Armed with a license in cosmetology and a few small acting roles under her belt, Malinda Williams left her home state of New Jersey and ambitiously set her sights on Hollywood. Originally intent on servicing the entertainment industry by opening her own hair salon, Williams quickly found her beauty industry career giving way to her undeniable acting talent.

Twice nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, the determined young beauty made a name for herself, grabbing lead roles in films such as The Wood (MTV/Paramount), High School High (Tri-Star), and An Uninvited Guest, which won Best of Show at the Acapulco Black Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Urban World Festival in New York. Williams also starred in Dancing in September, Sunset Park, and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. Some of her guest starring television credits include Law and Order: SVU and NYPD BLUE. Having recently completed film projects including Percentage with Ving Rhames and Macy Gray, Russ Parr's The Under Shepherd, and GMC's A Cross to Bear, Williams will next appear in Julie Delpy's 2 Days in New York, co-starring alongside Chris Rock. This busy mom still finds time to mentor and work with nonprofit organizations such as Black Girls Rock!, Take Wings, and Chrysalis.

Having the versatility to portray a range of characters—from a sophisticated young entrepreneur to a mentally challenged teenager—has earned Williams widespread respect in the entertainment industry.

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