Vanessa Williams Husband, Age, Height, Weight, Boyfriend, Photo
Vanessa Lynn Williams is an American singer, actress, model, producer, and former beauty queen. She made history in 1983 as the first African American woman to be crowned Miss America (Miss America 1984). She later built a successful multi-decade career in music, television, film, and Broadway.
Vanessa Lynn Williams was born on March 18, 1963, in Tarrytown, New York, and raised in nearby Millwood in Westchester County. As of 2026, she is 63 years old. Her nationality is American and her zodiac sign is Pisces.
Her parents, Milton Augustine Williams Jr. and Helen Williams, were both music teachers. Music was a central part of her upbringing. She has a younger brother, Chris Williams, who is also an actor.
Vanessa Williams rose to national prominence in September 1983 when she was crowned Miss America 1984, becoming the first Black woman to win the title. She resigned the crown in July 1984 after the publication of previously taken nude photographs in Penthouse magazine created a major media controversy. Decades later, the Miss America Organization publicly apologized to her.
She pivoted successfully into entertainment. Her music career took off with the 1988 debut album The Right Stuff. She achieved major success with the ballad “Save the Best for Last,” which became a worldwide hit and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992. She has released multiple albums spanning R&B, pop, jazz, and holiday music.
As an actress, she earned critical acclaim and Emmy nominations for her role as the sharp-tongued fashion editor Wilhelmina Slater on the ABC series Ugly Betty (2006–2010). She also played Renee Perry on Desperate Housewives. Additional film and television credits include Eraser, Soul Food, Shaft, and many others. On stage, she has performed on Broadway and, more recently, starred as Miranda Priestly in the West End musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada.
Personal Life
Vanessa Williams has been married three times. She married publicist and manager Ramon Hervey II in 1987; they had three children—Melanie, Jillian, and Devin—before divorcing in 1997. Jillian Hervey later found success as one half of the musical duo Lion Babe.
She married former NBA player Rick Fox in 1999. They had a daughter, Sasha Gabriella Fox, born in 2000, and divorced in 2004.
In 2015 she married Jim Skrip; the marriage ended in divorce around 2021. She is the mother of four children and has spoken publicly about family, resilience, and her experiences navigating fame and personal challenges.
Physical Appearance
Height
5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
Weight
60–68 kg (reported)
Eye Color
Light / Blue-green or brown
Hair Color
Dark brown / Black
Body Type
Slim / Athletic
Shoe Size
8 US (reported)
Social Media Presence
Vanessa Williams maintains an official presence on Instagram (@vanessawilliamsofficial or similar verified accounts), Facebook, and other platforms. She shares updates related to her career, performances, family, and personal projects. She also has a presence on TikTok and maintains an official website.
FAQs
How old is Vanessa Williams?
She was born on March 18, 1963, making her 63 years old
Is Vanessa Williams married?
She has been married three times (to Ramon Hervey II, Rick Fox, and Jim Skrip). Her most recent marriage ended in divorce around 2021.
