Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams April 2019

American singer, actress, and fashion designer

Vanessa Lynn Williams (born March 18, 1963) is an American singer, actress, and fashion designer. She initially gained recognition as the first African-American woman to receive the title of Miss America when she was crowned Miss America 1984. However, she was forced to resign a few weeks before the end of her reign due to a scandal involving unauthorized publication of nude photographs. Despite this setback, Williams went on to have a successful career in entertainment.

Early Life

Vanessa Williams was born in The Bronx, New York City, and raised in Millwood, New York. She is the daughter of music teachers Helen Tinch and Milton Augustine Williams Jr. Williams showed an early interest in music and performance, studying classical and jazz dance, piano, and French horn.

Career

Music

Williams launched her music career in 1988 with the release of her debut album, The Right Stuff. The album spawned several hit singles, including "The Right Stuff" and "Dreamin'". Her second album, The Comfort Zone (1991), featured the hit single "Save the Best for Last", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Williams has released a total of eight studio albums, earning multiple Grammy Award nominations.

Acting

Williams transitioned into acting with notable success. She made her film debut in Eraser (1996) alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. She has also appeared in films such as Soul Food (1997) and Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009). On television, Williams is well-known for her roles in Ugly Betty as Wilhelmina Slater and Desperate Housewives as Renee Perry. Her performances have earned her several Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Fashion

In addition to her music and acting careers, Williams has also made a name for herself in the fashion industry. She has launched her own clothing line and has been involved in various fashion-related projects.

Personal Life

Williams has been married three times and has four children. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Vanessa Williams has received numerous awards and honors, including Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. She was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

See Also

• List of Miss America titleholders
• List of African-American firsts

External Links

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