CV Stardom

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Lynn Williams is the first black woman to win Miss America. She was born in Tarrytown, New York, United States to Milton Augustine Williams Jr. and Helen Louise Tinch Williams.

In 1982, Vanessa worked as an assistant and makeup artist for Tom Chiapel, a photographer based in Mount Kisco, New York. That year, he convinced her to pose nude for silhouettes and assured her that the photos would be private and she would not be identifiable in them.

On September 17, 1983, Vanessa represented New York at Miss America 1984 and competed against 49 other candidates at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. She won the title while Suzette Charles of New Jersey was first runner-up.

After the competition, without Vanessa’s permission, Penthouse published her nude photos that were taken by Chiapel in 1982. On July 23, 1984, Charles was crowned the new Miss America 1984 following Vanessa’s resignation.

Born in Oyster Bay, New York, Milton died on January 16, 2006 in Valhalla, New York. He was 70.

On September 13, 2015, Vanessa went back to the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City to serve as the head judge of Miss America 2016. The coronation ceremony started with Miss America chief executive officer Sam Haskell issuing an apology to Vanessa and her mother for her forced resignation as Miss America 1984.

On December 28, 2024, Vanessa’s mother Helen died of acute liver failure in London, England, United Kingdom. Helen was 85.

“Survivor”

On June 6, 1988, Wing Records released Vanessa’s debut studio album “The Right Stuff”. It has 11 songs, which were recorded from 1986 to 1987.

In April 2024, Vanessa launched her own record label Mellian Music. She also signed a joint venture agreement with Mod Squad, LLC, which is distributed by GoDigiPath, LLC, in association with Warner Music Group’s independent label and artist services arm ADA Worldwide.

On August 23, 2024, Mellian Music released Vanessa’s ninth studio album “Survivor”. It has 14 songs including “Bop!” featuring Trixie Mattel and Lion Babe, “Vuelve” featuring Missael Manon and “Zaz Zuh Zaz” featuring Wynton Marsalis.

Vanessa played Roslyn Bridwell, a socialite with financial struggles, in “Elsbeth” Season 2 episode 4 “Diamonds are for Elsbeth”, which aired on CBS on November 7, 2024. On March 18, 2025, she turned 62.