Vanessa Williams is an absolute powerhouse. She’s a Grammy-nominated recording artist, an award-winning actor and a global cultural icon, known for roles in Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives and currently starring as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada on the West End.

At just 20 years old, Vanessa became the first Black woman to win the Miss America crown. It was a historic moment that changed her life overnight. But making history came at a cost: she faced de*th threats, FBI protection and a level of public scrutiny few could imagine.

In this episode, we cover:

How Vanessa broke barriers as the first Black woman to win Miss America
Navigating de*th threats and hate after her win
Singing live at the Super Bowl and the Oscars
Aging on camera and her thoughts on cosmetic surgery
What Vanessa's mum told Elton John when they met

This is a conversation about strength, resilience and refusing to be defined by other people.

Vanessa Williams is Great Company.

If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us:

Instagram- @greatcompanypodcast

TikTok - @greatcompanypodcast

And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk

This episode is sponsored by The AA, the UK’s No.1 breakdown provider. It’s OK with the AA, they’re the fastest major breakdown provider with more patrols up and down the country, 24/7, 365 days a year. So, if you want that peace of mind and be back on the road in no time - Join today at theaa.com/great T&Cs apply. Verify claims a theaa.com/best

THE CREDITS

Executive Producers: Ewan Newbigging-Lister & Jemima Rathbone

Producer: Helen Burke

Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins

Video: Jake Ji & Josh Bennett

Social Media: Laura Coughlan

Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VANESSA WILLIAMS: Being the First Black Miss America Changed My Life - But Came at a Cost

Great Company with Jamie Laing

VANESSA WILLIAMS: Being the First Black Miss America Changed My Life - But Came at a Cost