What is Alicia Machado’s Net Worth?

Alicia Machado, a Venezuelan-American actress, television personality, singer, and former beauty queen, has amassed a net worth of $4 million. Machado first captured the spotlight in 1995 as Miss Venezuela and gained international recognition the following year when she was crowned Miss Universe 1996. Her acting career includes notable roles in television series such as “Samantha,” “Infierno en el paraíso,” and “La Madame.”

Early Life

Born Yoseph Alicia Machado Fajardo on December 6, 1976, in Maracay, Venezuela, Machado’s journey to fame began with her victory in the Miss Maracay beauty pageant, which led to her triumph in the Miss Venezuela competition in 1995. The subsequent year, she became Miss Universe 1996, a title that brought her both fame and scrutiny. During her preparation for the pageant, Machado faced intense pressure to maintain her weight, leading to struggles with anorexia and bulimia. After gaining around 12 pounds post-crowning, the media focused an intense spotlight on her, culminating in a scandal. In 2016, her name resurfaced in the public eye during the U.S. Presidential debate when Hillary Clinton cited Machado to illustrate Donald Trump’s alleged sexism. Reports suggested that during her tenure as Miss Universe, Trump, who owned the pageant, made derogatory remarks about her, labeling her “Ms. Piggy” and “Ms. Housekeeping.”

Beauty Pageants

Machado’s acting debut came in 1998 with the lead role in the Venezuelan telenovela “Samantha.” She followed this with a starring role in the Mexican telenovela “Infierno en el paraíso” in 1999. By 2002, she was part of the Venezuelan telenovela “Mambo y Canela.” Her foray into reality TV began with the second season of “La Granja,” where she caused a stir by engaging in an intimate moment on camera with contestant Fernando Acaso, despite being engaged to Bob Abreu at the time. In 2006, Machado participated in the Mexican singing competition “Cantando por un sueño.” The following year, she enjoyed a busy schedule, starring in “El Pantera,” appearing in the mini-telenovela “Amor sin maquillaje,” and serving as a judge on “Nuestra Belleza Latina.” Machado returned to telenovelas in 2009 with roles in “Hasta que el dinero nos separe” and “Atrévete a soñar,” and she appeared in “Una familia con suerte” from 2011 to 2012.

Television Career

In 2012, Machado took third place in the third season of “Mira quién baila,” a dance competition show. The next year, she returned to lead roles in the telenovela “La Madame.” In 2014, she came back to “Nuestra Belleza Latina” as a mentor and team leader. Machado’s career continued with her role in “Lo imperdonable” in 2015, and after a brief lull, she re-emerged in the early 2020s, competing in “MasterChef Celebrity México” and winning the first season of “La casa de los famosos,” a Spanish-language “Celebrity Big Brother.” She later joined the show as a panelist for its second and fifth seasons. In 2023, Machado appeared in Telemundo’s “Juego de mentiras” and starred in “Secretos de las indomables.” She joined the third season of Telemundo’s “Top Chef VIP” in 2024 and took on the role of team captain in “Miss Universe Latina, el reality” the following year.

In addition to her television work, Machado has also appeared in films such as “Cansada de besar sapos” and “Dios o demonio.” Her theater credits include productions like “Un amante a la medida,” “Hairspray,” and “Divinas.”

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Film and Stage

On film, Machado has acted in such titles as “Cansada de besar sapos” and “Dios o demonio.” Her stage credits include “Un amante a la medida,” “Hairspray,” and “Divinas.”

Controversies

In 1998, Machado caused a media scandal when she was accused of threatening to murder the judge who was presiding over her case, which concerned her then-boyfriend being charged with attempted murder. Additionally, Machado was accused of driving her boyfriend’s getaway car after the crime. She was ultimately never charged. Machado sparked more controversy in 2025 when she made racist comments during a livestream about Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil.

Personal Life

Machado previously dated Venezuelan former MLB player Bobby Abreu, to whom she got engaged. The pair broke up after Machado was seen having sex with another man on reality television. In 2016, Machado became a US citizen, and in 2019 she talked openly about being bisexual. She has one daughter.