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When you think of the legendary Vanessa Bell Calloway, the chocolate-dipped, Princess Imani adorned in a gorgeous gold gown hopping on one foot for Prince Akeem Joffer, portrayed by Eddie Murphy comes to mind. Or it could be how she inspired Tina Turner, played by Angela Basset, to num ya ho renge kyo herself away from Ike. For forty years, from movie to movie and show to show, Vanessa Bell Calloway has epitomized matriarchal power and timeless beauty on our screens and her resume continues to lengthen.

In one of Vanessa’s latest comedic projects—the BET+ original film, Queens of Christmas—alongside fellow legendary actresses, her character, Julia, will be competing against her lifelong friend Doris, played by Terri J. Vaughn and their annoying neighbor Nancy, played by Essence Atkins, for the annual Queens of Christmas title. Written by Chad Quinn and Kenny Young, Queens of Christmas is produced by Pierre Romain, Julie Solinger, Tony Glazer, and Summer Crocket Moore, and debuts exclusively on BET+.

Vanessa Bell Calloway has been married to anesthesiologist, Dr. Anthony Calloway for 36 years. To this day, her husband not only takes care of the big things but has never stopped taking care of the small things for his wife, such as getting her car detailed without Vanessa even mentioning it.

She is an Ohio University Alumni, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Vanessa recently celebrated her Spelman daughter’s marriage to her Morehouse man, forming another legendary Spelhouse couple. The mom of two daughters—Ashley and Alexandra, gushed about how the expansion of her family has birthed new holiday traditions. Vanessa loves Thanksgiving and Alexandra’s new husband’s mother loves Christmas. Both families live in California, which allows for some much-needed flexibility with the holiday functions and an added abundance of fun and love.

Did you know that before legendary comedian, Robin Harris passed away, he told Mrs. Calloway personally that he wanted her to be the voice of Jamika for the animated film Bebe’s Kids? She never mentioned this before being casted, yet Robin’s desire remained etched in the ether and Vanessa received that role.

The Broadway actress reiterates that happiness is a choice and one of the reasons for her timelessness. As a trained dancer, she also credits staying in motion and staying hydrated as a few of her methods for maintaining longevity and healthy Melanated skincare.

Be on the lookout for the nine-time NAACP Image Awards nominee, as she is reprising her role on season two of “The Vince Staples Show”—a semi-autobiographical sitcom set in Long Beach, starring the rapper, and produced by Kenya Barris, which returns to Netflix in 2025.

One of Them Days, the highly anticipated film produced by Issa Rae via her production company, Hoorae is set for a January 24th release in theatres and is starring Emmy Award winner, Keke Palmer and four-time Grammy Award winner, SZA. Vanessa is giving life to the big mama in her character, Momma Ruth for the project.

Will the Queens checkmate each other or will the reason for the season reign supreme? Stream Queens of Christmas December 19th on BET+.

Visit Vanessa Bell Calloway online and tap in with her via social media @vanessabellcalloway.

 

Photo Credits: BET+ and Vanessa Bell Calloway