Georgina Rizk, the first and only Arab beauty queen to clinch the coveted Miss Universe title, graciously welcomes us into her world, bathed in the soft glow of early afternoon light. Seated elegantly in her spacious salon, she exudes the grace and radiance that defined her reign as a beauty queen, despite the passage of fifty-one years. Sporting a sporty yellow ensemble, sneakers, and a warm smile, she effortlessly occupies the room, offering refreshments with a generous spirit. As we delve into conversation, she proudly acknowledges her mixed heritage, attributing her striking beauty and unwavering character to her Lebanese father and Hungarian mother, a baroness.
Rizk’s aversion to falsehoods and her commitment to positivity have remained steadfast throughout her life.Rizk’s transformative journey to stardom began at the tender age of 14 when she was already on the path to becoming a rising star. Under the guidance of Andrée Acouri, the first Arab model to grace international runways, Rizk honed her natural charisma and impeccable silhouette. She reminisces about her debut modeling experience at the Carlton Hotel in Beirut, where she showcased local and international brands. Recalling Lebanon’s bygone era of elegance and openness to the world, she fondly describes it as a golden age and a paradise of sophistication before the war’s onset in 1975. Despite the upheaval, Rizk’s love for Lebanon remains unwavering, believing in the potential of the new generation to bring about positive change.The trajectory of Rizk’s beauty journey took an unexpected turn when she was asked to replace her half-sister, designer and countess Felicina Rossi, in a TV program hosted by Victor Bercin. Although initially uninterested, Rizk agreed, warning that any deception would be exposed to the public. This serendipitous opportunity led her to the Miss Lebanon pageant, an experience she hadn’t planned for. However, after claiming the Miss Lebanon title, she was propelled onto the global stage as Lebanon’s representative in the Miss Universe pageant. Despite her humility, she had already captured the attention of admirers during her school years.Her journey to the Miss Universe crown took her to Houston for a runway show by designer Anna Maria Malek and then on to Florida for ten days of intensive rehearsals. Her fate was decided by 11 incognito judges, including the esteemed French actress Line Renaud. Rizk’s avant-garde fashion statement on the night of the competition, dressed in a green outfit embroidered in gold, made her a standout contender.
From 61 international contestants, she secured her place among the top 10 semifinalists and ultimately clinched the crown as Miss Universe 1971.Rizk recalls the moments before her triumph when she sensed that victory was within her grasp. During the Q&A segment, host Bob Barker posed a question about advising a friend entering the Miss Universe contest, to which Rizk responded eloquently in French, emphasizing the importance of the experience itself, regardless of the outcome. Her genuine and heartfelt answer resonated with her true character as someone not seeking fame but embracing the authenticity of the moment.Upon her victory, Lebanon rejoiced, showering her with telegrams and celebrations. Her return to Lebanon was met with the same enthusiasm, and she was received as a queen by the nation’s highest authorities. Rizk’s return was marked by cultural celebrations, including a traditional Dabke performance at the airport and even the issuance of a postage stamp in her honor.Back in Beirut, Rizk was cast in leading roles in movies and a theater play, despite her initial lack of interest in acting.
Her true passion, she asserts, is motherhood. Rizk has three children from her two marriages, but she has always been committed to safeguarding her children from the trappings of fame. In fact, she doesn’t even have a presence on social media.Rizk’s life journey has taken her from Beirut to Paris and Cairo, and eventually back to Beirut, where she is surrounded by her close-knit support system. She emphasizes that only true friends are granted access to her inner circle. Her humility and down-to-earth nature have remained unchanged despite her remarkable life experiences. For Rizk, beauty is not confined to physical attributes; it also encompasses the qualities of one’s soul, intelligence, knowledge, and good manners. She believes that these attributes are the most attractive, whether in women or men, and that plastic surgery should be used to preserve, not alter, the unique characteristics that make each individual special.Reflecting on her life, Georgina Rizk has no regrets and believes that she has consistently made the right choices.
She values her freedom and takes pleasure in simple pleasures like the beach and home-cooked meals. While she keeps up with current fashion trends, her timeless fashion choices reflect her personal style and appreciation for beauty. She affirms that beauty may initially attract, but it is one’s soul, intelligence, knowledge, and manners that truly captivate others.Georgina Rizk’s life has been a journey marked by authenticity and a commitment to her true self. As we conclude our conversation, the possibility of her life being transformed into a movie is raised. With her characteristic attention to detail, she considers it with a smile, stating that it would need to be done under her supervision and executed to perfection.
