| Jméno: | Vanessa Williams |
| Datum narození: | 1963-03-18 |
| Místo narození: | Tarrytown, New York, USA |
| Výška: | 1.68 m |
| IMDb ID: | nm0001853 |
An American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, and actress. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal involving nude photographs caused her to relinquish her title early. Williams rebounded by launching a career as an entertainer, earning Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award nominations. Williams released her debut album The Right Stuff in 1988, which spawned the hits "The Right Stuff," a #1 on Hot Dance Songs, and "Dreamin'," a #1 on R&B and #8 on Billboard Hot 100. Her second studio album, The Comfort Zone, in 1991 topped the Billboard R&B Album Chart, and spawned the number-one hit, "Save the Best for Last." In 1994 she debuted on Broadway in the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman. In 1995 she recorded the Oscar-winner for Best Original Song, "Colors of the Wind," from the Disney animated feature film Pocahontas. It went on to reach #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Williams's first major movie role was as the star of the feature film Eraser in 1996. She also starred in the movies Soul Food, Dance with Me, The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, Shaft and Johnson Family Vacation. From 2006 to 2010 she played the role of self-absorbed diva and former supermodel Wilhelmina Slater in the ABC comedy series Ugly Betty. In 2009, Williams released her eighth studio album, The Real Thing. In 2010 she joined the ensemble cast of the series Desperate Housewives as spoiled rich woman Renee Perry.
- Former Miss America 1984, resigned after nude photos surfaced in Penthouse magazine. The centerfold model for that issue was 16-year-old Traci Lords. Because Ms. Lords was underage, it is illegal to own or trade that issue of the magazine, unless the centerfold pictorial is removed.
- (November 17, 2003) Sang the National Anthem at Arnold Schwarzenegger's inauguration as Governor of California.
- Has 4 children: daughters, Melanie Hervey (b. June 30, 1987) & Jillian Hervey (b. June 19, 1989) and son, Devin Hervey (b. April 14, 1993) with 1st ex-husband, Ramon Hervey and daughter, Sasha Fox (b. May 1, 2000) with 2nd ex-husband, Rick Fox.
- Was introduced to husband Rick Fox by his then-girlfriend, model Tyra Banks. When his romance with Banks ended, Fox and Williams began dating.
- She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on March 19, 2007.
- Turned down the role in Ples příšer (2001), which later went to Halle Berry.
- As a Junior at Syracuse University, she was crowned Miss America in fall 1983 and dropped out to fulfill her contractual duties, but she eventually earned her Bachelor's degree from the Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts on May 10, 2008.
- Was the first black contestant in the hot seat on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (1999).
- In 2007, she became one of the highest-paid spokespersons of all time in the world of infomercial products when she signed a $20-million contract with ProActive Solution.
- Was originally cast as Jane Toussaint in Spike Lee's School Daze (1988), but was replaced by Tisha Campbell due to artistic differences.
- Was nominated for Broadway's 2002 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for a revival of "Into the Woods".
- She is usually billed as Vanessa Williams but is actually registered with the Screen Actors Guild as Vanessa L. Williams. Vanessa Williams (from Melrose Place), who was registered first, was informed that a complaint could be filed with the Guild but refused since she is using her real name.
- In 1981, she won a musical theatre scholarship to Syracuse University. However, she eventually lost those funds. That led to her entry in the Miss America pageant.
- Her runner-up, Suzette Charles, became the second African-American Miss America after her resignation.
- Has a skin-care line called "Revitalistic" [2012].
- She and Rick Fox eloped to the Caribbean in the Summer of 1999, but promised family and friends they would re-tie the knot that Fall, which they did in a lavish ceremony at the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City, followed by a gala reception at the St. Regis Hotel.
- Parents, Milton Williams and Helen Williams, were both music teachers.
- Did commercials for Radio Shack from 2001 with Howie Long and Ving Rhames, and, from 2003, husband Rick Fox. She also did spots for Crest, and a late-night infomercial for skin care product, Proactive Solution.
- Ranked #56 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists.
- Appears with her brother Chris Williams and children Melanie Hervey, Jillian Hervey and Devin Hervey in The Courage to Love (2000).
- Daughter Jillian Hervey is lead singer-dancer for "Lion Babe".
- Currently living in Chappaqua, New York. (January 2009)
- Grew up in Millwood, New York.
- Attended Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York.
- Older sister of Chris Williams.
- Celebrity spokesperson for Proactive Solution (Acne Medication).
- Often confused with actress Vanessa Williams.
- Ex-sister-in-law of Jeanene Fox.
