Cornelia Guest

Cornelia Cochrane Churchill Guest (born November 28, 1963) is a New York socialite, author, actress, and the Debutante of the Decade for the 1980s of the International Debutante Ball in New York City. She is a vegan, and known for her advocacy of animal rights.

Early life and education Cornelia Cochrane Churchill Guest was born on November 28, 1963, in New York City, New York. Cornelia Guest is the daughter of the British polo champion Winston Guest (1906–1982) and socialite Lucy "C.Z." Douglas Cochrane (1920-2003). She was the fourth and last child for Winston Guest and the second and last of C.Z. Guest’s children. She was named for her great-grandmother Lady Cornelia Spencer-Churchill (1847–1927), a daughter of John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough. Her godparents were her parents' friends, King Edward VIII (1894–1972) and his wife Wallis, Duchess of Windsor (1896–1986).

Guest attended Foxcroft School, but dropped out at 15 Guest became an accomplished equestrian, like her father, and rode competitively. She continued riding until her mother died in 2003. The New York Times called her “the first ‘celebutante.’” Some were critical of Guest’s flamboyance and self-promotion in particular and of the resurgence of debutante balls, with the lavish spending that comes with them, in general.

Career Soon after the publication of her memoir, Guest headed to Hollywood for an acting career, quickly securing the services of both an agent and a much-in-demand acting coach, Sandra Seacat. In 2017, she appeared in Twin Peaks.

Animal rights

Guest is a vegan and has been a spokesperson for animal rights. In 2011, Guest posed nude as part of the ongoing “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” campaign for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). and announced plans to release between five and ten designs through the company for the fall 2016 season.

In January 2020, Guest moved to Dallas, Texas, to make a better home for the menagerie of animals she has rescued, including mini horses, donkeys, Guinea hens, a Sulcata tortoise, ducks, chickens, peacocks, cats, and dogs.

Guest serves as a Director on the Board of the Humane Society of New York, an animal adoption center and veterinary clinic.

Published works In 1986, she published a memoir, The Debutante’s Guide to Life. She also launched a vegan catering business in 2010. According to Guests' events website, "the menus are not limited to vegan and vegetarian options."