You think you know Vanessa Williams. The Miss America crown. The "Save the Best for Last" high notes. The icy, terrifying glare of Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty. But honestly, the real Vanessa—the one who’s navigated three high-profile divorces and raised four fiercely independent kids—is way more interesting than the character she plays on screen.
Right now, in 2026, she’s 62 years young and arguably in the best shape of her life. She’s currently living in London, starring as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada musical. She even brought her Great Dane, Roscoe, with her. Apparently, it took him five months to figure out how to pee on a London sidewalk because he was so used to her four-and-a-half-acre yard back in Westchester.
Life is different for her now. Vanessa Williams and family dynamics have shifted as her children have grown into their 20s and 30s, and her romantic life has taken a backseat by choice.
The Quiet End of Marriage Number Three
People still ask about Jim Skrip. If you missed the news, you’re not alone. Vanessa kept it under wraps for years. She married the Buffalo-based accountant in 2015 after a chance meeting on a Nile River cruise. It seemed like the perfect "normal" match.
But here’s the thing: they’ve actually been divorced since 2021.
She didn't announce it until 2024. Talk about being low-key. In a world where every celebrity breakup is a three-part Netflix docuseries, she just... moved on. She recently told HELLO! magazine that while she hasn't ruled out a fourth marriage, she isn't exactly hunting for it. She's "in love with life" instead.
She's also been incredibly candid about using Mounjaro for the last couple of years. She calls it a "game-changer" for her health as she navigated her 60s. It’s that kind of intellectual honesty that makes her feel like a peer rather than some untouchable star.
Raising the "Fab Four": The Next Generation
Vanessa has four kids: Melanie, Jillian, Devin, and Sasha. She famously raised them in Millwood, New York—the same town where she grew up—to keep them grounded. She didn't want "Hollywood brats." She wanted humans who knew how to work.
👉 See also: Justin Long Kate Bosworth: The Relationship Secrets Nobody Talks About
One rule in the Williams household? You don't quit your instrument.
Melanie Hervey (38)
The eldest. She started in fashion, following in those stylish footsteps, but eventually pivoted. Now, she’s a heavy hitter in the wellness space. If you’re in the Hamptons or NYC, you might find her teaching Pilates or Barre. She’s worked at Equinox and New York Pilates, basically making a name for herself entirely outside of her mother's shadow.
Jillian Hervey (35)
You probably know her as one-half of the R&B duo Lion Babe. She’s the one with the incredible golden mane of hair and the soulful voice. Jillian and Vanessa recently performed together on Tamron Hall, and the chemistry was electric. Fun fact: Jillian recently made Vanessa a grandmother, a role the icon seems to be embracing with her usual grace.
Devin Hervey (32)
The only son. Devin is a freelance designer. He’s always been the more private one of the bunch, but he’s deeply artistic. He studied product development at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in L.A.
Sasha Fox (25)
The youngest, from Vanessa’s marriage to NBA star Rick Fox. Sasha is a graduate of Chapman University and is currently modeling and acting. She’s worked with brands like American Eagle and has a real eye for photography. She’s often spotted with her mom at Fashion Week, looking like a literal twin.
The Roots: Music Teachers and Birth Announcements
Vanessa’s parents, Helen and the late Milton Williams, were music teachers. They were the ones who famously put "Here she is: Miss America" on her birth announcement in 1963. Imagine having that kind of pressure—or prophecy—hanging over you from day one.
👉 See also: Net Worth CeeLo Green: Why His Fortune Isn't What You’d Expect
Her brother, Chris Williams, is also in the biz. You might recognize him from Curb Your Enthusiasm or Silicon Valley. The talent in this gene pool is honestly a bit unfair.
Navigating the Modern Family Dynamic
So, what does Vanessa Williams and family look like in 2026? It’s a lot of FaceTime calls across the Atlantic and supporting each other's side hustles.
She’s been very open about the fact that she was the primary breadwinner for most of her kids' lives. She’d fly from Tokyo to New York just for a daughter's confirmation party, then fly right back to finish a concert tour. It wasn't always "balanced"—let's be real, balance is a myth—but it was intentional.
Actionable Takeaways from Vanessa’s Journey:
- Prioritize Grounding: If you're raising kids in a high-pressure environment, find a "home base" that offers normalcy. For Vanessa, that was her own childhood hometown.
- Normalize Pivoting: Her kids didn't all jump into singing. They explored fashion, real estate, fitness, and design before finding their "thing."
- Privacy is Power: You don't owe the world your personal drama. Keeping her 2021 divorce quiet allowed her to heal on her own terms.
- Health is an Investment: Entering your 60s doesn't mean slowing down. Whether it's Pilates (like Melanie) or medical support (like Vanessa’s use of Mounjaro), taking charge of your biology is key to longevity.
Vanessa Williams has proven that your "scandals" or your "failures" don't define your legacy. Your family and your resilience do. She’s a 62-year-old grandmother living her best life in London, proving that the best chapter is usually the one you're currently writing.
👉 See also: Amber Rose Recent Pics: Why Her Look Is Driving Everyone Wild Right Now
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see the Williams family talent in action, check out Jillian Hervey’s latest Lion Babe tracks or look for Melanie Hervey’s Pilates workshops in the Westchester area. For those in the UK, catching Vanessa in The Devil Wears Prada is a must before the run ends.