Tami Farrell

Tami Nichole Farrell is an American actress, television host, and beauty queen. Born on October 5, 1984, she is widely recognized for holding several major pageant titles, including Miss Oregon Teen USA 2003, Miss Teen USA 2003, and Miss California USA 2009.

Farrell is the daughter of a freight driver and a special education assistant, and she has Vasovagal syncope. She graduated from Phoenix High School in 2003. As a student, she began supporting organizations such as Sparrow Clubs USA and the American Heart Association, continuing her involvement with both causes throughout her national and state title reigns.

Her title path began in 2002 when she won Miss Oregon Teen USA. On August 12, 2003, she competed in Palm Springs, California, winning the Miss Teen USA 2003 pageant. She was the third contestant from Oregon to capture the national crown and was also awarded Miss Congeniality at the event.

During her tenure as Miss Teen USA, Farrell represented the Miss Universe Organization alongside her fellow 2003 titleholders, Miss Universe Amelia Vega of the Dominican Republic and Miss USA Susie Castillo of Massachusetts. She officially ended her reign on August 6, 2004, handing over the crown to Shelley Hennig of Louisiana in Palm Springs.

After her reign ended, Farrell lived in New York City during the summer of 2005 to attend a summer intensive program at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. She then moved to Los Angeles, California, to establish a career in entertainment. She also served as a judge for pageant competitions, including Miss Washington USA 2006 and Miss California USA 2006.

In the summer of 2008, Farrell won Miss Malibu USA 2009 and placed as first runner-up at the 2009 Miss California USA contest behind Carrie Prejean. On June 10, 2009, Farrell assumed the Miss California USA 2009 title after Prejean was dismissed by Donald Trump following controversial comments regarding marriage at the Miss USA 2009 pageant. Addressing the topic in 2009, Farrell, a Christian, stated her personal belief that marriage is between a man and a woman, while noting that she did not believe anyone had the right to dictate who others love, describing the subject as a civil rights issue best left to voters.