Vanessa Williams is an American singer, actress, and former beauty queen, born on March 18, 1963. She gained fame as the first African American woman to win the title of Miss America in 1983. Williams has since built a successful career in music and acting, earning multiple awards, including Grammy nominations and an Emmy Award. In addition to her beauty pageant success, Williams is known for her roles in popular television shows like Ugly Betty and films such as Soul Food. Her music career includes hit songs like "Save the Best for Last," showcasing her talent as a versatile artist in both the entertainment and music industries.