Maria Thattil

{{Short description|Australian activist, media personality, and beauty pageant titleholder (born 1992/93)}}

{{Infobox pageant titleholder

| name = Maria Thattil

| image =

| caption =

| birth_place = Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

| birth_date = {{birth based on age as of date|30|2023|02|23}}

| occupation = {{hlist|Media personality|HR manager|author|podcaster|actor}}

| years_active = 2020–present

| partner = Moana Hope (2023–present)

| hair_color = Brown

| eye_color = Brown

| title = Miss Universe Australia 2020

| competitions = Miss Universe Australia 2020
(Winner)
Miss Universe 2020
(Top 10)

| website = {{URL|mariathattil.com}}

}}

Maria Thattil (born {{birth based on age as of date|30|2023|02|23|noage=1}}) is an Australian media personality, HR manager, beauty pageant titleholder, podcaster, author, and actor. She was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020 and then represented Australia at Miss Universe 2020, where she was placed in the top 10.

Early life and education

Maria Thattil is Indian Australian woman. She was born in {{birth based on age as of date|30|2023|02|23|noage=1}} in Melbourne after her parents migrated from India to Australia in the 1980s or early 1990s.{{Cite web |title=Daughter of Indian migrants, Maria Thattil crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020 |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/hindi/en/article/daughter-of-indian-migrants-maria-thattil-crowned-miss-universe-australia-2020/93jcrhh8i |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=SBS Language |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-11-05 |title=Maria Thattil, Daughter of Indian Migrants Wins Miss Universe Australia 2020 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/maria-thattil-daughter-of-indian-migrants-wins-miss-universe-australia-2020-3045710.html |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904011801/https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/maria-thattil-daughter-of-indian-migrants-wins-miss-universe-australia-2020-3045710.html |url-status=live }} Her father is from Kerala and her mother from West Bengal.

She went to a private girls' school, and was bullied growing up, and thought that she would have to rid herself of her Indian identity in order to blend in as an Australian. As a teen, she took performing arts classes at Stage School Australia.{{Cite news |last=Epstein |first=Jackie |date=6 December 2023 |title=Ex-Miss Universe makes shock career change in 'full circle' moment |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2899256716 |access-date=2025-04-19 |work=Herald Sun (Online) |id={{ProQuest|2899256716}}}}{{Cite news |date=17 March 2024 |title='I'm sensual and empowered. I won't apologise for that' |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2957800848/733081E23A964E7CPQ/4 |access-date=2025-04-24 |work=Herald Sun|id={{ProQuest|2957800848 }} }}

She has two degrees: a bachelor's degree in applied science, majoring in psychology, from RMIT and a Master of Management (Human Resources) from the University of Melbourne{{cite web | first=Indira|last= Laisram | title=Unbounded: Maria Thattil drops some life tools & a tasty teaser | website=TIS | date=23 February 2023 | url=https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2023/02/23/unbounded-maria-thattil-drops-some-life-tools-a-tasty-teaser/ | access-date=13 September 2024}} in 2017. She had intended to become a clinical psychologist, but halfway through the psychology honours program, felt that it was not right for her. After working in fashion retail for two years and enjoying managing a team, she had changed course to management. She did night classes till 9:45pm Mondays to Fridays, and worked retail every weekend for two years.{{cite interview | title=Five in Five: Maria Thattil | website=Faculty of Business and Economics | url=https://fbe.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/five-in-five-maria-thattil | access-date=13 September 2024 | archive-date=13 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913110858/https://fbe.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/five-in-five-maria-thattil | url-status=live }}

Thattil was nominated for a Harvard fellowship program, which she turned down after deciding that her focus would go wider than the business world.{{cite web | last=Noonan | first=Sarah | title=How Maria Thattil learned she could carry the ovarian cancer gene | website=bodyandsoul | date=13 April 2024 | url=https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/womens-health/how-maria-thattil-learned-she-could-carry-the-ovarian-cancer-gene/news-story/1db2f7cc5eb28b64257c928926c14cec?nk=68895562721e418db0b504fc52e492bd-1726272908 | access-date=14 September 2024}}

Career

After graduating, Thattil a lot of contract work, including HR roles, until she won a corporate role as a "talent acquisition partner" at the Victoria State Government's North East Link Project.

===Miss Universe===

Thattil was named Miss Universe Australia in October 2020,{{Cite web|url=https://noosatoday.com.au/entertainment/11-12-2022/maria-thattil-set-to-release-unbounded/|title=Maria Thattil set to release 'Unbounded'|first=Jin|last=Hui|date=December 10, 2022|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221005237/https://noosatoday.com.au/entertainment/11-12-2022/maria-thattil-set-to-release-unbounded/|url-status=live}} and was placed in the top 10 of the global competition as only the third woman of colour to represent Australia.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nriaffairs.com/indian-origin-miss-australia-takes-out-top-10-place-in-miss-universe-international/|title=Indian-origin Miss Australia finishes Top 10, Miss India 3rd Runner Up in Miss Universe 2021 pageant – NRI Affairs|date=May 17, 2021}}{{Cite web |last=Acharya |first=Mosiqi |date=31 October 2020 |title=Daughter of Indian migrants, Maria Thattil crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020 |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/daughter-of-indian-migrants-maria-thattil-crowned-miss-universe-australia-2020 |website=SBS Hindi |access-date=15 April 2022 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101065237/https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/daughter-of-indian-migrants-maria-thattil-crowned-miss-universe-australia-2020 |url-status=live }} She said that she had entered the competition partly "to redefine Australian beauty standards" in Australia, which were focused on tall white women (she is just 5'3"), and to defy bullies and trolls who had targeted her on social media. Upon winning the competition, she was only the third woman of colour to win in its nearly 70-year history. She was interviewed by media and it started conversations about racism, as well as barriers for women and young people.{{cite web | last=Mathews | first=Anna | title=Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil: My mission was to redefine Australian beauty standards | website=The Times of India | date=20 June 2021 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/miss-universe-australia-maria-thattil-my-mission-was-to-redefine-australian-beauty-standards/articleshow/83669124.cms | access-date=13 September 2024 | archive-date=13 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913110817/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/miss-universe-australia-maria-thattil-my-mission-was-to-redefine-australian-beauty-standards/articleshow/83669124.cms | url-status=live }}

=Media appearances=

She has had many appearances on Australian television, as a presenter, frequent commentator, and actor. She has appeared on Channel 9's Today Extra, and Talking Honey, Seven Network's The Morning Show, ABC's News Breakfast and India Now; and Network 10's Studio 10.

In January 2022, Thattil appeared as a contestant on the eighth season of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Australia. She was the second contestant to be eliminated.{{Cite web |date=24 January 2022 |title=I'm A Celebrity 2022: Miss Australia Maria Thattil the third celebrity ejected from the jungle |url=https://10play.com.au/im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here/articles/im-a-celebrity-2022-miss-australia-maria-thattil-the-third-celebrity-ejected-from-the-jungle/tpa220121bmsnd |website=10 play |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=24 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124075950/https://10play.com.au/im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here/articles/im-a-celebrity-2022-miss-australia-maria-thattil-the-third-celebrity-ejected-from-the-jungle/tpa220121bmsnd |url-status=live }} While in the jungle, she came out as bisexual.{{Cite web |last=Lautier |first=Monique |date=14 January 2022 |title=Maria Thattil came out as bisexual on 'I'm A Celeb', and we're proud of her |url=https://thebrag.com/maria-thattil-bisexual-im-a-celeb/ |website=The Brag}}

In 2023 she began making occasional appearances as a co-host on Network 10's current affairs news show The Project. In July of that year, she became the host of her own podcast The Maria Thattil Show. {{cite web | url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/2023/07/11461886/maria-thattil-podcast | title=Gospel Girl Jokes to Awkward Sex Talk — Upbringing Plays a Huge Part in Who Maria Thattil is Today | access-date=17 July 2023 | archive-date=17 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717030632/https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/2023/07/11461886/maria-thattil-podcast | url-status=live }}

On 4 August 2023, Thattil was a guest judge in an episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nine.com.au/entertainment/latest/rupauls-drag-race-down-under-season-three-2023-guest-judges-adam-lambert-maria-thattil/e3472f7d-a85f-4d1c-b20e-be05b19d2f7a|title=The epic special guests who will appear on RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under Season 3 – including Adam Lambert and Maria Thattil|date=19 July 2023|website=Nine.com.au|access-date=8 August 2023|archive-date=10 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230240/https://www.nine.com.au/entertainment/latest/rupauls-drag-race-down-under-season-three-2023-guest-judges-adam-lambert-maria-thattil/e3472f7d-a85f-4d1c-b20e-be05b19d2f7a|url-status=live}}

On 2 September 2024 she appeared on ABC Television's current affairs panel show Q+A, in a special event filmed in Dandenong, Victoria.{{cite web | last=Hill | first=Julian | last2=McKenzie | first2=Zoe | last3=Nyuon | first3=Nyadol | last4=Faine | first4=Jon | last5=Thattil | first5=Maria | title=Q+A in Dandenong: Crime, Climate & the War on Woke | website=Q+A | date=2 September 2024 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/qanda/ep16-02092024/104274200 | access-date=14 September 2024 | archive-date=14 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914003446/https://www.abc.net.au/qanda/ep16-02092024/104274200 | url-status=live }}

=Acting=

In August 2023 Thattil made her acting debut in a guest role in the reboot of Mother and Son on ABC Television.{{Cite web |title=Australian Television: Mother and Son [2023]: cast |url=http://www.australiantelevision.net/motherandson/cast.html#google_vignette |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=www.australiantelevision.net |archive-date=14 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614130851/http://www.australiantelevision.net/motherandson/cast.html#google_vignette |url-status=live }}

In December 2023, Thattil joined the cast of Neighbours in the guest role of Amira Devkar, the first ever South Asian queer character in the show. She made her first appearance in May 2024, and appeared in six episodes of the show.{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/exmiss-universe-launches-acting-career-in-full-circle-moment/news-story/7ed9c73a4ed3cff57b4f525865d97b3b|title=Ex-Miss Universe launches acting career in 'full circle' moment|last=Epstein|first=Jackie|date=7 December 2023|work=Herald Sun|access-date=6 December 2023}}{{cite web | title=Maria Thattil | website=Q+A | publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=29 August 2024 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/qanda/maria-thattil-2024/104284538 | access-date=14 September 2024 | archive-date=14 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914003507/https://www.abc.net.au/qanda/maria-thattil-2024/104284538 | url-status=live }}

She has created a series on TikTok called Lets Get Ducking Famous!, in which her character, Naomi, and her friend try to make their duck famous on social media.

=Writing=

After securing a book deal with Penguin in August 2021, she started writing the following year. In 2023, she published Unbounded, a book that navigates the complexities of identity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/marrying-masters-degree-and-makeup-for-social-change/101979160|title=Marrying a Masters degree and make-up for social change: Maria Thattil|date=February 20, 2023|website=ABC Radio National|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221032945/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/marrying-masters-degree-and-makeup-for-social-change/101979160|url-status=live}} It is describes the book as "part memoir, part inspiration", and is grounded in academic research.{{cite web | title=Maria Thattil 'Unbounded': how the former Miss Universe Australia became her best self | website=SAARI Collective | date=3 March 2023 | url=https://saaricollective.com.au/culture/blog/maria-thattil-unbounded-how-the-former-miss-universe-australia-became-her-best-self/ | access-date=14 September 2024 | archive-date=14 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914011652/https://saaricollective.com.au/culture/blog/maria-thattil-unbounded-how-the-former-miss-universe-australia-became-her-best-self/ | url-status=live }}

Other activities

Thattil is a supporter of diversity, inclusion and equality.{{Cite web|url=https://7news.com.au/the-morning-show/story-info/miss-universe-australia-maria-thattil-calls-out-toxic-online-culture-c-3715233|title=Miss Universe Australia horrified after reading comments in schoolboys' online group chat|date=August 18, 2021|website=7NEWS}} She is an advocate for women and the LGBTQIA+ community {{Cite web|url=https://mumbrella.com.au/loreal-paris-launches-stand-up-against-street-harassment-campaign-754197|title=L'Oréal Paris launches Stand Up Against Street Harassment campaign|date=August 31, 2022|website=Mumbrella|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221005238/https://mumbrella.com.au/loreal-paris-launches-stand-up-against-street-harassment-campaign-754197|url-status=live}} and stands against racism.{{Cite web|url=https://www.who.com.au/australian-celebrity-interviews-who-30th-birthday|title=30 Years of WHO: 10 Australian icons reflect on the past three decades|website=Who|date=21 October 2022|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=28 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328074142/https://www.who.com.au/australian-celebrity-interviews-who-30th-birthday|url-status=live}} She has built a social media following of over 70,000 by 2024.

She said in 2022 that she may consider a career in politics when she's older.{{cite web | first=Maria | last=Thattil | interviewer-first=Faye | interviewer-last=Couros | title=Exclusive: I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here's Maria Thattil is considering adding 'politician' to her already lengthy resume | website=Now To Love | date=19 April 2022 | url=https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celebrity-news/maria-thattil-politics-71827/ | access-date=14 September 2024 | archive-date=14 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914003233/https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celebrity-news/maria-thattil-politics-71827/ | url-status=live }}

Thattil has been ambassador for the Witchery White Shirt campaigns, which raises money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, since at least 2022 and as of 2024.

In October 2023, she gave a talk at TedX Sydney, titled "The 6 Words You Need To Change Your Life", in which she spoke about embracing her authentic self, and using her voice and platform to speak out about issues that are important to her.{{cite web | last=S | first=Pangambam | title=The 6 Words You Need To Change Your Life: Maria Thattil (Transcript) | website=The Singju Post | date=4 November 2023 | url=https://singjupost.com/the-6-words-you-need-to-change-your-life-maria-thattil-transcript/ | access-date=14 September 2024 | archive-date=14 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914010105/https://singjupost.com/the-6-words-you-need-to-change-your-life-maria-thattil-transcript/ | url-status=live }}{{youtube|KO3GIoBT5U|The 6 words you need to change your life.}} Maria Thattil, TedX Sydney, 6 October 2023.

She has also represented many well-known brands, including Olay, Alfa Romeo, Clinique, Myer, Tommy Hilfiger, and others. She has been keynote speaker and host at many events for international conglomerates and other institutions, such as Microsoft, Westpac, Are Media, Verizon Media, and the major Melbourne universities.

Recognition

2023: "Voice of Now", at Marie Claire's Women of the Year Awards, "for her work as a trailblazing Australian who has broken barriers and championed for change"
2024: Named by as one of six honorees of Elle magazine's "BOLD, BRIGHT, BRAVE" event

Personal life

Thattil identifies as bisexual, and has campaigned for acceptance of LGBTQI people.{{Cite web |title=About Maria |url=https://mariathattil.com/about/ |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=Maria Thattil |language=en-US |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420183319/https://mariathattil.com/about/ |url-status=live }} She came out on national television (onI'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!), having been working for an LGBTQIA+ youth charity called Minus18 on behalf of her brother, who is gay. She said that coming out to her parents was made easier by her brother having come out as gay eight years earlier. They were previously part of a culturally conservative community, but had changed their views considerably since. Her parents are completely supportive of both her and her brother now. She had a relationship with a man in her 20s, starting to explore her sexual identity after they split.

She revealed that she had an abortion at age 21,{{Cite web |title=Maria Thattil: 'Safe abortion gave me the freedom to live my dreams' |url=https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/maria-thattil-open-letter-to-women-about-abortion/de09b4df-862b-49fa-9362-deea7297eaec |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=honey.nine.com.au |date=July 2022 |language=en-AU |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904011104/https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/maria-thattil-open-letter-to-women-about-abortion/de09b4df-862b-49fa-9362-deea7297eaec |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Former Miss Universe Australia Is Grateful She Was Able To Get An Abortion At 21 |url=https://www.ladbible.com/news/latest-ex-miss-universe-australia-reveals-grateful-her-abortion-at-21-20220627 |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=LADbible |date=27 June 2022 |language=en |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904011059/https://www.ladbible.com/news/latest-ex-miss-universe-australia-reveals-grateful-her-abortion-at-21-20220627 |url-status=live }} and is of the view that abortion is part of healthcare, and "a fundamental human right".

{{As of|2022}} she lives in Melbourne.{{Cite web |title=Maria Thattil {{!}} I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! |url=https://10play.com.au/im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here/celebrities/season-8/maria-thattil/pa220103hynbf |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=10 play |language=en-AU}} In September 2023 she revealed her relationship with former AFLW player and Survivor contestant Moana Hope. The couple split in February 2025.{{cite web | last=Leach | first=Maddison | title=Joey Essex isn't the only person to catch Maria Thattil's eye, just look at the I'm A Celeb star's dating history | website=Now To Love | date=20 March 2024 | url=https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/reality-tv/maria-thattil-relationship-70595/ | access-date=14 September 2024 | archive-date=14 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914012433/https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/reality-tv/maria-thattil-relationship-70595/ | url-status=live }}