Born on March 18, 1963, in New York, she first gained fame as the first African-American Miss America in 1983. After resigning her crown due to controversy, she successfully transitioned into entertainment, becoming a celebrated actress and singer. She earned critical acclaim for roles in films like "Eraser" and TV shows such as "Ugly Betty" and "Desperate Housewives." Alongside her acting career, she released several albums, earning Grammy nominations. Her resilience and talent have made her a respected figure in the industry.