Vanessa Lynn Williams was born in The Bronx, New York. The 1963-born actress, singer and fashion designer became the first African-American woman to win the title of Miss America in 1983. She has sold millions of records worldwide, with many of them hitting #1 and Top 10 hits on different Billboard Singles and Album charts.

All the major industries recognise her work. She has worked in the Broadway stage, film, TV, and recordings, and has three Satellite Awards and seven NAACP Image Awards to her name. Award nominations include a Tony, eleven Grammy, and four Emmy nominations. Her platinum single from Disney’s Pocahontas, “Colors of the Wind”, won the Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe for Best Original Song. She is also famous for her iconic roles in Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty. Williams makes her West End debut in City of Angels.

Theatre:

Kiss of the Spider Woman (Broadway, 1994); St. Louis Woman (1998); Into the Woods ( 2002); Sondheim on Sondheim (Broadway musical, 2010); The Trip to Bountiful (2013); After Midnight (2014); Show Boat (2015).

Music:

The Right Stuff (debut album, 1988); He’s Got the Look; Dreamin’ (Billboard Hot 100); The Comfort Zone (second album); Running Back to You (Hot 100); Just for Tonight; Freedom Dance. Her biggest hit ever is “Save the Best for Last” (#1 in the US, #1 in Australia, Canada and the Netherlands).

TV:

Me, Myself and I (2 episodes); Modern Family (1 episode); Daytime Divas (11 episodes); 666 Park Avenue (13 episodes); Desperate Housewives (55 episodes); Ugly Betty (88 episodes).

Film:

She has been in various movies, including When Marnie Was There (2015); Tyler Perry’s Temptation (2013); Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009); Johnson Family Vacation (2004); Shaft (2000); The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999); The Odyssey (1997); Eraser (1996); The Pick-Up Artist (1987).