Vanessa Williams Talks Possible ‘Ugly Betty’ Reboot and Why ‘Success Is the Best Revenge’

Nine years later, we still miss you on Ugly Betty! Any reboot news?

No, I wish! I haven’t heard a thing. America [Ferrera] is doing a show, Michael Urie is playing Hamlet somewhere, Becki [Newton’s] on Divorce, Judith Light… anything she touches is gold. But if we were given an opportunity, we would all circle back in a second. We love each other and we still keep in touch. It was one of those just extraordinary, warm families, which is rare.

You have the upcoming film Miss Virginia and other projects. Why the Kellogg’s Feeding Reading program?

I do things that are organic. My first association with Kellogg’s was when I was Miss America back in 1983 — I was on the cover of the Corn Flakes box. And then the first book I wrote with my mom was with [Kellogg’s partner] Penguin Random House.

Nice way to pay it forward! Was there a moment that set you on your path?

I think the first time that I did a school play, because I danced, played piano and sang. But in fourth grade when I choreographed a number that I was doing and helped write a song, that’s when I knew, “This is fun, I’m good at it. This is what I want to do.”

When you reflect back on your time as Miss America, what jumps out as the most amazing thing that happened?

So many things were amazing and terrifying and heartbreaking and a struggle — but tremendously satisfying. And when I look back at what I accomplished at 20 years old and I look at my kids, I’m still astounded at what was given to me to handle at 20! Being at the White House for the first time at a state dinner with Nancy Reagan, and in the lineup were Martha Graham and Ginger Rogers. Being on The Love Boat, singing the national anthem on a huge military carrier, doing a Bob Hope special…and that’s just a snippet!

You’re the most successful Miss America. What do you attribute your longevity to?

Talent and drive. I had vocal training, acting training. It’s the hours that you put in, the relationships you make and your stick-to-it-ness. When people say “no,” then just find another way, and don’t quit.

You raised four great kids — Melanie, 32, Jillian, 30, and Devin, 26, from your first husband Ramon Hervey, and Sasha, 19, from your second husband Rick Fox. What are they up to?

Melanie is a Pilates instructor and manager. Jillian has a band called Lion Babe and just finished her U.S. tour. Devin is a shoe designer in L.A., and Sasha just finished her freshman year as a film major, modeling as her summer job. I’m proud that they are beautiful human beings with a great work ethic. They know you have to keep learning.

What decisions are you proudest of?

I’m proud that I moved back to my hometown [in Westchester, New York] in 1992 to raise my kids. I wanted them to go to public school, be close to their grandparents and give them as close to a normal life as I could.

What’s your life like these days?

I love an adventure. I’m very competitive. I do crosswords every day. My happy place is being at home with my kids and then inviting their gang over, which usually happens. I mean, my house was like “the house” that everyone would visit and go in the pool and hang out. When it’s alive and everyone’s back at home, that’s when I feel happiest.

You’ve been married to Jim for four years. How do you keep the fireworks going?

[Laughs] Being 56 and not raising children together. It’s probably the antithesis of fireworks. It’s different.

The biggest challenges you’re facing now?

The most recent change is menopause, and you have to accept it. I’m on bioidentical hormones, which are plant-based. They help equalize my body in a healthy form. I always ask a friend who’s in her mid-60s: When does it stop? They say it never does, and then you have a good laugh and fan yourself!

How else is 56 different?

It’s a reflective time. You look back and go, “I sang at the Super Bowl [in 1996]! Why didn’t I absorb more of that?” There are things that I regret not being available to do, but my career always came second to my four children. And you say, what more can I do? That’s where I am right now, trying to figure out what my destiny is, how I got to this point and what more can I impart on the world.

What’s next for you?

I want to produce stories that have been living with me for years, do more travel to places that I’ve never been and just keep creating. I think as women we’re creators. When you continue to create, you never die, you’re always fueling your fire and always learning. That’s what life is all about.

For more on your favorite celebs, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!