Vanessa Williams

Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Birthday: May 12, 1969

This lissome, bright-eyed, black American actress shares a name with the controversial former Miss America-turned-singer/actress. Williams first registered in features as a feral yet attractive killer in Mario Van Peebles' gangster movie, "New Jack City" (1991). Before that she appeared on TV in guest spots on "T.J. Hooker", "The Love Boat", "The Cosby Show" and "Law & Order". As aerobics instructor Rhonda Blair of "Melrose Place", Williams was the first black to figure prominently…more

Full Biography

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Credits

Actor

Playing With Fire
Riana Roberts
Style World
Our America
Sandra Williams
Soul Food
Maxine Chadway
Incognito
Wilhemina

Director

Soul Decisions
Director

Producer

Soul Decisions
Producer
Strong Medicine
Producer

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Career Milestones

2000
Signed to star in the Showtime series "Soul Food" (which perhaps ironically starred the other Vanessa Williams, the former Miss America)
1995
Cast as Lila Marquette, the law firm receptionist on the ABC drama "Murder One"
1992 to 1993
TV debut as a series regular, "Melrose Place" (Fox)
1991
Made feature debut in a supporting role in "New Jack City"
1988
Broadway debut, "Sarafina!"