Vanessa Lynn Williams (born March 18, 1963) is an American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, actress and showgirl. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America,but a scandal generated by her having posed for nude photographs published in Penthouse magazine caused her to relinquish her title early and she was succeeded by the first runner-up, Suzette Charles of New Jersey – who was also African-American. Williams rebounded by launching a career as an entertainer, earning multiple Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award nominations.

Vanessa Williams At "Ugly Betty" preview party in New York City

Was originally cast as Jane Toussaint in Spike Lee’s School Daze (1988), but was replaced by Tisha Campbell-Martin due to artistic differences.
Parents, Milton & Helen Williams, were both music teachers.
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.
Grew up in Millwood, New York, USA
Often confused with actress Vanessa Williams.
As a Junior at Syracuse University, she was crowned Miss America in the fall of 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.
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.
Has four children: Melanie (b. 1987), Jillian (b. 1989), and Devin (b. 1993), Sasha (b. 2000).
Was the first black contestant in the hot seat on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (1999/I).
Was nominated for Broadway’s 2002 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for a revival of “Into The Woods.”
Spokesperson for Proactive Solution (Acne Medication).
Attended Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York.
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 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.
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.
Measurements: 34C-24-34 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine).
Her runner-up, Suzette Charles, became the second African-American Miss America after her resignation.
Is the sister of Chris Williams.
Sang the National Anthem at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s inauguration as Governor of California. (17 November 2003)
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 19 March 2007.
Ranked #56 on VH1′s 100 Sexiest Artists.
Turned down the role in Monster’s Ball (2001), which later went to Halle Berry.
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.
She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.