Suzette Charles

When Vanessa Williams was dethroned as Miss America, Suzette Charles became the second African-American Miss America. She reigned 7 weeks, the shortest tenure of a Miss America.

 

1984 B

Suzette Charles Mays Landing, New Jersey Suzette represented New Jersey in the Miss America Pageant in 1984 as a 1981 Presidential Scholar and was presented the Presidential gold medallion by President Ronald Reagan upon graduating. Suzette's vocal performance as a contestant won her the talent portion as she sang Barbra Streisand's "Kiss Me In The Rain." Suzette was a child performer with union credits to her name. She was featured in Sesame Street and Electric Company at the early age of 8. After filming several television commercials she was a featured singer in Milos Foreman's feature film, Hair starring Treat Williams and Beverly DeAngelo. Her song "Frank Mills," was also recorded on the cast album at age 12. Suzette has appeared on several soap operas including CBS's The Young and the Restless, NBC's Generations and a contract role on ABC's Loving. Her vocal talent has led her to tour with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Bill Cosby, Alan King and Stevie Wonder to name a few. The famed recording producer David Foster has produced Suzette on his label on Atlantic Records. She has also had a top ten hit "Free To Love Again" with a single produced by Stock,Waterman Aikerman on BMG/PWL Records. Suzette has also had several talk shows on Bravo and HBO Entertainment News as well as an entertainment show on BET. One of her greatest moments was Andy Warhol throwing her a party and featuring her in Interview Magazine. Tina Turner was also there. Suzette is the mother of two children and the wife of Dr. Leonard Bley. She continues to work and inspire others to follow their dreams.