Biography
Vanessa Lynn Williams is an American actress, singer, model, producer and dancer. Born on 18 March 1963 in Tarrytown, New York, she studied theatre arts at Syracuse University.
She first came to public attention as the first African-American woman crowned Miss America in 1984, resigning the title later that year following the publication of nude photographs. Williams subsequently established careers in music and acting, with film roles including Eraser (1996) and Shaft (2000). On television she played Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty (2006–2010), earning three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and Renee Perry in Desperate Housewives (2010–2012).
She has appeared on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for her performance as the Witch in the 2002 revival of Into the Woods.
