UPSCALE (April 1999)

VANESSA WILLIAMS

A
NATURAL
ACHIEVER
by Lorraine Morris

The phoenix, by definition, is a beautiful, lone bird that sets itself on fire and rises from the ashes to start another life.

You can call Vanessa Williams the beautiful phoenix of the entertainment industry. The scandal that ended her reign as the first black Miss America did not end her career. She has gone on to become one of the most versatile entertainers the industry has ever seen. Utilizing her many talents, Williams has experienced great success on the music charts, Broadway, television and the big screen. Who would better grace the cover of UPSCALE's annual beauty issue and share her thoughts on beauty, love and life!

"I think of myself as a 35-year-old mom of three who's active, happy and living the life I want to lead," Williams said. That life has included charting a professional course that has made a major mark on the entertainment industry.

Ten years ago she released her first CD, The Right Stuff. Since then she has thrilled fans with The Comfort Zone, The Sweetest Days and Next. The albums, selling millions of copies, have led to her latest release Greatest Hits - The First Ten Years.

Working with the likes of megahit producers Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Williams has released major chartbusting singles including "Dreamin'," "Running Back to You," "Save the Best for Last" and "Love Is" (a duet with Brian McKnight). She has the Christmas CD, Star Bright, to her credit, and belted out "Colors of the Wind," the theme song from the movie "Pocahontas," at the Academy Awards. The song won an Oscar. She has also toured around the world, including a stint with soulful crooner Luther Vandross.

"I'm happy for being on the planet and still being in the game at 35,"she said. Williams is not only in the game, she is winning as one of the most versatile female entertainers today. At the movies, she has proven to be a box office draw after starring along with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the big-budget flick "Eraser." "Hoodlum," "Soul Food" and "Dance With Me" are among Williams' big screen credits.

Williams got the chance to really show off her talents in musical theater when she assumed the title role in the Broadway hit "Kiss of the Spider Woman" "She is an irresistibly alluring temptress," wrote David Richards, chief theater critic for The New York Times, describing her performance.

That was one of the many rave reviews she received for her command of the stage. The star said that project also gave her the opportunity to come home at night and wake up in the morning with her children, Melanie, Jillian and Devin. With motherhood as a priority, Williams is frequently spotted driving her kids around in her Range Rover in their suburban New York neighborhood to attend school and participate in their extracurricular activities.

Curious as to whether or not Williams' children have entertainment aspirations? "I wouldn't be surprised if they decide, down the road, that they want to be involved in this industry. They all love to sing, dance and put on a show. They are going to have to go to college and graduate before they can do anything professionally. I think that is key in staying balanced and grounded in this industry," says Williams.

Williams also grew up surrounded by music. The daughter of two music teachers, Helen and Milton Williams, she played the piano and the french horn. She and her brother, Christopher, were exposed to the arts at an early age. She attended Syracruse University and studied musical theater. She was a student when she won the coveted title of Miss America in 1983.

Over the past decade, the well-rounded entertainer has also made her mark in television. Her credits include miniseries, musical specials, hosting and the recent ABC movie "Futuresport." She is also a talk show favorite, appearing on various programs throughout the year.

Because Williams is such a sought after performer one might wonder what criteria she uses to choose her projects. "It is based on what inspires me. Sometimes it's a paycheck. Or sometimes I think, 'That sounds interesting,' 'That sounds like fun' or 'I think I could nail that part.' So, it's exploring new facets of the business, but it is also about keeping variety in my career," she said.

Williams is considered one of the most beautiful women in the industry. Her face has graced the cover of numerous magazines, she is also featured in advertisements for the famous "Milk, Where's Your Mustache?" campaign and is a spokesperson for L'Oreal cosmetics. She is often featured in style and hair magazines showing off the work of celebrity hair stylist Oscar James and makeup artist Sam Fine.

Williams' fitness and skincare regimens are a part of her healthy lifestyle. "My normal fitness routine consists of 45 minutes on the treadmill, 15 minutes on the Stairmaster and crunches. When I'm home I usually try to fit it in after dropping the kids off at school in the morning," she said.

So, how does Williams maintain the flawless skin that she is recognized for by her peers? "As the spokesperson for L'Oreal, I use their products. I use a cleanser, toner and fruit acid peel on my skin. I also use glycolic acids. The latest thing I've tried on my skin is an anti-reddening cream," she said.

When she's in the mood for a luxury facial, the star said she gets one in Los Angeles at a place recommended to her by Suzanne de Passe in 1992. Since then, she has frequented it, along with the likes of Debbie Allen, Candice Bergen, Phyllicia Rashad, Nancy Sinatra and other celehrities who enjoy the work of the Egyptian staff.

Beauty, brains and baking? Many of her fans may be surprised to know that she cooks. "I like to bake lasagna, carrot cakes and banana bread," she said. Turkey tacos even make the list of Williams' signature dishes.

A single mother after the divorce from her former business manager Ramon Hervey, she has the support of her parents and a nanny to assist her with her duties as a mother and the demands of her booming career.

Many are asking if she'll consider getting married again. "Sure, I enjoy being married. I like having someone in my life to share my dreams with, share time with and be intimate with. Being alone is not a lot of fun," she admitted.

She is also happy about her upcoming projects. "I'm going to Spain in May to shoot a movie for TNT. I'll be doing theater workshops and I plan to start working on a new album in the fall."

In the words of one of her hit albums, these are the "sweetest days" for Vanessa Williams and it shows.