the Miss Universe Pageant changed over the years since your crowning?
Bikini Baby :-)
4. If you had a daughter would you encourage her to participate in Miss Universe?
I'd encourage her to pursue whatever her dream was. People bash beauty pageants but since ive been out of the beauty world i have discovered that people are the nicest. I have never experienced very much meanness of back stabbing. The real world is full of it but the beauty world also taught me to handle stress with grace and stay calm under fire. I try to maintain those goals.
5. You are the only MISS UNIVERSE to date from South Africa, what do you think are current Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar's chances of winning the Miss Universe title in the Bahamas?
Have not seen her but the mere fact that she is a Miss SA gives her an edge. Our woman are beautiful smart and natural. I wish her much luck and its merely a matter of time before another winner comes from our amazing country
6. Any advice for Tatum, for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant?
Yeah! Be yourself. Know your politics. Understand the questions that will be asked. Have Fun. This is a unique experience.
7. Tell us about your career and what you are doing at present?
I'm an entertainment journalist. Love it! It's creative and has a close of flash. I interview A-list movie stars for glossy magazines. Favourite people Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep and George Clooney.
8. Has being Miss Universe impacted on your career in anyway?
Yeah it opened so many doors. People are kind enough to recall me and that is always so humbling. Plus it does give those who are afraid of me a tool they think they can use to try and frame me as less. I know though what it takes to be a winner in this field. Those that walk away with the title and have the courage to compete are people who say yes to life, are not afraid of a challenge, and STRONG. We tend to be over-achievers and successful when we apply ourselves. I'm proud to have the credit and am so very impressed with the young woman i see competing today.
9. What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a former Miss Universe?
Courage in adversity. There are those who support beauty pageants and those who are clueless. Those who are clueless usually have a bias and are vocal in their bias. However, there arguements are seldom well thought out and lack basic structure. Strength is a gift the experience provided plus access.
10. Your message to your South African fans?
I cannot believe that i have anyone who still remembers me. Thank you for all your support over the years. I was a horribly shy young woman who didnt know very much about the pageant world when i entered at 18. The Love support and kindness that the public showed me was so generous and helped me overcome my fears and reach out and talk to strangers. Actually that is the biggest gift the pageant gave me. I can go anywhere and make friends because of the manner in which the public accepted me and took me in. I am so very grateful to those who did and continue to do so. With much warmth and appreciation
MARGARET GARDINER
MISS UNIVERSE 1978
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