Susie Castillo, Part One

Susie Castillo talks about how she started in pageants, fought through some early disappointments and ended up winning the 2003 Miss USA title. She explains how pageants were an important part of her long-term plan for a career in acting and the entertainment industry. She also talks about her most touching experience as Miss USA.

Susie Castillo, Part Two

Valerie and Susie answer caller questions, including tips on competing in your first Miss pageant and how to make the leap into professional modeling and acting. Susie also talks about what she believes are the four most crucial keys to success.

Ask Valerie!

Valerie shares a valuable life lesson related to the cleaning service she uses. Plus, she answers listener questions, including an explanation of the differences between the American Co-Ed and National American Miss pageants.

Susie Castillo

Actress and television personality Susie Castillo can currently be seen playing \"Mercedes Hernandez\" on Tyler Perry\'s hit sitcom, \"House of Payne\" on TBS. The promising actress recently completed the role of \"Linda\" in the indie film \"The Heartbreaker\" and is shooting the sketch comedy pilot, \"A Very Special Episode with Jai Rodriguez\".

Susie made her feature film debut in Disney\'s live-action comedy, \"Underdog,\" playing the role of News Reporter \"Diana Flores.\" She has also guest-starred on several TV shows, including \"My Wife and Kids\" and UPN\'s \"Half and Half\".

In 2003, this Puerto Rican and Dominican beauty became the third Latina ever win the Miss USA Pageant, prompting People en Espanol to name her one of the \"25 Most Beautiful People\" and launching her career in entertainment. With a strong presence and personality, Susie quickly emerged as one of television\'s most recognizable faces and was named to Maxim\'s Hot 100 list in 2008.

Recently attaining one of her life-long goals, Susie\'s first book, \"Confidence is Queen: The Four Keys to Ultimate Beauty through Positive Thinking,\" was published by Penguin Group. In her book, which is aimed to inspire confidence in young girls, Susie uses her honesty and sense of humor to share her secrets to achieving goals and living out one\'s dreams.

Until departing in 2007 to pursue a full-time career in acting, Susie could be seen daily as host of MTV\'s \"TRL\" (Total Request Live) where she interviewed the biggest names in Hollywood. MTV quickly called upon her to host many of their shows, including \"Big Ten,\" \"TRL\'s New Year\'s Eve,\" \"The VMAs on Overdrive,\" \"The Hills After Show,\" and multiple \"Real World\" reunion specials. MTV Radio also developed \"The MTV Tr3s Countdown\" for Susie to host. The show is now in syndication, rated one of the most popular Latin radio shows, not just in the US, but also in Puerto Rico.

Susie\'s poise in front of the camera has led to many other high-profile hosting gigs, most recently the NBC show \"Superstars of Dance\", produced by Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller (the powerhouse team behind \"American Idol\") which Susie co-hosted with Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley.

Susie recently became the Brand Ambassador of the fashion line Charlotte Russe, and her fresh look landed her a deal as a Neutrogena spokesperson. She is featured in a national television campaign, joining fellow Neutrogena beauties Jennifer Garner, Diane Lane, Vanessa Hudgens and Hayden Panettiere.

Susie currently resides in Los Angeles where she spends much of her spare time supporting her favorite organizations, such as \"I Am That Girl\" and St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. Always the environmentalist, Susie lives a \"green\" lifestyle, driving a hybrid car, recycling, eating locally-grown, organic foods, conserving water and energy in her home, and using earth-friendly products whenever possible. She enjoys golfing, snowboarding and playing with her Chihuahua’s, Lupe and Oscar...who also eat organically.

Click here to visit her website