Business Side of Black Beauty: Pageant Winners’ Success Stories

Vanessa Williams Miss America 1984

Williams resigned her Miss America title following a nude photos scandal. But she’s never looked back. Since she quit the crown, she’s dominated the music and film industries with the grace and poise befitting a pageant queen.

Her debut album “The Right Stuff “and second album, “The Comfort Zone,”were huge hits and won her critical acclaim.

Williams crossed over into acting, performing on Broadway and appearing on several television shows and movies, including “The Eraser” with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1996 and “Shaft” in 2000.

Her role on “Ugly Betty,” won her three supporting actress Emmy nominations.