Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams voices the role of Captain Beakman, an encouraging pelican who serves as a mentor and boss, in Disney Junior’s heartfelt animated series “T.O.T.S.,” which chronicles the hilarious adventures of best friends Pip and Freddy, a tenacious penguin and a kind-hearted flamingo, who are the only non-stork delivery birds in-training at Tiny Ones Transport Service (T.O.T.S.).
Born in Tarrytown, New York, Williams is a multifaceted performer whose career spans film, television, music and theater. Her work has led to four Emmy® Award nominations, 17 GRAMMY® Award nominations, a Tony Award® nomination, three SAG Award nominations, seven NAACP Image Awards and three Satellite Awards. Her platinum single “Colors of The Wind,” from Disney’s 1995 animated feature film, “Pocahontas,” received the Academy Award®, GRAMMY Award and Golden Globe® for Best Original Song.
Throughout her theater career of over 30 years, Williams has starred in several Broadway shows including “Into the Woods,” “The Trip to Bountiful” and “After Midnight.” Her television credits include the hugely popular, multiple award-winning ABC series “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives.” Her film credits include “Soul Food,” “Shaft” and Disney’s “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”
In addition to acting, Williams has had a notable music career, having sold millions of records worldwide. She has earned numerous #1 and Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Album and Singles charts in the combined areas of Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult Contemporary, Holiday, Latin, Gospel and Jazz.
Williams attended Syracuse University where she earned a degree in musical theatre. She currently resides in New York.