She is one of those women whose life truly resembles a movie script. She not only conquered European runways but also became one of the first Black models to significantly change the perception of beauty in the fashion industry. Her face has appeared on the pages of publications like “Sports Illustrated,” “Elle,” and many other glossy magazines. Her confidence and professionalism paved the way for her to become a true legend. More at chicagoka.com.
Biography
Roshumba Williams was born on August 1, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. At the age of 19, she set off for Paris. She had minimal financial resources but an immense desire to realize her dream of a modeling career. According to Williams, her mother gave her a clear limit—if nothing worked out in two weeks, she was to accept the trip as a vacation. Within that timeframe, armed with a list of modeling agencies from a library book, she found an agent on her second day of meetings who saw her potential.
Then came a lightning-fast breakthrough: she landed a casting with the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent, who offered her a job as a fit model. He was the one who taught her how to feel the fabric, carry the clothes, and hold herself on the runway. This became the starting point for a new phase in Williams’s life—an education in “high fashion” that opened doors to international shows, advertising campaigns, and global recognition.
The Path to Global Recognition
Thanks to her natural charisma, hard work, and confidence, Roshumba quickly gained popularity in the fashion world. Her face became recognizable not only on the runways but also on magazine covers. It was then that “Sports Illustrated” editor Jule Campbell noticed Williams; she was looking for models who exuded sincerity and vitality, and Roshumba was a perfect fit. Williams became one of the first Black models to be featured by “Sports Illustrated” in its iconic swimsuit issue. This was a revolutionary event: the American audience saw a new ideal of beauty that went beyond traditional stereotypes.
Success in the fashion world opened new horizons for Williams: she appeared in films—notably in “Celebrity” (directed by Woody Allen), “Prêt-à-Porter” (directed by Robert Altman), and the comedy “Hair Show.” Her recognizability and natural charisma led to television work: in 2002, she became a host and correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight,” where she interviewed stars after a successful season of “red carpet” work.
In the following years, she hosted “Beautiful Homes,” “Amazing Homes,” and “Fabulous Bathrooms” on HGTV, participated in projects like “Live Like a Star” (Fox), “Swimsuit Secrets Revealed” (WE), and “Beach Week” (Travel Channel). She also became a judge on the reality show “Tease” on Oxygen and on the program “She’s Got the Look,” where she helped women aged 35+ achieve their modeling dreams.
In 1999, Roshumba published “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Being a Model,” where she shared her experience and advice for those just starting their modeling careers. In it, Williams detailed preparing for castings, working with agents, body care, and the psychological resilience needed for the business. Eight years later, an updated edition was released—”The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Being a Model, 2nd Edition” (2007), which factored in the realities of the digital age: online portfolios, social media, and online branding. Both books became “survival guides” for models, as well as a source of inspiration for those striving to combine beauty, intelligence, and self-respect in the profession.
Impact on the Fashion Industry
Roshumba Williams became a symbol of how femininity, strength, and beauty can be combined without compromise. In a fashion industry dominated by narrow beauty standards, her appearance—with her dark skin and natural style—was a bold step toward greater diversity. For example, her short, natural hair became a “signature” style on the runways, in an industry where wigs and long, luxurious hairstyles prevailed.
She joined the list of models who were key to the growth of the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition”—alongside names like Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks, which underscores her status as a pioneer.
Roshumba Williams’s television career developed in parallel with her modeling:
- Host/Correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight” (starting in 2002);
- Host of “Beautiful Homes,” “Amazing Homes,” and “Fabulous Bathrooms” on HGTV;
- Participated in “Live Like a Star” (Fox), “Swimsuit Secrets Revealed” (WE), and “Beach Week” (Travel Channel);
- Judge and mentor on “Tease” (Oxygen) and “She’s Got the Look.”
Lifestyle
Roshumba is known for her natural approach to health and lifestyle. In one interview, she shared that her path to harmony consists of several main components: mindfulness, respect for her body, light physical activity, and authenticity. She noted that aging doesn’t mean an “end”—rather, it’s an evolution. And beauty that comes from within has more lasting power than external gloss.
Her approach includes regular walks, light exercise, occasional saunas, detox days, and an emphasis on her inner state, not just her external appearance. This approach resonates with her image: the model illustrates that a long career is possible if there is balance, self-respect, and vital energy. She also actively supports the idea of diversity in the fashion industry, speaking about how the industry needs to open up more space for different types of beauty—in age, skin color, and body shape.
Personal Life
Roshumba Williams was married to actor Gary Dourdan, known for the series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” The wedding took place in 1992, but the couple divorced two years later. Despite high-profile events in her personal life, Williams continues to be a symbol of grace and professionalism. In an interview for “Yahoo Lifestyle,” she confessed that the main components of her harmony are a healthy lifestyle, mindfulness, and respect for her body.
Roshumba regularly participates in charitable events, especially those related to the fight against breast cancer. In 2025, she became one of the model ambassadors for the “PINKTOBER” campaign by “Hard Rock / Sports Illustrated”—as part of this initiative, merchandise collections were created, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation for breast cancer research and awareness programs.
Over thirty-five years of work in fashion, film, and television have made Roshumba Williams an icon of style, career resilience, and changing standards. She has lived through eras where the beauty industry has transformed, and she not only remained in it but became part of the transformation. Her story is a reminder that a dream, backed by hard work, self-belief, and determination, can overcome any boundaries—even time itself. Through her book, television projects, mentorship programs, and modeling, she has influenced a generation of young women, helping them build confidence, understand the fashion business, and feel their own worth. Her influence is about self-attitude, about being a voice for diversity, and about how true elegance is not so much about appearance as it is about inner strength, experience, and the ability to inspire others.