Vanessa Bell Calloway is an icon in the entertainment business. She is an American veteran actress, seen in numerous films, television shows, and on stage. Calloway got her start in the classic 1988 film “Coming to America”, starring Eddie Murphy. She played the role of Imani Izzi and was in one of the most memorable scenes. Ever since that fateful start, blessed by lucky stars, she has been a very busy lady. How does she manage to do it all and still remains one of the most down to earth celebrities in Hollywood? There are many facets to this talented superstar that keep her grounded and humble.
How old is Vanessa Bell Calloway? She seems to get better with age. She was always a performer. She graduated from Ohio University and was a member of the famed black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Soon after graduation, she decided to try her hand at show business and became a dancer in Broadway’s original production of “Dreamgirls”. In addition, she performed in “Bye Bye Birdie”. The training she received with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre sure seemed to pay off. This was just a prelude to all the marvelous things that would be happening in her career.
She became a queen of the television screen with roles on All My Children, Days of Our Lives, Simon and Simon, China Beach, and Moesha, and more. The list of television appearances are seemingly endless. She is known for being an affable, versatile, and hard working actress. She has been blessed with loads of energy which keeps her going from morning until way after sunset. One thing is clear, her devotion to her craft is unwavering and steady.
She has been a star on the big screen as well. She has starred in notable films “Coming to America”, “What’s Love Got To Do With It”, “Biker Boyz”, “Crimson Tide”, “The Brothers”, and “Cheaper By The Dozen”, just to name a few. Calloway is truly a performer that can wear many hats and wear them all with panache and style. In addition, she keeps busy with her new web series called “In The Company Of Friends” and a one woman performance show “Letters From Zora: In Her Own Words“.
Another noteworthy achievement is Calloway’s many NAACP Image Awards. One example is her NAACP Award for the short lived series ‘Under One Roof’. She is a example of an accomplished, talented, and genuinely humble actress. Vanessa Bell Calloway is a brilliant example to other minority performers of how hard work and tenacity pay off. Calloway has felt how hard it is to be a minority in Hollywood, but she has always kept a good head on her shoulders, and let her work ethic and body of work speak for itself.
One of the things that keeps Vanessa Bell Calloway grounded is her long time marriage to her husband Dr. Tony Calloway, an anesthesiologist. Married since 1988, they genuinely love, admire, and respect each other greatly. She acknowledges how much his love and support gives her comfort during hard times. The couple have two beautiful daughters, Ashley and Ally. Calloway is all about family and considers them her true fortress. She is a down to earth lady with her head on straight. She is eloquent and intelligent and continues to make opportunities for herself even when there are none coming her way. She is a shining and true example of how to navigate show business the right way. She never stops learning, growing, or challenging herself as a performer. As a person, she is honest, forthright, and will not hesitate to tell it like it is. Many of these qualities have also contributed to her recent Spirit of LA Award. Calloway truly embodies the spirit of hard work, tenacity, and glamour that the tough city of Los Angeles all about. One thing for sure, Calloway will continue to be a busy, versatile, and talented actress conquering small screen, big screen, stage, and everything in between.
You can check out Vanessa Bell Calloway’s list of extensive projects and her impressive resume of accomplishments at www.vanessabellcalloway.com.
Don’t forget to check out all the episodes of “In the Company of Friends” at http://inthecompanyoffriends.tv/.
Follow Vanessa Bell Calloway Instagram @vanessabellcalloway.
