Alyssa Campanella Bio

Contestant Alyssa Campanella as seen on Food Network's Rachael Vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook Off Season 1

Contestant Alyssa Campanella as seen on Food Network's Rachael Vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook Off Season 1

Photo by: Anders Krusberg ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Anders Krusberg, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Contestant Alyssa Campanella as seen on Food Network's Rachael Vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook Off Season 1

Alyssa Campanella was a celebrity contestant on Season 1, Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off. Alyssa, a fiery redhead who is a former Miss USA, won her crown on June 19, 2011 at the 2011 Miss USA Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Alyssa was raised in Manalapan, N.J., and at the age of 6 caught the acting bug when she landed a role in a theater show titled The Night We Were Trapped at FAO Schwarz. This role, along with living so close to Manhattan, sparked her interest in modeling and the entertainment industry. Active in school plays and dedicated to her studies, she graduated with honors from Freehold Township High School a year early after receiving a scholarship to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in Manhattan, where she trained in acting for film and television.

In 2006, Alyssa decided to give pageants a try and was crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2007. She went on to represent New Jersey at the 2007 Miss Teen USA Pageant, placing 1st runner-up. The title of Miss New Jersey Teen USA was rewarding for Alyssa because the exposure helped launch her modeling career. She has modeled for numerous fashion designers, for major retail stores and for book covers for romance and thriller novels; and she was featured on a movie poster for Get Him to the Greek.

In May 2010, Alyssa moved to Los Angeles to continue her pursuit of an acting and modeling career. She decided to compete in the 2011 Miss California USA Pageant and won the crown on November 21, 2010. During her tenure as Miss California USA, she continued her career in the entertainment industry but also took time out to volunteer with organizations including UNICEF, Ronald McDonald House and Go Red for Women. As Miss USA, Alyssa served as a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer education, research and legislation — a platform that is close to her heart since it has personally affected a member of her family. She traveled nationwide as an advocate for organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda’s Club, and she supported the troops through involvement with the USO.

Charity: Susan G. Komen for the Cure

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