Veronica Webb

It's a surprising statement given what Webb has achieved in the business. The striking beauty, discovered on the streets of New York by a makeup artist in the early 1980s, was the first black model to receive an exclusive contract from a major cosmetics company. But early on in her career, modeling didn't give her enough satisfaction. Seeking validation, she forged ahead with other interests, working as a journalist and landing small roles in movies such as "Jungle Fever."

Her acting career has also continued to gather steam. She has a recurring role in the Fox sitcom "Damon", starring Damon Wayans. She is editor-at-large at Interview magazine, and Miramax Books has just published "Veronica Webb Sight: Adventures in the Big City," a reflection of her life and a collection of her essays. The book includes reprinted journalism work along with a 106-page biography.

"Once something is printed, they take you seriously. But sometimes, I'd be up for a piece and people would say, 'Veronica Webb, the model?' I'd never know if they were serious and excited, or skeptical and disappointed," she says.

Veronica also says, "Thanks to the media shows like E!, there is no longer the mystery associated with models that there was before. Every model has to keep moving and do something else with the exception of Carmen (dell Orifice) who's 60 years old. The media machine needs to feed and constantly needs new material. Modeling has been demythologized to a certain degree, but so has Hollywood, where everyone knows what everyone else makes. Girls coming into the business today have so much information and with that comes greater expectations. They want the money, the campaigns, etc. right away. Every time you use yourself in a purely commercial way it takes away from the fantasy you've created about yourself. 'Commercial' is not a bad word to me though. I didn't get into modeling because I wanted a photo album."

Webb has also written a screenplay that is being developed into a movie. It's her modeling career however that has given Veronica Webb, the most fame - and the most success. And she's not bothered by it anymore. Her movie credits include; In Too Deep (2000) [Gallery] as Pam; Big Tease, The (1999) as Herself; 54 (1998) as VIP Patron; Holy Man (1998) as Diandre; Malcolm X (1992) as Sister Lucille Rosary. "I'm incredibly grateful for the career I have and what it's done for me," she said. "As you grow up, you learn that there's a difference between what you do and who you are."