VC
Vanessa Bell Calloway
Actor, Director, ProducerBorn March 20, 1957 (68 years)
Vanessa Bell Calloway is an American actress and dancer. She is known for her film roles as Princess Imani Izzi in the 1988 comedy Coming to America, as well as for her roles in What's Love Got to Do with It, The Inkwell, Crimson Tide, and Daylight. She is a nine-time NAACP Image Award nominee.
She began her acting career in the ABC daytime soap opera, All My Children in 1985. After moving to Los Angeles in 1986, she began appearing in episodes of prime time shows such as The Colbys, Falcon Crest, 227, China Beach, A Different World, and L.A. Law. She made her film debut on Number One with a Bullet (1987), before supporting role of Eddie Murphy's character's arranged wife in the 1988 comedy Coming to America.
In 1990, she co-starred alongside Joe Morton in the ABC drama series, Equal Justice. During the 1990s, she had a number of supporting roles in films, including What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) opposite Angela Bassett, The Inkwell (1994), and Crimson Tide (1995) as Denzel Washington's character wife. She also voiced main role in the 1992 animated comedy, Bébé's Kids.
She had a number of leading and supporting roles in made for television movies. In 1995, she co-starred opposite James Earl Jones and Joe Morton in the short-lived CBS prime time soap opera, Under One Roof, the first drama series that featured African-American lead characters. For her role on the series, Calloway was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. She had leading roles on the short-lived NBC sitcom Rhythm & Blues (1992–93), and starred alongside Larry Hagman as his girlfriend in the CBS drama Orleans (1997).
In the 2000s, she had recurring roles on Boston Public and The District. She co-starred in films including The Brothers, All About You, Dawg, Biker Boyz, Love Don't Cost a Thing, and Cheaper by the Dozen. She has guest starred on The Division, Strong Medicine, The Closer, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Dexter, Rizzoli & Isles, Castle, and Grey's Anatomy. From 2010 to 2011, she had the recurring role in the TNT medical drama, Hawthorne. In 2011, she began appearing in the Showtime comedy-drama, Shameless.
In 2016, she was cast as lead character in the Bounce TV first prime time soap opera, Saints & Sinners. Also in 2016, she co-starred as president Obama's future mother-in-law, Marian Shields Robinson, and in the comedy-drama film Southside with You. In 2018, she appeared in the Christian drama film Unbroken: Path to Redemption and the crime thriller Dragged Across Concrete. In 2019, she played abolitionist Harriet Tubman's mother in the biographical drama film Harriet. She reprised her role as Imani Izzi in the 2021 sequel Coming 2 America.
She began her acting career in the ABC daytime soap opera, All My Children in 1985. After moving to Los Angeles in 1986, she began appearing in episodes of prime time shows such as The Colbys, Falcon Crest, 227, China Beach, A Different World, and L.A. Law. She made her film debut on Number One with a Bullet (1987), before supporting role of Eddie Murphy's character's arranged wife in the 1988 comedy Coming to America.
In 1990, she co-starred alongside Joe Morton in the ABC drama series, Equal Justice. During the 1990s, she had a number of supporting roles in films, including What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) opposite Angela Bassett, The Inkwell (1994), and Crimson Tide (1995) as Denzel Washington's character wife. She also voiced main role in the 1992 animated comedy, Bébé's Kids.
She had a number of leading and supporting roles in made for television movies. In 1995, she co-starred opposite James Earl Jones and Joe Morton in the short-lived CBS prime time soap opera, Under One Roof, the first drama series that featured African-American lead characters. For her role on the series, Calloway was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. She had leading roles on the short-lived NBC sitcom Rhythm & Blues (1992–93), and starred alongside Larry Hagman as his girlfriend in the CBS drama Orleans (1997).
In the 2000s, she had recurring roles on Boston Public and The District. She co-starred in films including The Brothers, All About You, Dawg, Biker Boyz, Love Don't Cost a Thing, and Cheaper by the Dozen. She has guest starred on The Division, Strong Medicine, The Closer, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Dexter, Rizzoli & Isles, Castle, and Grey's Anatomy. From 2010 to 2011, she had the recurring role in the TNT medical drama, Hawthorne. In 2011, she began appearing in the Showtime comedy-drama, Shameless.
In 2016, she was cast as lead character in the Bounce TV first prime time soap opera, Saints & Sinners. Also in 2016, she co-starred as president Obama's future mother-in-law, Marian Shields Robinson, and in the comedy-drama film Southside with You. In 2018, she appeared in the Christian drama film Unbroken: Path to Redemption and the crime thriller Dragged Across Concrete. In 2019, she played abolitionist Harriet Tubman's mother in the biographical drama film Harriet. She reprised her role as Imani Izzi in the 2021 sequel Coming 2 America.
Movies & Shows on Plex
Known For
Filmography
| 2025 | One of Them Days · as Mama Ruth |
| 2024 | |
| 2024 | The Vince Staples Show (TV Series) |
| 2023 | Under the Boardwalk · as Val (voice) |
| 2023 | The Couch: Black Girl Erupted · as Dr. Rebecca Francis |
| 2022 | Wicked City (2022) (TV Series) · as Tabitha |
| 2022 | Carl Weber’s The Black Hamptons (TV Series) · as Carolyn Britton |
| 2022 | The Devil You Know · as Della Cowans |
| 2022 | Starkeisha · as The Voice |
| 2021 | Grand Crew (TV Series) · as Brenda |
| 2021 | A Holiday Chance · as Sheryl |
| 2021 | Sacrifice (TV Series) · as Carol Steinburg |
| 2021 | Coming 2 America · as Imani Izzi |
| 2021 | Kenan (TV Series) · as Bobbi |
| 2021 | Saints & Sinners Judgment Day · as Ella |
| 2019 | Harriet · as Rit Ross |
| 2019 | Unbelievable (TV Series) · as Sarah |
| 2019 | American Skin · as Bernice |
| 2019 | A Black Lady Sketch Show (TV Series) · as Kiley's Mother |
| 2019 | Black Monday (TV Series) · as Ruth |
| 2018 | Dragged Across Concrete · as Jennifer Johns |
| 2018 | Throwback Holiday · as Mildred Anderson |
| 2018 | The Conners (TV Series) · as Carrie Langham |
| 2018 | Her Only Choice · as Dr. Bailey |
| 2018 | Thriller · as Mrs. Jackson |
| 2018 | Unbroken: Path to Redemption · as Lila Burkholder |
| 2018 | Rel (TV Series) · as Nancy |
| 2018 | Love Is___ (TV Series) · as 'wiser' Angela |
| 2018 | Love, Once and Always · as Isabel |
| 2017 | Message from a Mistress · as Heather |
| 2017 | The Preacher's Son · as Elena |
| 2016 | The Bounce Back · as Ellen |
| 2016 | This Is Us (TV Series) · as Edie |
| 2016 | Queen Sugar (TV Series) · as Betty |
| 2016 | |
| 2016 | Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story · as Josephine |
| 2016 | Saints & Sinners (TV Series) · as Lady Ella Johnson |
| 2016 | LAPD African Cops · as Officer Collins |
| 2015 | In The Cut (TV Series) · as Samantha |
| 2015 | About Scout · as Faith Price |
| 2015 | Emergency Contact · as Ruthie Biltmore |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 | Survivor's Remorse (TV Series) · as Camille Jordan |
| 2014 | Hand of God (TV Series) · as Eunetta Graham |
| 2014 | Reckless (2014) (TV Series) · as Judge Kress |
| 2014 | Murder in the First (TV Series) · as Veronza Ervin |
| 2014 | The Divorce · as Eva |
| 2013 | Holla II · as Marion |
| 2013 | Between Sisters · as Lillian |
| 2013 | Real Husbands of Hollywood (TV Series) · as Trina's Mother |
| 2012 | Go On (TV Series) · as Joyce |
| 2012 | The Obama Effect · as Molly Thomas |
| 2012 | A Beautiful Soul · as Guardian Angel |
| 2012 | The Last Fall · as Marie Bishop |
| 2012 | The Undershepherd · as Deaconess Carter |
| 2011 | Ringer (TV Series) · as Agent Royce Wiegler |
| 2011 | Harry's Law (TV Series) · as Judge Jude Campbell |
| 2011 | Let's Stay Together (TV Series) |
| 2011 | Shameless (US) (TV Series) · as Carol Fisher |
| 2010 | Detroit 1-8-7 (TV Series) · as Bonnie Mccord |
| 2010 | Outlaw (TV Series) · as Cast |
| 2010 | Rizzoli & Isles (TV Series) · as Assistant District Attorney |
| 2009 | Divas · as Wendy Johnson |
| 2009 | Applause for Miss E · as Miss E |
| 2009 | HawthoRNe (TV Series) · as Gail Strummer |
| 2009 | Castle (2009) (TV Series) · as Beryl Wickfield |
| 2009 | Aussie & Ted's Great Adventure · as Mrs. Jones |
| 2008 | Lakeview Terrace · as Aunt Dorrie |
| 2007 | Stompin' · as Mrs. Jackson |
| 2006 | Dexter (TV Series) · as Crisis Counselor |
| 2006 | Tyler Perry's House of Payne (TV Series) · as Brenda Carlson |
| 2005 | The Closer (TV Series) · as Lynn Talmadge |
| 2005 | Grey's Anatomy (TV Series) · as Lucinda Gamble |
| 2003 | Cheaper by the Dozen · as Diana Philips |
| 2003 | Love Don't Cost a Thing · as Vivian Johnson |
| 2003 | 10-8: Officers on Duty (TV Series) |
| 2003 | Cold Case (TV Series) · as Geraldine Watkins (1970) |
| 2003 | Joan of Arcadia (TV Series) · as Corey Phillips |
| 2003 | All of Us (TV Series) · as Marvella James |
| 2003 | NCIS (TV Series) · as Sally Hammond |
| 2003 | Biker Boyz · as Anita |
| 2002 | CSI: Miami (TV Series) · as Tonya Washington |
| 2002 | |
| 2002 | The Red Sneakers · as Berniece |
| 2001 | One On One (TV Series) · as Michelle Mccall |
| 2001 | |
| 2001 | The Brothers · as Dr. Thelma Woolridge |
| 2001 | The Division (TV Series) · as Dana |
| 2000 | Love Song · as Evie Livingston |
| 2000 | Boston Public (TV Series) · as Mrs. Michelle Ronning |
| 2000 | The District (TV Series) · as Gwen Hendrix |
| 2000 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (TV Series) · as Judge Himmel |
| 2000 | Strong Medicine (TV Series) · as Melanie Rhodes |
| 1999 | The Parkers (TV Series) |
| 1998 | The Temptations (TV Series) · as Johnnie Mae Matthews |
| 1998 | Archibald the Rainbow Painter · as Diana |
| 1998 | |
| 1997 | The Gregory Hines Show (TV Series) · as Kyra Lewis |
| 1997 | Orleans (TV Series) · as Rosalee Clark |
| 1996 | The Cherokee Kid · as Abby Holsopple |
| 1996 | Daylight · as Grace Calloway |
| 1996 | Malcolm & Eddie (TV Series) |
| 1996 | Sparks (TV Series) · as Monique |
| 1996 | America's Dream · as Miss Williams (segment "the Boy Who Painted Christ Black") |
| 1996 | Moesha (TV Series) |
| 1995 | Crimson Tide · as Julia Hunter |
| 1995 | Under One Roof (TV Series) · as Maggie Langston |
| 1995 | Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (TV Series) · as Princess Katusha (voice) |
| 1994 | Touched by an Angel (TV Series) · as Debra Willis |
| 1994 | The Inkwell · as Francis Phillips |
| 1993 | Diagnosis Murder (TV Series) · as Mrs. Calender |
| 1993 | The Sinbad Show (TV Series) |
| 1993 | What's Love Got to Do with It · as Jackie |
| 1993 | Where I Live (TV Series) |
| 1992 | Rhythm & Blues (TV Series) |
| 1992 | Bebe's Kids · as Jamika (voice) |
| 1992 | Stompin' at the Savoy · as Dorothy |
| 1992 | Memphis · as Martha Kinship |
| 1991 | The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage (TV Series) |
| 1990 | Polly: Comin' Home! · as Nancy Dodds |
| 1990 | Dream On (TV Series) · as Jeanette |
| 1990 | Intimate Portrait (TV Series) · as Narrator |
| 1990 | Equal Justice (TV Series) · as Delia Wayne |
| 1989 | Polly · as Nancy |
| 1989 | Dragnet (1989) (TV Series) · as Receptionist |
| 1989 | Doctor Doctor (TV Series) · as Gail Butterfield |
| 1989 | A Little Bit Strange · as Marilyn Mcclane-Masterson |
| 1989 | Father Dowling Mysteries (TV Series) · as Dr. Emily Stone |
| 1988 | |
| 1988 | Coming to America · as Imani Izzi |
| 1988 | China Beach (TV Series) |
| 1988 | In the Heat of the Night (TV Series) · as Audrey Moore |
| 1988 | The Return of Desperado · as Molly Pickett |
| 1987 | A Different World (TV Series) · as Danielle Vinson |
| 1987 | The Tracey Ullman Show (TV Series) · as Cindy #4 |
| 1987 | Number One with a Bullet · as Woman |
| 1986 | L.A. Law (TV Series) · as Robyn Edwards |
| 1985 | The Colbys (TV Series) |
| 1985 | 227 (TV Series) |
| 1984 | 1st & Ten (TV Series) · as Della King |
| 1983 | Webster (TV Series) · as Denice |
| 1981 | Falcon Crest (TV Series) · as Nurse |
| 1981 | Simon & Simon (TV Series) |
| 1971 | Great Performances (TV Series) · as Idella Landy |
| 1970 | All My Children (TV Series) · as Yvonne Caldwell |
| 1965 | Days of our Lives (TV Series) · as Charlene |
| 1954 | Disneyland (TV Series) · as Nancy |