Young beauty queen raised in small town of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. Represented Toa Alta in the Miss Puerto Rico contest, where she won. Eventually represented Puerto Rico in the 1993 Miss Universe contest, where she walked away with the crown. After winning the crown, she filmed a movie for famed Puerto Rican director Jacobo Morales ("Linda Sara") before heading off to the Philippines to host local talk show and film several movies there. Learned Tagalog. After returning to Puerto Rico released two salsa/merengue albums, but didn't fair too well in sales. A doll created in her likeness (similar to a Barbie doll) was a big seller in Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Married singer Mark Anthony in 2000.

Won the following beauty pageants: Miss Toa Alta (hometown beauty pageant) - 1992 Miss Puerto Rico Universe - 1992 Miss Universe - 1993Gave birth to son Cristian Anthony on February 6, 2001.Her parents are divorcedOne of the youngest Miss Universe winners (won at 18)Her son Cristian was named after Mexican singer Cristián Castro , because her former husband, Marc Anthony , is a major fan/friend of his.Lived in the Philippines from 1994 to 1995 and danced on a TV show in Manila.Loves to ride horsesShe wanted to be an orthodontist before winning the 1993 Miss Universe pageantShe became the 3rd Miss Universe of Puerto RicoSpeaks Spanish, English, and Tagalog (main language of the Philippines).2nd son Ryan Anthony Muniz born August 16th 2003 with husband MarcIn honor of her beauty and talent, the Dayanara doll was launched in 1998, complete with a crown, and outfits of a singer, dancer, and model.  The doll was immediately sold out in Puerto Rico and the Philippines.She even sang a duet during the pageant Miss Universe 1994 with 'Peabo Bryson', called "A Whole New World". Little did she know that night that her own life would, once again, take an exciting turn and that she would be living in a whole new world herself.She was the host of the highly rated live variety show "ASAP" which is broadcast throughout all of Asia.The Philippines Press Club honored her with the Best New TV Personality Award in 1995.Studied voice lesson under Ryan Cayabyab .