She first received notice as the
first black Miss America in 1984, but it's what she's done with her
career since then that earned Vanessa Williams a star on
Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
The singer-actress was honoured with the 2,331st star Tuesday,
surrounded by her castmates from the hit comedy series Ugly
Betty.
Williams stepped down before her reign as beauty queen was over,
following a scandal involving nude photographs published by
Penthouse magazine. But in the years that followed, she became a
Grammy-nominated singer, made the leap to Broadway performer, and
acted in both big-screen films and television.
One of the biggest roles of her career came with this season's
breakout comedy hit Ugly Betty, in which she plays a scheming
magazine editor.
"We were so happy to get Vanessa," said actress Salma Hayek, who
also executive produces the show.
"She is brilliant because she is so nasty on the show, but in
reality she is the sweetest person."
Hayek was there for the Walk of Fame ceremony, as were other cast
members including Rebecca Romijn.
"I love working with these people," Williams said. "I also want to
thank my family for allowing me to live my dreams. The sun didn't
shine today, but my heart is shining."
Members of Williams's family, including her brother Chris, who also
acts, were also there for the unveiling.