Vanessa Williams Mourns 'Betty,' Defends Botox

By Nicki Gostin Posted Apr 13th 2010 08:12AM

Vanessa Williams on heartbreaking loss of Ugly Betty

Vanessa Williams may be best known for her wonderfully wicked portrayal of Wilhelmina Slater on 'Ugly Betty,' but the 47-year-old actress has some serious singing and performing chops as well (although she admits to having never seen 'Glee'). While finishing up the final season of her hit show, Williams is also showcasing her talents on Broadway, starring in 'Sondheim on Sondheim,' a retrospective of the composer's work. In between rehearsals, she spoke with PopEater about end of 'Betty,' her life as a single mom and how she's excited to get back to her musical roots.

Are you upset about 'Betty'?
Yeah, we all were. Absolutely. We were frustrated because our time slots kept moving, people didn't know where to find us. It was heartbreaking.

You must have loved coming back to New York.
Yes, but I loved the work and that's what you do when you're an actor. You live your life as a gypsy. Set up shop wherever the work is.

You've got grown up kids.
My two oldest are in college. My son is a junior in high school and my youngest daughter is in fourth grade.

Is it weird having kids in college?
Yeah! It's weird because sometimes I feel like I'm 22 and I remember those days vividly, and then I look at them and realize those days were a long time ago.

You've talked about getting Botox. How do you know when enough is enough?
I think you have to go to the right people and I want to look like myself. I don't want to look like anybody else. I just don't want to look tired. It has nothing to do with changing my appearance or looking like I'm stunned.

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Vanessa Snapshots

Vanessa Williams leaves Studio 54 after performing in 'Sondheim On Sondheim' on March 31 in New York City. Check Out More Pics of Vanessa >>

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Vanessa Williams Snapshots

Actress Vanessa Williams arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere "Death At A Funeral" at the ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome on April 12, 2010 in Hollywood, California. "Death At A Funeral" - Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome Hollywood, CA United States April 12, 2010 Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com To license this image (17225325), contact FilmMagic.com

Vanessa Williams Snapshots

Vanessa Williams attends the "Death At A Funeral" Los Angeles Premiere at Pacific's Cinerama Dome on April 12, 2010 in Hollywood, California. "Death At A Funeral" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals Pacific's Cinerama Dome Hollywood, CA United States April 12, 2010 Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com To license this image (17225252), contact WireImage.com

Vanessa Williams Snapshots

Are you dating anyone?
Nope.

Are you looking?
No. I just finished one job and I'm onto eight shows a week. Right now, I'm looking at a grill menu to see what I can get delivered in the next half hour.

So, Stephen Sondheim ... that's a very big deal!
It's the second time I've worked with him. It's nice to be called back. Last fall, the director called me about the show. He knew I was doing 'Betty' and it would probably be a conflict but he wanted to put it out there. I appealed to the powers that be at 'Betty' and they were so accommodating and then it ended up not being an issue. I was doing double duty until last week, which was grueling, but now I just have one job eight times a week and rehearsals.

Are your friends hitting you up for free tickets?
No, my friends know there are no free tickets in the theatre. It's not a rock concert, there are no comps. There are definitely people that I work with or friends that it's my treat.

Better be careful. You don't get paid much on Broadway.
Uh yeah -- we're being paid the equivalent of summer stock. We're not being paid Broadway salaries. But working with great people and great material elevates you.

Your parents were both music teachers. How important is music education?
It's vital, it's paramount. I grew up learning two instruments. I was so lucky to have parents that respected the arts. When I decided to continue and make a living in it, they didn't say, 'Oh, get a real job.' They embraced it.

Can you relate to 'Glee'?
I've never seen it.

You have to watch it!
I've got to TIVO it. I don't watch anything when it's scheduled. I have a DVR day and catch up on everything.

Tags: ugly betty, vanessa williams

Comments

(6)

Tuesday 13 April

By carla ford

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From a distance Vanessa Williams is an attractive women. But up close...EEK, she looks like a Stepford Wife.

Vanessa if you think you still have natural looks you should seek the advice of a therapist. Leave the botox alone, it is NOT your friend.

By erik parks

Is that all you have to say... Miss Negativity...she's had worst said about her and survives...I'm sure she appreciates your concerns. Besides bad press is still good press to a STAR like Vanessa!!!!!!!!!

By watchdog

Sandra Bullock is truly an American Princess!

By Maggie

WHEN will the so called brains at these networks realize that the more you move a show, the more watchers you lose? I used to love Ugly Betty, but as soon as they moved it, I never watched again. Too bad, was a good one...

erik parks

Thanks for your input but if you actually read the article you'll see she talks about botox injections.
I'm giving my opinion about her stiff, rough looking-face, get over it!

By Marsha

Gosh I'm gonna really miss that show. Wilamena is deliciously devilish and Amanda and Mark are so hilarious. Even though they kept moving it, because I liked it, I kept up with it. I wish the actors best of luck.

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