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Vanessa Williams is a queen in the world of entertainment and also my alma mater alum. Williams first gained recognition as the first African-American woman to receive the Miss America title when she was crowned Miss America 1984. Even though she resigned her title because of stupidity on the part of the media, she didn’t let it stop her. She burst through that scandal with a successful career as a singer and actress. She landed a number-one single with “Save the Best for Last.” She went on to have an amazing career on the stage and screen. She is still going strong because she is a queen!
Dr. Lee Cullen- Eraser (1996)
I think this was the first film I saw Vanessa Williams in. Eraser is one of those sleeper hits that she starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. Williams plays Lee Cullen, a senior executive at defense contractor Cyrez Corporation. Lee’s life turns upside down when she alerts the FBI that the executives, she works for have been secretly financing the creation of an advanced electromagnetic rifle. Williams is beautiful and fun to watch. She has her moments in the film.
Wilhelmina Slater- Ugly Betty (2006-2010)
Williams is PERFECT in Ugly Betty as the diva but villain Wilhelmina Slater. As Slater, she is a conceited, self-absorbed diva and former supermodel. She only cares about two things in her life: Botox and the magazine, MODE. Williams is amazing and should be applauded with her portrayal. She was fun to watch and showed how amazing she was. Also, the role was named on the #25 list of TV’s Greatest Villains of All Time. That is all dedicated to Williams acting.
The Witch- Into the Woods (2002)
Into the Woods has been a musical for a long time. I think since 1987. Most people think of Meryl Streep in the Disney film. I think of Vanessa Williams in the role because it was the one time I wanted to go to NYC and see her do the show. Williams played the Witch in the 2002 revival and was nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. Even though she did it for a year, I wish I had seen her perform.
Herself- Colors of the Wind (1995)
You can’t think of the Disney Pocahontas film without Vanessa Williams and her singing “Colors of the Wind” Williams was chosen to perform the song due to her previous success of her song “Save the Best for Last.” Williams’ version hits hard as she performed the song with near perfection. Many rank the song and version as one of the best Disney songs of all time.
Teri- Soul Food (1997)
Soul Food was the film back in the day. It was one of the few films that presented a more positive image of African-Americans than what the movie industry used to put out. The story revolves around a family and the ups and down they go through after the grandmother passes away. Williams is great in this film and pulls a knife on people.
Calypso- The Odyssey (1997)
I remember watching the Odyssey when it came out and was in awe. This TV special made me love Greek Mythology. Williams played Calypso, a nymph who lived on the island of Ogygia and kept Odysseus on her island for around seven years. I feel in Love with Williams with this role. She was powerful, seductive and everything you want in a woman.
Renee Perry- Desperate Housewives (2010–2012)
Williams joined the series in the final two seasons of the television series. Williams portrays Renee as a spoiled and insensitive rich woman. You can probably see where this is going but she rolls up and makes everyone upset with her personality.
Herself- Save the Best for Last (1992)
The single off her third album, Williams scored a #1 hit. The song topped the charts for five weeks and became the biggest song of Williams’ career. She was nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Herself-Miss America (1984)
Even though she resigned her title, it was a huge accomplishment for Williams to be named Miss America. She was the first African-American woman to receive the title. This was the start for Williams’ and her star grew brighter as time went on.
