Brook Lee

Brook Antoinette Mahealani Lee is an American model, television host, and beauty pageant titleholder who achieved international fame winning Miss Hawaii USA 1997, Miss USA 1997, and Miss Universe 1997. Born on January 8, 1971, in Pearl City, Hawaii, Lee made history as the first native Hawaiian and first Asian-American contestant to capture the Miss Universe crown. Known for her quick wit and charismatic personality, she transitioned into broadcasting and entertainment following her pageant reign.

Early Life and Pageantry Success

Lee grew up in Hawaii and graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1989. She earned her undergraduate degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu and pursued graduate studies in communications at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In early 1997, Lee won Miss Hawaii USA, earning a spot at the Miss USA 1997 pageant in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she took the national title. Representing the United States at Miss Universe 1997 in Miami Beach, Florida, Lee impressed the judges with her humor and memorable answers. Winning at age 26, she became the oldest contestant to win the crown at the time and helped bring the Miss Universe 1998 competition to Honolulu.

Television and Entertainment Career

After her pageant reign, Lee built a career in broadcasting, hosting, and modeling. She hosted television programming across Asian and American networks, appearing on broadcasts for ESPN, Fox, and regional outlets. Her television work includes hosting the lifestyle show Modern Wahine Hawaii on KHON2 and co-hosting the podcast series It's a Hawaii Thing. Additionally, Lee has made guest appearances in television shows, served as a commentator for pageant broadcasts, and emceed cultural events throughout Hawaii.

Personal Life

Lee comes from a heritage that includes Native Hawaiian, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, English, French, and Dutch ancestry. In 2006, she married actor Tory Mell, and the couple has two children. After living in California, Lee moved back to Oahu, Hawaii, where she remains active in local media and community causes.