Vanessa Williams, the talented American singer, actress, and producer, has an estimated net worth of approximately $20 million to $30 million as of 2024.
She has had a remarkable career, from her historic win as the first African-American Miss America in 1983, to a successful entertainment career despite early controversies.
In addition to her entertainment career, Williams is recognized for her philanthropic work, particularly her support for LGBTQ+ rights and equal opportunities in education.
source: Getty Images
Who is Vanessa Williams?
Vanessa Lynn Williams, born on March 18, 1963, is a celebrated American figure known for her diverse talents as a singer, actress, model, producer, and dancer.
She made history by becoming the first African-American woman to win the Miss America title in 1984.
However, she stepped down from the position after a scandal involving the unauthorized publication of nude photos in a magazine.
Despite facing challenges, Williams bounced back with determination, achieving success in her music career.
Vanessa Williams also made notable contributions to stage and screen.
She made her Broadway debut in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in 1994 and received a Tony Award nomination for her role in “Into the Woods” in 2002.
On television, she is best known for portraying Wilhelmina Slater in “Ugly Betty” and Renee Perry in “Desperate Housewives,” earning multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
In her personal life, Williams is a mother and an activist. She continues to be a prominent and inspiring figure in the entertainment industry.
Profile Summary
| Name | Vanessa Williams |
| Net worth | $20 million |
| Salary | N/A |
| Annual income | N/A |
| Sources of income | Music, Acting, Business ventures |
| Date Of Birth | March 18, 1963 |
| Age | 61 years |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Profession | Singer, Actor, Producer |
How Old is Vanessa Williams?
Born on March 18, 1963, Miss Williams is 61 years old as of April 2024.
What’s Vanessa Williams’ Net Worth?
As of 2024, Vanessa Williams, known for her roles as a singer, actress, and producer, boasts an approximate net worth of $20-30 million.
Vanessa makes her earnings from singing, acting, and designing clothes.
According to Popular Net Worth, Vanessa Williams receives $100,000 for each episode of a TV show.
Additionally, she earned from her music, especially from albums like “The Right Stuff,” “The Comfort Zone,” “The Sweetest Days,” “Everlasting Love,” and “The Real Thing.”
During her active career, some of miss Williams’ songs got nominated for Grammy Awards in different categories.
Besides music, Vanessa is also an actress. She appeared in movies like “Eraser” and “Soul Food,” and TV shows like “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives.
Miss America Victory
Vanessa Williams became Miss America in 1984 while she was in her second year of college.
For that victory, she won a prize that included a $25,000 scholarship and endorsements for various products.
Music Career
Vanessa showed her singing talent to the nation when she sang “Happy Days Are Here Again” at the Miss America pageant.
After that, she started her music career with her first album, “The Right Stuff,” which became a big hit and sold lots of copies, earning platinum status.
Her second album, “The Comfort Zone,” had popular songs like “Save the Best for Last,” which became a big hit in the US.
When it came out, the album sold 2.2 million copies and became triple-platinum.
Then, in 1994, she released another successful album called “The Sweetest Days,” which had a jazz vibe.
It got lots of praise from critics and earned her many Grammy nominations. This album also went platinum.
Television Career
Vanessa Williams’ victory in Miss America opened doors for her in television.
She started with a role in an episode of “The Love Boat” in 1984. The following year, she made her Broadway debut in the musical “Bye Bye Birdie”.
In 1997, she appeared in the TV miniseries “The Odyssey”.
After a break, she returned to TV in 2006 with a well-received role in “Ugly Betty”.
Later, she landed a significant part in “Desperate Housewives” before taking on another villainous role in “The Librarians”.
Film Career
Vanessa started acting in movies in 1986, debuting with “Under the Gun.”
However, her breakthrough came with “Soul Food” in 1997, where she received a lot of praise.
Additionally, Vanessa was highly praised for her role in the 2006 indie film “My Brother.”
Besides these, she’s been in movies like “Eraser,” “Shaft,” “The Adventures of Elmo In Grouchland,” and “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”
Other Projects
In 2016, Vanessa launched her own fashion line called “V. By Vanessa Williams.”
She sells her brand through EVINE Live, focusing on comfortable and affordable clothing.
Vanessa Williams’ Relationships and Marriages
Vanessa Williams has been married three times.
Ramon Hervey II was her first husband; they got married in 1987 after stepping down as Miss America.
Hervey, initially her public relations specialist, supported her career in singing and acting after the Miss America controversy.
Despite having three children together, they divorced in 1997.
Two years later, Williams married NBA player Rick Fox. They had one child before divorcing in 2004.
In 2015, Vanessa married her third husband, Jim Skrip, a businessman from Buffalo.
According to a report from PEOPLE magazine, the couple met while on a cruise along the Nile River in Egypt.
Photo by; PAUL ZIMMERMAN for VARIETY/PENSKE MEDIA/GETTY
Frequently Asked Questions on Vanessa Williams
How old is Vanessa Williams?
Vanessa Williams is 60 years old.
Is Vanessa Williams still married?
Yes, Vanessa Williams has been married to her third husband Jim Skrip since 2015.
What nationality is Vanessa Williams?
Vanessa Williams is American.
What is Vanessa Williams’ net worth?
Vanessa Williams has an estimated net worth of $20-30 million.
Why did Vanessa Williams give up the title of Miss America?
Vanessa Williams was forced to give up her title after nude photos of her were published by Penthouse magazine, causing controversy.
Also Read