Vanessa Williams
Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA
Latest News on Vanessa Williams:
Alicia Keys, Linda Twine, and Maxine Williams Will Be Honored at the 2024 Black Theatre United Gala (Jun 5, 2024)
Georgie Buckland, Amy Di Bartolomeo, and More Join THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Musical (Jun 4, 2024)
Georgie Buckland & Amy Di Bartolomeo to Star as Andy & Emily in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA in London (Jun 3, 2024)
Alicia Keys, Linda Twine, and Maxine Williams Will Be Honored at the 2024 Black Theatre United Gala (Jun 5, 2024)
Georgie Buckland, Amy Di Bartolomeo, and More Join THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Musical (Jun 4, 2024)
Georgie Buckland & Amy Di Bartolomeo to Star as Andy & Emily in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA in London (Jun 3, 2024)
Vanessa Williams BIO
Williams initially gained recognition as the first woman of African-American descent to receive the Miss America title when she was crowned Miss America 1984 in 1983. However, a scandal arose the following year when, a few weeks prior to the end of her reign, Williams learned that Penthouse magazine would be publishing now "iconic" unauthorized photographs of her in an upcoming issue. Amid growing media controversy and scrutiny, Williams resigned as Miss America in July 1984 (under pressure from the Miss America Organization) and was replaced by first runner-up Miss New Jersey Suzette Charles. Thirty-two years later, Miss America CEO Sam Haskell offered her a public apology (during the Miss America 2016 pageant) for the events of 1984.
Williams rebounded from the scandal with a successful career as a singer and actress. In 1988, she released her debut studio album The Right Stuff, whose title single saw moderate success before "Dreamin'" peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the United States in 1989. With her second and third studio albums, The Comfort Zone (1991) and The Sweetest Days (1994), she saw continued commercial success and received multiple Grammy Award nominations; this included her number-one hit (in early 1992) and signature song, "Save the Best for Last", which she performed live at the 1993 Grammy Awards ceremonies. Her later studio albums include Everlasting Love (2005) and The Real Thing (2009).
As an actress, Williams enjoyed success on both stage and screen, receiving an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Teri Joseph in the film Soul Food (1997). Her best-known television roles are that of Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty (2006–10), for which she was nominated three times for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and Renee Perry on Desperate Housewives (2010–12).
Vanessa Williams Photos
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Britney Coleman, Reed Birney, Vanessa Williams, Nancy Opel, Tam mutu, Alexandra Socha, Bebe Neuwirth, Joel Grey, Bob Martin, Clifton Duncan, Douglas Sills, Clyde Alves, Marc Kudisch, Alexandra Socha, Judy Kuhn and Carolee Carmello
Date:
02/12/2018
From: Photo Coverage: HEY, LOOK ME OVER! Takes its Final Bows
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James Lapine, Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams, Tom Wopat attending the Meet & Greet the cast of the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of "SONDHEIM 0n SONDHEIM" at the their rehearsal studios in New York City. March 3, 2010
Date:
08/09/2017
From: Photo Flash: Remembering a Broadway Legend- Barbara Cook
Leslie Kritzer, Erin Mackey, Matthew Scott, Euan Morton.Barbara Cook, James Lapine, Vanessa Williams & Tom Wopat
attending the Meet & Greet the cast of the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of "SONDHEIM 0n SONDHEIM" at the their rehearsal studios in
Date:
08/09/2017
From: Photo Flash: Remembering a Broadway Legend- Barbara Cook
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Timothy McClimon, George Takei, Jerry Manning, Michael Wilson, Benjamin Moore, Michael Gennaro, Richard Thomas, Vanessa Williams, Darko Tresjnak, Curt Columbus, Jill Bielstein, Mike Stotts, Bruce Whitacre and Joe Dowling.
Date:
05/01/2013
From: Photo Flash: Vanessa Williams, George Takei and More at NCTF Gala
Vanessa Williams STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Margaret
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Spider Woman/Aurora [Replacement]
Spider Woman / Aurora [Replacement]
Vanessa Williams Productions
Vanessa Williams Movies
The Pick-up Artist
[ 1987 ] Rae
[ 1987 ] Rae
Under the Gun
[ 1988 ] Samantha Richards
[ 1988 ] Samantha Richards
Another You
[ 1991 ] Gloria
[ 1991 ] Gloria
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man
[ 1991 ] Lulu Daniels
[ 1991 ] Lulu Daniels
Eraser
[ 1996 ] Lee
[ 1996 ] Lee
Soul Food
[ 1997 ] Teri
[ 1997 ] Teri
Hoodlum
[ 1997 ] Francine Hughes
[ 1997 ] Francine Hughes
Dance with Me
[ 1998 ] Ruby Sinclair
[ 1998 ] Ruby Sinclair
Light It Up
[ 1999 ] Audrey McDonald
[ 1999 ] Audrey McDonald
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
[ 1999 ] Queen of Trash
[ 1999 ] Queen of Trash
Shaft
[ 2000 ] Carmen Vasquez
[ 2000 ] Carmen Vasquez
Johnson Family Vacation
[ 2004 ] Dorothy Johnson
[ 2004 ] Dorothy Johnson
My Brother
[ 2006 ] L'Tisha Morton
[ 2006 ] L'Tisha Morton
And Then Came Love
[ 2007 ] Julie
[ 2007 ] Julie
Hannah Montana: The Movie
[ 2009 ] Vita
[ 2009 ] Vita
Delhi Safari
[ 2012 ] Begum
[ 2012 ] Begum
Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor
[ 2013 ] Janice
[ 2013 ] Janice
He's Way More Famous Than You
[ 2013 ] Vanessa Williams
[ 2013 ] Vanessa Williams
When Marnie Was There
[ 2014 ] Hisako
[ 2014 ] Hisako
The Man from Earth: Holocene
[ 2017 ] Carolyn
[ 2017 ] Carolyn
The Legend of Hallowaiian
[ 2018 ] Fire Goddess
[ 2018 ] Fire Goddess
Miss Virginia
[ 2019 ] Sally Rae
[ 2019 ] Sally Rae
Bad Hair
[ 2020 ] Zora
[ 2020 ] Zora
Vanessa Williams TV Shows
Partners in Crime
Roselle Robins
Roselle Robins
The Love Boat
Pearl
Pearl
The Redd Foxx Show
Jessica
Jessica
T.J. Hooker
Officer Pat Williamson
Officer Pat Williamson
Full Exposure: The Sex Tapes Scandal
Valentine Hayward
Valentine Hayward
Perry Mason: The Case of the Silenced Singer
Terri Knight
Terri Knight
Seriously... Phil Collins
Rachel, TV Executive
Rachel, TV Executive
The Kid Who Loved Christmas
Lynette Parks
Lynette Parks
Stompin' at the Savoy
Pauline
Pauline
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Danny Mitchell
Danny Mitchell
The Jacksons: An American Dream
Suzanne de Passe
Suzanne de Passe
Nothing Lasts Forever
Dr. Kathy 'Kat' Hunter
Dr. Kathy 'Kat' Hunter
Bye Bye Birdie
Rose Alvarez
Rose Alvarez
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Beauty
Beauty
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Arandis
Arandis
The Odyssey
Calypso
Calypso
Futuresport
Alex Torres
Alex Torres
L.A. Doctors
Dr. Leanne Barrows
Dr. Leanne Barrows
A Diva's Christmas Carol
Ebony Scrooge
Ebony Scrooge
The Courage to Love
Mother Henriette Delille
Mother Henriette Delille
Don Quixote
Dulcinea, Aldonza
Dulcinea, Aldonza
WW 3
M.J. Blake
M.J. Blake
Santa, Baby!
Alicia voice
Alicia voice
Keep the Faith, Baby
Hazel Scott
Hazel Scott
Ally McBeal
Sheila Hunt
Sheila Hunt
The Proud Family
Debra
Debra
Boomtown
Detective Katherine Pierce
Detective Katherine Pierce
South Beach
Elizabeth Bauer
Elizabeth Bauer
The Beautiful World of Ugly Betty
Wilhelmina Slater
Wilhelmina Slater
Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies
[ 2007-2008 ] Mama Mirabelle
[ 2007-2008 ] Mama Mirabelle
Ugly Betty
[ 2006-2010 ] Wilhelmina Slater
[ 2006-2010 ] Wilhelmina Slater
Desperate Housewives
[ 2010-2012 ] Renee Perry
[ 2010-2012 ] Renee Perry
666 Park Avenue
[ 2012-2013 ] Olivia Doran
[ 2012-2013 ] Olivia Doran
The Trip to Bountiful
Jessie Mae Watts
Jessie Mae Watts
The Good Wife
Courtney Paige
Courtney Paige
Royal Pains
Olympia Houston
Olympia Houston
Fantasy Life
Terry
Terry
The Mindy Project
Dr. Phillips
Dr. Phillips
Broad City
Elizabeth Carlton
Elizabeth Carlton
Daytime Divas
Maxine Robinson
Maxine Robinson
Modern Family
Rhonda
Rhonda
The Librarians
[ 2016-2017 ] General Cynthia Rockwell
[ 2016-2017 ] General Cynthia Rockwell
Difficult People
Trish
Trish
False Profits
Suzanne
Suzanne
Me, Myself and I
Kelly Frasier
Kelly Frasier
Doc McStuffins
Delilah
Delilah
Happy Accident
Sherri
Sherri
First Wives Club
Nancy
Nancy
Kenan
Tasha
Tasha
Girls5eva
Nance Trace
Nance Trace
Twenties
[ 2020-2021 ] Angela
[ 2020-2021 ] Angela
Vanessa Williams Awards and Nominations
Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award
Vanessa Williams, The Trip to Bountiful
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
Vanessa Williams, The Trip to Bountiful
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Vanessa Williams, Into the Woods
Vanessa Williams Videos
Video: Vanessa Williams Releases Music Video for New Single 'Legs (Keep Dancing)'
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 28, 2024
Vanessa Williams Will Play Miranda Priestly in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Musical
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2024
Photos/Video: Tony-Winner Susan Stroman Receives 2023 Louis Auchincloss Prize
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2023
Video: Vanessa Williams & Norm Lewis Talk Representation on Broadway With Black Theatre United on the TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - Oct 20, 2023
Photos & Video: First Look at James Monroe Iglehart & More in A WONDERFUL WORLD
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2023
Video: Watch Vanessa Williams, Justin Guarini & More in the TRIPPED UP Trailer
by Michael Major - Sep 21, 2023
Video: Watch Sara Bareilles & Jessie Mueller Sing 'She Used to Be Mine' From WAITRESS on the PBS Great Performances Concert
by Michael Major - May 12, 2023
Videos: Watch Sutton Foster Perform 'Being Alive' & More From the 'Great Performances' 50th Anniversary Concert
by Michael Major - May 11, 2023
Video: First Look at Great Performances' 50 Year Celebration Hosted by Sutton Foster
by Michael Major - May 2, 2023
VIDEO: Vanessa Williams, Rachel Dratch, & Julianne Hough Talk POTUS on THE VIEW
by Michael Major - May 26, 2022
VIDEO: Lea DeLaria Discusses Celebrating Her Birthday With Her POTUS Co-Stars on WENDY
by Michael Major - May 25, 2022
Vanessa Williams News
Alicia Keys, Linda Twine, and Maxine Williams Will Be Honored at the 2024 Black Theatre United Gala
Black Theatre United will host its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York. Learn more about how to attend here!
Black Theatre United will host its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York. Learn more about how to attend here!
Georgie Buckland, Amy Di Bartolomeo, and More Join THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Musical
The Devil Wears Prada has announced additional casting for its upcoming production. Learn more here!
The Devil Wears Prada has announced additional casting for its upcoming production. Learn more here!
Georgie Buckland & Amy Di Bartolomeo to Star as Andy & Emily in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA in London
Georgie Buckland and Amy Di Bartolomeo have joined the cast of The Devil Wears Prada in London as Andy and Emily! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Georgie Buckland and Amy Di Bartolomeo have joined the cast of The Devil Wears Prada in London as Andy and Emily! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: A WONDERFUL WORLD Star James Monroe Iglehart Shares His Top 3 Louis Armstrong Songs
Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton, Spamalot) will return to Broadway as jazz icon Louis Armstrong in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. See the star reveal his top 3 Louis Armstrong songs! Watch the video!
Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton, Spamalot) will return to Broadway as jazz icon Louis Armstrong in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. See the star reveal his top 3 Louis Armstrong songs! Watch the video!
Inkwell Singers Bring BROADWAY BABIES: Our Favorite Showtunes to The Triad in June
INKWELL SINGERS will debut their new show BROADWAY BABIES: Our Favorite Showtunes on June 6th and June 8th, 2024, at 7:00pm at The Triad Theater.
INKWELL SINGERS will debut their new show BROADWAY BABIES: Our Favorite Showtunes on June 6th and June 8th, 2024, at 7:00pm at The Triad Theater.
Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Kara Lindsay & More to Join 2024 WP Theater Gala
WP Theater has revealed the presenters and performers for its 2024 Annual Gala. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
WP Theater has revealed the presenters and performers for its 2024 Annual Gala. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
MCC Theater's MISCAST24 Digital Broadcast Extended Through Mid May
You can now watch MCC Theater's Miscast24 through mid May! Learn more about Miscast and see how to watch!
You can now watch MCC Theater's Miscast24 through mid May! Learn more about Miscast and see how to watch!
Video: Mykal Kilgore Performs 'Stars and the Moon' at MISCAST24
Miscast features the biggest stars of stage and screen who take the stage to perform songs from roles in which they would not traditionally be cast. Check out a video of Mykal Kilgore performing 'Stars and the Moon' here!
Miscast features the biggest stars of stage and screen who take the stage to perform songs from roles in which they would not traditionally be cast. Check out a video of Mykal Kilgore performing 'Stars and the Moon' here!
Video: Vanessa Williams Releases Music Video for New Single 'Legs (Keep Dancing)'
Watch Vanessa Williams' new video for her single 'Legs (Still Dancing)' here!
Watch Vanessa Williams' new video for her single 'Legs (Still Dancing)' here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 23, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 23, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 23, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: Vanessa Williams and Bebe Neuwirth Announce the 2024 Drama League Award Nominations
Two-time Emmy and two-time Tony winner Bebe Neuwirth, and Grammy, Emmy, and Tony nominee Vanessa Williams, announced the 2024 Drama League Awards Nominations this morning, Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:00AM. Check out photos from the event here!
Two-time Emmy and two-time Tony winner Bebe Neuwirth, and Grammy, Emmy, and Tony nominee Vanessa Williams, announced the 2024 Drama League Awards Nominations this morning, Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:00AM. Check out photos from the event here!
What Do the Drama League Nominations Mean for the 2024 Tony Awards?
Bebe Neuwirth and Vanessa Williams announced the 2024 Drama League Awards nominees. What does the news mean for the rest of awards season? Does love from the Drama League usually mean that a Tony nomination will follow?
Bebe Neuwirth and Vanessa Williams announced the 2024 Drama League Awards nominees. What does the news mean for the rest of awards season? Does love from the Drama League usually mean that a Tony nomination will follow?
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards
Read the full list of 2024 Drama League Nominations! Nominations include Cabaret, Merrily We Roll Along and more.
Read the full list of 2024 Drama League Nominations! Nominations include Cabaret, Merrily We Roll Along and more.
Bebe Neuwirth and Vanessa Williams To Announce 2024 Drama League Nominations
Broadway stars Bebe Neuwirth and Vanessa Williams join forces to announce the 2024 Drama League Nominees, marking a significant event in the theatre industry.
Broadway stars Bebe Neuwirth and Vanessa Williams join forces to announce the 2024 Drama League Nominees, marking a significant event in the theatre industry.
Exclusive: Watch Lauren Patten Sing 'One Song, Glory' at MISCAST24
The best of Broadway was miscast by MCC earlier this week! This year's event was held on Monday, April 15 at the Hammerstein Ballroom and you can check out an exclusive clip of Tony winner Lauren Patten's performance from Rent in this video!
The best of Broadway was miscast by MCC earlier this week! This year's event was held on Monday, April 15 at the Hammerstein Ballroom and you can check out an exclusive clip of Tony winner Lauren Patten's performance from Rent in this video!
Elizabeth Stanley to Perform at A.R.T. Gala in June
Elizabeth Stanley (Jagged Little Pill) will perform at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.)'s 2024 Gala. Learn more!
Elizabeth Stanley (Jagged Little Pill) will perform at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.)'s 2024 Gala. Learn more!
Video: Vanessa Williams & Bebe Neuwirth Announce the 2024 Drama League Awards Nominees
In this video, watch as Grammy, Emmy, and Tony nominee Vanessa Williams and Bebe Neuwirth co-host the 2024 Drama League Awards Nominations announcement from the Lincoln Center’s New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. You can watch the live stream exclusively here at BroadwayWorld.
In this video, watch as Grammy, Emmy, and Tony nominee Vanessa Williams and Bebe Neuwirth co-host the 2024 Drama League Awards Nominations announcement from the Lincoln Center’s New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. You can watch the live stream exclusively here at BroadwayWorld.
Photos: Exclusive! Go inside Kristin Chenoweth's KRISTIN: AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS FOR TODD! for Roundabout Theater Company
On Monday, Roundabout Theatre Company presented Emmy & Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth in KRISTIN: AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS FOR TODD, a special benefit concert. BroadwayWorld went inside the star-studded event! Check out photos of Kristin along with some very special guests!
On Monday, Roundabout Theatre Company presented Emmy & Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth in KRISTIN: AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS FOR TODD, a special benefit concert. BroadwayWorld went inside the star-studded event! Check out photos of Kristin along with some very special guests!
Tickets on Sale for A WONDERFUL WORLD: THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG MUSICAL - Watch a Teaser
Tickets are now on sale for A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical starring James Monroe Iglehart. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Tickets are now on sale for A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical starring James Monroe Iglehart. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: On the Red Carpet for MISCAST24, Honoring Jason Robert Brown and Nicole Suazo
The best of Broadway was on hand at the Hammerstein Ballroom where MCC celebrated MISCAST24, honoring Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown and MCC Youth Company Alum Nicole Suazo. Check out photos from the red carpet arrivals.
The best of Broadway was on hand at the Hammerstein Ballroom where MCC celebrated MISCAST24, honoring Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown and MCC Youth Company Alum Nicole Suazo. Check out photos from the red carpet arrivals.
Vanessa Williams FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Vanessa Williams been in?
Vanessa Williams has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.
How many West End shows has Vanessa Williams been in?
Vanessa Williams has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
What was Vanessa Williams's first West End show?
Vanessa Williams's first West End show was City of Angels which opened in 2020
What awards has Vanessa Williams been nominated for?
Vanessa Williams has been nominated for several awards, including the Distinguished Performance Award by the Drama League Awards for her role in The Trip to Bountiful. She was also nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Additionally, Williams received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her performance in Into the Woods.
Videos