Trivia

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.

(November 17, 2003) Sang the National Anthem at Arnold Schwarzenegger's inauguration as Governor of California.

Has 4 children: daughters, Melanie Hervey (b. June 30, 1987) & Jillian Hervey (b. June 19, 1989) and son, Devin Hervey (b. April 14, 1993) with 1st ex-husband, Ramon Hervey and daughter, Sasha Fox (b. May 1, 2000) with 2nd ex-husband, Rick Fox.

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on March 19, 2007.

Was introduced to husband Rick Fox by his then-girlfriend, model Tyra Banks. When his romance with Banks ended, Fox and Williams began dating.

As a Junior at Syracuse University, she was crowned Miss America in fall 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.

Turned down the role in À l'ombre de la haine (2001), which later went to Halle Berry.

Was nominated for Broadway's 2002 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for a revival of "Into the Woods".

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.

Was the first black contestant in the hot seat on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (1999).

She is usually billed as Vanessa Williams but is actually registered with the Screen Actors Guild as Vanessa L. Williams. Vanessa Williams (from Melrose Place), who was registered first, was informed that a complaint could be filed with the Guild but refused since she is using her real name.

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.

Was originally cast as Jane Toussaint in Spike Lee's School Daze (1988), but was replaced by Tisha Campbell due to artistic differences.

Her runner-up, Suzette Charles, became the second African-American Miss America after her resignation.

Parents, Milton Williams and Helen Williams, were both music teachers.

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.

Has a skin-care line called "Revitalistic" [2012].

Appears with her brother Chris Williams and children Melanie Hervey, Jillian Hervey and Devin Hervey in The Courage to Love (2000).

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.

Ranked #56 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists.

Daughter Jillian Hervey is lead singer-dancer for "Lion Babe".

Attended Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York.

Currently living in Chappaqua, New York. (January 2009)

Grew up in Millwood, New York.

Older sister of Chris Williams.

Often confused with actress Vanessa Williams.

Celebrity spokesperson for Proactive Solution (Acne Medication).

Ex-sister-in-law of Jeanene Fox.