Vanessa Williams credits the racism she was subjected to as a child for her acting and singing successes. The 44-year-old grew up in a white middle-class suburb of New York, and was picked on by classmates because of her skin color.

Instead of allowing it to get to her, Williams used the negativity to fuel her desire to succeed.

The Ugly Betty star says, "I remember being called n**ger on the bus in the third grade, and asking my mom what it meant. She said, 'You know what, you're going to have to do better than everyone else, just to be considered equal - because of your skin color.' That was my mantra."

-Vanessa Williams Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)