62-Year-Old ‘Ugly Betty’ Actress Reveals She’s Been Taking a GLP-1 for Weight Loss for 2 Years
Vanessa Williams, the celebrated actress and singer known for her iconic role as Wilhelmina Slater on the hit series Ugly Betty, has opened up about her recent health and wellness journey. In a candid new interview, the 62-year-old star revealed that she has been using a GLP-1 medication to manage her weight for the past two years.
Williams shared that her decision to start the medication was driven by the drastic physical changes she experienced after turning 50 and entering menopause. Speaking to Hello! magazine, she described the treatment as a “game-changer” for her lifestyle and confidence. The specific medication she uses is Mounjaro, a brand name for tirzepatide, which is an FDA-approved prescription often used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
The multi-talented performer explained that maintaining her physique became increasingly difficult as she aged, despite adhering to her usual rigorous diet and exercise routines. “You feel out of control because you’re working out the same way, eating the same, and your body is not reacting the way it used to,” Williams admitted. She noted that the shift in her metabolism during perimenopause and menopause made it nearly impossible to maintain the results she was accustomed to seeing.
For Williams, the turning point came with a milestone birthday. “When I turned 60, I was like: ‘I want to be here for a long time, and I want to look my best. So what am I going to do?'” she recalled. This desire for longevity and vitality led her to explore medical options that could support her goals alongside her healthy habits.
Since starting the regimen two years ago, Williams has found a new sense of balance and control over her health. She emphasized that the medication is just one tool in her broader wellness toolkit, which focuses heavily on healthy aging. The actress was keen to highlight that her goal isn’t just about vanity, but about feeling capable and energetic for her demanding career on stage and screen.
In addition to her weight loss protocol, Williams also discussed other treatments she utilizes to maintain her youthfulness. She is a proponent of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which she credits with helping her navigate the hormonal fluctuations of menopause. She also revealed she has recently started NAD+ injections, a therapy popular among longevity enthusiasts for its potential to aid in DNA repair and boost cellular energy.
Her commitment to self-care extends to her skincare regimen as well. Williams detailed her use of advanced aesthetic treatments, including “P5 facials,” a procedure that involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets back into the skin to stimulate collagen production. She also uses at-home microcurrent devices to keep her facial muscles toned, proving that her ageless appearance is the result of a disciplined and multi-faceted approach.
While Williams is focused on her personal health, her professional life remains as busy and vibrant as ever. The actress is currently commanding the stage in London’s West End, starring as the formidable fashion editor Miranda Priestly in the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada. The production features an original score by music legend Elton John and has been drawing crowds to the Dominion Theatre.
Taking on the role of Miranda Priestly is a fitting next step for Williams, who is no stranger to playing powerful, high-fashion antagonists. Her performance has been praised for bringing a unique blend of icy charisma and vocal prowess to the character made famous by Meryl Streep in the 2006 film. The musical explores the high-stakes world of fashion journalism, following the ambitious young writer Andy Sachs as she navigates the demands of her terrifying boss.
Starring alongside Williams in the production is Matt Henry, who plays the role of Nigel, the creative director of Runway magazine. The cast also includes Georgie Buckland as the aspiring journalist Andy Sachs and Amy Di Bartolomeo as the high-strung assistant Emily. The show has generated significant buzz for its lavish costume design and catchy pop-rock score, solidifying Williams’ status as a theater powerhouse.
Beyond her theater work, Williams recently made a triumphant return to the music industry. In August 2024, she released Survivor, her first new studio album in 15 years. The album showcases her versatility across genres, blending pop, R&B, and dance influences, and includes the lead single “Legs (Keep Dancing),” which has been well-received by fans and critics alike.
Williams’ career has been defined by her resilience and ability to reinvent herself across different mediums. From her history-making win as Miss America to her chart-topping music career with hits like “Save the Best for Last,” she has remained a constant figure in entertainment. Her television career is equally impressive, with memorable roles as Renee Perry in Desperate Housewives and her Emmy-nominated turn in Ugly Betty.
Looking ahead, Williams shows no signs of slowing down. Her run in The Devil Wears Prada has been extended through April 2026, keeping her in London for the foreseeable future. She also has a series of cabaret performances scheduled for early 2026 at the famous 54 Below in New York City, where she will perform classics from her discography and share stories from her decades-long career.
Her openness about using weight-loss medication places her among a growing list of celebrities willing to discuss the realities of aging in the public eye. By sharing her experience with Mounjaro and other anti-aging treatments, Williams hopes to destigmatize the tools women use to feel their best during menopause. Her transparency offers a refreshing perspective in an industry that often demands perfection without explanation.
If you have experience with GLP-1 medications or thoughts on Vanessa Williams’ open approach to aging, please share your story in the comments.