Vanessa Williams is an absolute powerhouse. She’s a Grammy-nominated recording artist, an award-winning actor and a global cultural icon, known for roles in Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives and currently starring as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada on the West End.
At just 20 years old, Vanessa became the first Black woman to win the Miss America crown. It was a historic moment that changed her life overnight. But making history came at a cost: she faced de*th threats, FBI protection and a level of public scrutiny few could imagine.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Vanessa broke barriers as the first Black woman to win Miss America
- Navigating de*th threats and hate after her win
- Singing live at the Super Bowl and the Oscars
- Aging on camera and her thoughts on cosmetic surgery
- What Vanessa's mum told Elton John when they met
This is a conversation about strength, resilience and refusing to be defined by other people.
Vanessa Williams is Great Company.
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THE CREDITS
Executive Producers: Ewan Newbigging-Lister & Jemima Rathbone
Producer: Helen Burke & Rema Mukena
Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins
Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett
Social Media: Laura Coughlan
Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot
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