Leanza Cornett, born Eva Leanza Cornett on June 10, 1971, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was an esteemed American television personality, actress, and singer. Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, she rose to national prominence in the early 1990s through beauty pageants and a successful entertainment career. A Gemini by birth, Leanza’s dynamic presence and talent earned her recognition well beyond the pageant circuit.
Leanza was crowned Miss Florida in 1992, and the following year, she achieved nationwide fame by winning the title of Miss America 1993. Notably, she was the first Miss America to adopt HIV/AIDS prevention as her platform, using her reign to advocate for awareness and education around the issue. Prior to winning Miss America, she held the title of National Sweetheart in 1991, a distinction given to a high-ranking contestant from other state pageants.
Cornett’s success in pageantry led to numerous opportunities in television. She served as a correspondent on Entertainment Tonight (1994–1995) and hosted shows including New Attitudes (1998) and Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? (2000). She also appeared as a guest on various television series such as The Tick, Fear Factor, and Melrose Place.
Leanza expanded her television presence through DIY Network's On the Block, a show offering tips for home improvement and buying real estate. Additionally, she worked with Animal Planet, providing coverage for the AKC National Dog Championship sponsored by Eukanuba.
In addition to her television work, Leanza Cornett had notable achievements in theater. Her stage credits include productions such as Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Barefoot in the Park, Godspell, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. A talented vocalist, she also participated in the Christian music album “One Big World” released by the group Area Code.
Leanza married American journalist and television host Mark Steines in 1995. Steines, best known for co-hosting Entertainment Tonight from 2004 to 2012, and Cornett shared a common foundation in television and entertainment. The couple had two sons: Kai Harper, born in 2002, and Avery James, born in 2003. They resided in Los Angeles, California, driven by Steines’ studio work in Studio City. After 17 years of marriage, the couple announced their separation in 2013.
A graduate of Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Leanza Cornett was named to the school's Hall of Fame, signaling her early promise and lasting impact. Her multifaceted talents and advocacy work cemented her status as a respected public figure. Leanza balanced her roles as a performer, mother, and advocate with grace and professionalism.
Though exact figures regarding Leanza Cornett’s net worth remain undisclosed, public speculation suggested steady growth during her active years in television and stage performance. While some sources posited that her financial success peaked around 2016, reliable data on her earnings and assets are limited.
| Birth Date: | 10 Jun, 1971 |
| Age: | 48 yrs |
| Occupations: | Model |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Big Stone Gap |
| Education: | Rollins College |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American beauty pageant contestant |
| Spouse: | Mark Steines [M. 1995] |
