Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams is an actress, singer and former Miss America winner. Born in Tarrytown, New York, she grew up in Westchester County, where both her parents were music educators. Williams studied musical theater as a drama major at Syracuse University until her second year when she was crowned Miss America 1984, making history as the first African-American woman to win the title.

After resigning her crown amid controversy, Williams launched a successful recording career, releasing her debut album, The Right Stuff, in 1988, followed by The Comfort Zone in 1991. She earned a combined eight Grammy nominations for both albums, including a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

She added acting to her repertoire with standout roles such as Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty and guest appearances on Desperate Housewives, The Good Wife and Daytime Divas. She holds multiple awards and nominations including three Emmy nominations, a Tony nomination and multiple NAACP Image Awards. In 2007, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Williams has been married three times. She tied the knot with Ramon Hervey II in 1987, and the two welcomed children Melanie (born in 1987), Jillian (born in 1989) and Devin (born in 1993) before divorcing in 1997. She married Rick Fox in 1999, and the two welcomed daughter Sasha the following year. They parted ways in 2004. She later moved on with Jim Skrip from 2015 until their quiet divorce in 2021.