Catriona Gray Biography

Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray, born on January 6, 1994, in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, is a Filipino-Australian model, singer, television host, and philanthropist. She rose to international fame when she was crowned Miss Universe 2018, becoming the fourth Filipina to win the prestigious title. Her journey is a remarkable blend of talent, intelligence, and dedication to meaningful advocacies.

Catriona is the daughter of Ian Gray, an Australian of Scottish descent, and Normita Ragas Magnayon, a Filipina from Albay, Philippines. Her name reflects her heritage, combining the names of her paternal grandmother, Catherine Gray, and her maternal grandmother, Elsa Magnayon. She grew up in Cairns and attended Trinity Anglican School, where she excelled academically and as a leader. She was deeply involved in the arts, participating in musicals like Miss Saigon and serving as the lead singer of her school’s jazz band. Later, she pursued higher education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, earning a certificate in music theory. Additionally, she has a certificate in outdoor recreation and a black belt in Choi Kwang-Do martial arts.

Catriona began her pageantry journey as a child, winning Little Miss Philippines in Sydney at the age of five. Her professional breakthrough came in 2016 when she was crowned Miss World Philippines. Competing at Miss World 2016, she placed in the Top 5. Undeterred, she entered Binibining Pilipinas in 2018 and secured the Miss Universe Philippines title. At the Miss Universe 2018 pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand, her now-iconic “lava walk” and eloquent answers won her the crown on December 17, 2018.

ALSO SEE: SINGER KALPANA BIOGRAPHY

Throughout her reign, Catriona championed advocacies close to her heart. She has been a tireless advocate for education and HIV/AIDS awareness. Her work with Young Focus Philippines, which provides education to underprivileged children in Tondo, Manila, has had a profound impact. She is also a prominent supporter of Love Yourself Philippines, promoting HIV testing and awareness, and Smile Train, which offers free cleft palate surgeries. These efforts showcase her commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Aside from her pageant career, Catriona is a talented singer who released her debut single, “We’re in This Together,” in 2018. Proceeds from the song were directed toward her charity work. She has also graced magazine covers and walked the runway for esteemed fashion shows, solidifying her status as a global fashion icon. Her involvement in television hosting and public speaking further highlights her charisma and ability to engage diverse audiences.

Catriona enjoys a strong connection to her Filipino heritage and is fluent in both English and Filipino. Her personal life includes her relationship with Filipino-American actor and musician Sam Milby, with whom she shares glimpses of her life on social media. In her free time, she expresses her creativity through painting, playing the guitar, and traveling.

Catriona’s journey from her early days in Cairns to becoming an international beauty queen and philanthropist is nothing short of inspiring. Her legacy is one of resilience, grace, and an unwavering commitment to her advocacies, setting an example for young women worldwide.

Catriona Gray Age

Catriona Gray was born on January 6, 1994, in Cairns, Australia, making her 31 years old in 2025. Her age represents a timeline rich with accomplishments in modeling, music, and advocacy. Since her early childhood, she has displayed remarkable talent, growing into a woman whose achievements have left a significant mark on the global stage. Her accomplishments reflect maturity beyond her years, achieved through an unwavering focus on self-improvement and a dedication to her passions.

Catriona Gray Husband

Catriona Gray was engaged to Filipino-American actor and musician Sam Milby. Their relationship gained significant media attention, with the two being viewed as one of the most adored couples in Filipino entertainment. However, the engagement ended in early 2025, as the couple announced their mutual decision to part ways. Despite this, Catriona has exhibited strength, maintaining her focus on her professional and philanthropic endeavors.

ALSO SEE: SOPHIA EGBUEJE BIOGRAPHY

Catriona Gray Height

Standing at an impressive 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), Catriona Gray has a commanding presence that has always set her apart. Her tall, graceful stature contributed to her success in the modeling world and on the pageant stage. Her height, along with her poise and charisma, was particularly evident during her Miss Universe journey. It allowed her to deliver the now-iconic “lava walk,” a catwalk performance that remains legendary in beauty pageant history.

Catriona Gray Net Worth

Catriona Gray’s estimated net worth is valued at around $44 million as of 2025. Her financial success stems from her extensive career, which includes modeling, singing, hosting, and endorsements. Winning Miss Universe 2018 opened doors to global opportunities, including brand campaigns and television appearances. Her active presence on social media and her numerous collaborations with high-profile brands have further contributed to her wealth. In addition to accumulating financial success, Catriona is known for using her resources to support her charitable advocacies.

Catriona Gray Miss Universe

Catriona Gray achieved global recognition when she was crowned Miss Universe 2018 on December 17, 2018, in Bangkok, Thailand. This prestigious title marked a historic moment for the Philippines as Catriona became the fourth Filipina to win the crown. Her journey through the competition was extraordinary, from her iconic “lava walk” to her impactful answers during the question-and-answer segment. She left an indelible mark by showcasing not only physical beauty but also intelligence, eloquence, and empathy.

During her reign, Catriona championed causes close to her heart, including education and HIV/AIDS awareness. Her work with Young Focus Philippines, which aids underprivileged children, and her advocacy for HIV education through Love Yourself Philippines, demonstrated her dedication to making a difference. Her reign went beyond the crown, leaving a legacy of purposeful action and inspiration for others to follow.