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Occupation: |
Actress (also Singer) |
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Full Name: |
Vanessa Lynn Williams |
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Born: |
March 18th, 1963 in Millwood, NY |
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Education: |
Syracuse University, Major: Musical Theatre |
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Divorced: |
from Ramon Harvey (1996) |
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Married to: |
Rick Fox (NBA Player) since September 26th 1999 |
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Children: |
Devin, Jillian and Melanie |
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Parents: |
Milton and Helen Williams (both Music Teachers) |
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Brother: |
Christopher James (he is a comedian) |
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Special Likes: |
Cooking (esp. Lasagne) and driving her Range Rover |
On September 17, 1983, Vanessa Williams
became Miss America. It was extra special to the world, since
she was the first Afro-American woman to win the Miss America
Pageant. Ten months later pictures of her appeared in the September
issue of Penthouse. The news was out all over the world. Vanessa soon
had to "abdicate", she lost endorsement contracts, she was no longer
welcome to take part in pageants across America - all because of some
pictures she posed for in her teens.
Vanessa Williams said at the time, "I made a terrible error in
judgement, and I know I'll have to pay for it as long as I live. But
I am not a lesbian and I am not a slut, and somehow I am going to
make people believe me."
Although reporters still bring up the subject
of the so called scandal, time has shown that Vanessa Williams was
able to succeed. She is a well known singer who has recorded several
platinum records, sung an Oscar winning song, appeared in movies and
tv-shows.
She narrated a PBS documentary "I'll Make Me A World: A
Century of African American Arts", a six hour series which
debuted February 1st, 1999.
She also appeared in the play Kiss of the Spider Woman
(1994-1995)
She recorded: "The Right Stuff" (1988) (album), "Comfort
Zone" (1991) (album) and "The Sweetest Days" (1995)
(album).
TV specials: "Vanessa Williams & Friends: Christmas in New
York" (12/1996), "Star Bright", "Christmas Album"
1996 (album) and "Next" 1997 (album)
Her movie credits include: Eraser opposite Arnold
Schwarzenegger and with Roma Maffia, Soul Food, Dance with Me
and Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man.
