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Vanessa Lynn Williams

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 21: Vanessa Williams attends The New Dramatists' 64th Annual Benefit Luncheon at The New York Marriott Marquis on May 21, 2013 in New York City.

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About Vanessa Lynn Williams

Vanessa Lynn Williams (born March 18, 1963) is an American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model and actress. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal arose when Penthouse magazine bought and published nude photographs of her. She relinquished her title early and was succeeded by the first runner-up, Suzette Charles of New Jersey – who was also African-American. Williams rebounded by launching a career as an entertainer, earning multiple Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award nominations.

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