American actress Vanessa A. Williams, best known for her role in the sit com Soul Food (2000 – 2004), arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on Monday for a short vacation. During her visit, Williams will interact with the people of Antigua and Barbuda, learn more about the history, cuisine and culture and become a part of the “Circle of Influence,” that can help to promote the destination throughout the United States. Williams will also meet with Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and other government officials. Williams will participate in a Celebrity Tree Planting Initiative at Body Ponds, as part of the Sandals Foundation and Environment Division’s Reforestation Project.
The actress will be hosted at Hermitage Bay and will enjoy a spa treatment at the award winning Blue Spa at Carlisle Bay. Although prominent roles in 1991's New Jack City and 1992's Candyman did much to enhance her Hollywood profile, actress Vanessa Williams is primarily known for her work in television. Over the past 20 years, Vanessa has been a familiar face on several popular television series including: Melrose Place, Murder One, Cold Case, The Cosby Show, NYPD Blue, Malcolm & Eddie, Living Single, Everyone Hates Chris and The Steve Harvey Show. In 1988, she appeared in the music video for "Parents Just Don't Understand" sung by rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Williams’ interest in the destination was peaked during the Golden Globes Awards earlier this year, when she encountered the US Tourism Team during a promotional initiative to “Help Haiti”.
According to Williams, “It seemed to be a very beautiful island with a lot to offer from great beaches and rich history and culture to friendly people, and I definitely put it on my short list.” Although Williams has visited other Caribbean islands, this is her first visit to the twin island destination. Williams was born in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York and is the mother of three. While not related, she is sometimes confused with former Miss America, singer/actress Vanessa L. Williams, who starred in the original film version of Soul Food..