Mistaken Identity
What's in an initial? A lot, if you're former Melrose Place actress Vanessa Williams, who had often been confused with former Miss America Vanessa L. Williams until the latter took on her middle initial. Then the uninitialed Vanessa was cast in the new Showtime series Soul Food, based on the flick starring-you guessed it-Vanessa L. Although their careers have intersected, the two have never crossed paths. "I look forward to meeting her," says Williams, 37, who will be Maxine, the role first played by Vivica A. Fox in the film, when Soul Food premiers June 28. "I want to know how she is managing a new husband [L.A. Laker Rick Fox], a new baby, three other kids-and a career."