30 Rock

Talk about a fall from grace. Vanessa Williams was the first black Miss America, but could bask in her achievement only briefly before having to step down over explicit photos she'd posed for pre-pageant. A few years later, contrite, she launched a very ... moresuccessful singing career with hits like "Save the Best for Last." But who knew Williams was such a wickedly talented actress? Williams hit her stride on ABC's "Ugly Betty" as the scheming media mogul Wilhelmina, and she recently infused ABC's "Desperate Housewives" with fresh blood -- and bloodlust.

Bing: More about Vanessa Williams | 'Desperate Housewives'

(ABC)