Born March 18, 1963 in The Bronx, New York City, USA.

First came to fame in 1983 as the first black woman to win the Miss America contest.

Soon after winning, nude pictures from her past appeared in Penthouse, and Vanessa resigned almost a year later.

The notoriety got the attention of record executives, and Vanessa released her debut album in 1988.

She also took up acting in the early 1990s, appearing in many Broadway shows and films.

Her most recent acting appearance is in the TV series Ugly Betty as the character Wilhelmina Slater.

Mother of Jillian Hervey.