Vanessa Williams at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Hollywood icon Vanessa Williams has built an illustrious and multifaceted career that has seen her accomplish a plethora of accolades. After performing in school productions and moving to New York, she began participating in beauty contests.
In 1983, the “Johnson Family Vacation” star made history by becoming the first African-American Miss America. Sadly, not too long after her victory, she found herself caught up in a scandal involving unauthorized nude photos that surfaced in a magazine.
This then led to her resigning from her title in 1984. Nonetheless, Williams, unwilling to let the controversy thwart her career ambitions, made a seamless transition from the pageant world to the music industry, where she secured a contract and went on to launch several successful albums, including “The Comfort Zone” and “The Sweetest Days,” earning her multiple Grammy nominations.
Vanessa Williams posing for a picture after being crowned Miss America on September 19, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
The next phase of her career saw her achieve critical acclaim as a highly accomplished actress. From her film debut in “Under the Gun” to starring roles in “Eraser,” “Hoodlum,” and the beloved family drama “Soul Food,” Williams proved her versatility as a performer.
Vanessa Williams posing for a picture in Los Angeles in 1988. | Source: Getty Images
One of her most notable starring roles saw her play the villainous fashionista Wilhelmina Slater on “Ugly Betty.” It was during this stint on the popular show that garnered her Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe nominations.
Vanessa Williams posing for a portrait in 1988. | Source: Getty Images
Vanessa Williams posing as Wilhelmina Slater from “Ugly Betty” in 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Outside of her incredibly successful career, which has also scored her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Williams’ personal life has continued to flourish as she found profound love and companionship with Jim Skrip after being married twice before, showcasing that personal happiness and fulfillment extend beyond external perceptions.
Finding love in one’s 50s is a narrative not often highlighted in mainstream media, yet Williams’ romantic journey with Skrip presents a heartwarming testament to love’s boundless nature.
Jim Skrip and Vanessa Williams at the National Corporate Theatre Fund Chairman’s Award Gala in New York City on April 29, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Their love story, far removed from the usual Hollywood glitz, brings a refreshing perspective on finding companionship later in life. In 2014, Williams, then 51, shared news about her engagement to Skrip, a real estate and accounting professional devoid of Hollywood’s shimmer.
Vanessa Williams and Jim Skrip at the Broadway opening night after party for “The Trip To Bountiful” in New York City on April 23, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
It’s “really comforting and relaxing to be able to have a relationship without any added stress or pressure or gossip,” Williams previously expressed to ABC News, valuing the privacy and growth their relationship fosters. “It’s nice to know love can happen no matter what age and that you should always be open,” Williams added.
Vanessa Williams and Jim Skrip at the Broadway opening for “Torch Song” in New York City on November 1, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Their union was celebrated twice, with the first being an Egyptian-themed wedding in 2015, and the following year, in 2016, they further solidified their vows to each other with a Catholic ceremony.
For their first ceremony, Williams dazzled in two Carmen Marc Valvo gowns, embodying an “Egyptian goddess,” as she intended. The event, filled with personal touches like a parody song Williams performed for Skrip, underscored the depth of their connection and shared humor.
“When I saw Vanessa walk down the aisle, I didn’t even notice her dress. We locked eyes, and I got caught up in the moment, full of happiness and joy. When I finally noticed the dress, it was perfect for Vanessa … sleek, simple and sexy,” Skrip shared of their first wedding.
For Skrip, who is supportive of his wife’s career and family, Williams selected a wedding band that fit him perfectly, a family heirloom that belonged to his grandfather, embodying tradition and simplicity. “He’s a traditional kind of guy and it fit,” Williams remarked, appreciating the sentimental value and fit of the band without the need for engravings.
Jim Skrip and Vanessa Williams at the 15th Annual USTA Opening Night Gala in New York City on August 31, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
In the latest chapter of the doting mom’s life, the role of “mumzie” adds yet another layer to her multifaceted existence. Reveling in the joys of grandmotherhood, Williams’ enthusiasm for this facet of her life is palpable.
During a 2023 interview, she couldn’t help but express her excitement over babysitting duties, especially as her grandson embarked on the milestone of taking his first steps
Her interactions with him are filled with musical expressions of love, showcasing the deep bond they share. “My weekend babysitting grandson ☀️ Love, love love it !”, she recently shared in a heartwarming Instagram post, celebrating the profound pleasures of being a grandmother.
Williams may be a grandmother, but far from being associated with age-related characteristics that society places on women of this status, she manages to defy the conventional constraints of aging. Her social media posts reveal a figure that inspires admiration. “Still stunning after all these years!” and “Very beautiful.”; “Looking just gorgeous, gorgeous darling 😍😍” are among the praises from her followers.
However, amid the praises, some voices have raised concerns, reflecting the complexity of public perception regarding health and beauty standards. “Is she ok?” and “Love Vanessa but she isn’t looking well!” shared two people.
Another person, who implied that Williams had taken a pill to achieve her physique, commented, “Ozempic got the industry in a […]hold.” Similarly, someone else asserted, “Ozempic is everywhere! Even Vanessa Williams 😭.”
Nevertheless, far from being fussed by what the naysayers have to say, at 60, Williams exudes a certain confidence and contentment that comes with age, a theme she discussed openly during her appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” last year. Emphasizing aging as a privilege, Williams highlighted the comfort and self-acceptance that comes with maturity.
“The older you get, the less you care about what everybody else has to say,” Williams explained. In addition to her philosophical take on aging, she also shared her practical approach to maintaining her well-being and appearance.
Speaking to a media outlet in 2023, at the Broadway opening of “The Cottage,” Williams shared her stance on cosmetic procedures, expressing a preference for non-invasive treatments over surgery. She also spoke about her workout routine, which includes regular kickboxing and weightlifting, underscoring her commitment to fitness and health.
Williams’ journey is a testament to the beauty of evolution, both in professional and personal settings. From overcoming scandal, and achieving success in music, film, and television, to finding love in her 50s and embracing the joys of grandmotherhood, Williams has navigated the complexities of public life with grace and resilience.
Her story is a beacon of hope for those believing in the power of second chances and the endless possibilities that life offers, regardless of age. Through her experiences, Williams reminds us all of the importance of openness, resilience, and the enduring power of love.