It’s no wonder why Maria Menounos has been named one of the most beautiful people by People magazine, and one of the most desirable women by Ask Men. Chances are, you know her from her stint on Entertainment Tonight, but this ambitious TV personality has her sights set on conquering the entertainment industry.

It’s no surprise that this Greek beauty got her start in beauty pageants; Maria easily took the title of Miss Teen Massachusetts in 1996, but went home empty handed in the Miss Teen USA pageant. But this brunette bombshell didn’t let that get her down. She went on to college where she got her first taste of a career in TV Journalism working for Channel One News. In 2002 Maria got her big break when she was hired as a correspondent on Entertainment Tonight. She was quickly snatched up to host the shows spin-off program which aired on MTV and VH1.

After paying her dues for a few years, Maria was ready switch roles. Instead of interviewing actors and actresses, she left Entertainment Tonight to focus on her own acting career. And so far her resume isn’t too shabby. She had a small role in the blockbuster movie The Fantastic Four and also has recurring roles on hit tv shows such as One Tree Hill and Without a Trace.

When she’s not on the set, she can be seen as a correspondent for Access Hollywood and pitching Pantene Pro V hair products. As if her plate isn’t full enough, look for her directorial debut in the movie Longtime Listener, starring Wilmer Valderamma, to debut at the Tribecca Film Festival sometime this year. This one has beauty and brains, and that’s never a bad combination.

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