Was originally cast as Jane Toussaint in Spike Lee's School Daze (1988), but was replaced by Tisha Campbell due to artistic differences.

Parents, Milton & Helen Williams, were both music teachers.

Her runner-up, Suzette Charles, became the second African-American Miss America after her resignation.

Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame [March 2007].

Expecting her fourth child, and first with Rick Fox, in mid-2000.

Won a Sports Emmy for singing a song about quarterback Joe Montana during an opening sequence on ABC's "NFL Monday Night Football" (1970).

Turned down the role in Monster's Ball, it later went to Halle Berry.

Has been doing commercials for Radio Shack since 2001 with Howie Long and Ving Rhames, and, since 2003, husband Rick Fox. She also does spots for Crest, and a late-night infomercial for skin care product, Proactive Solution.

She and Rick Fox eloped to the Caribbean in the Summer of 1999, but promised family and friends they would re-tie the knot that Fall, which they did in a lavish ceremony at the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City, followed by a gala reception at the St. Regis Hotel.

Sang the National Anthem at Arnold Schwarzenegger's inauguration as Governor of California. (17 November 2003)

In 1981, she won a musical theatre scholarship to Syracuse University. However, she eventually lost those funds. That led to her entry in the Miss America pageant.

Measurements: 34B/C-24-34 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

Dropped out of Syracuse University to pursue Miss America crown; never finished degree.

Spokesperson for Proactive Solution (Acne Medication).

Often confused with actress Vanessa Williams.

Attended New York's prestigious School of Performing Arts, the high school that was the setting for the movie and TV series "Fame" (1982).

Was nominated for Broadway's 2002 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for a revival of "Into The Woods."

Is the sister of Chris Williams.

Was the first black contestant in the hot seat on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" (1999/I).

Former Miss America 1984, resigned after nude photos surfaced in Penthouse magazine. The centerfold model for that issue was 16-year-old Traci Lords. Because Ms. Lords was underage, it is illegal to own or trade that issue of the magazine, unless the centerfold pictorial is removed.

Has three children: Melanie (b. 1987), Jillian (b. 1989), and Devin (b. 1993).

Was introduced to husband Rick Fox by his then-girlfriend, model Tyra Banks. When his romance with Banks ended, Fox and Williams began dating.

Ranked #56 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists.

Grew up in Millwood, New York, USA

Daughter, Sasha Gabriella Fox, born 1 May 2000 in NYC.

first black miss america.