Career Timeline of Montel Williams: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Montel Williams made an impact.
Montel Williams is an American television host and actor best known for hosting "The Montel Williams Show" from 1991 to 2008. He currently hosts "The Balancing Act" and "Military Makeover with Montel." Prior to his television career, Williams served 22 years in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy. He is also the founder of the Montel Williams MS Foundation, established after his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 1999. Williams is also noted for his advocacy work related to his condition.
1974: Enlistment in the Marine Corps
In 1974, Montel Williams enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
1975: Acceptance into Naval Academy
In 1975, Montel Williams was accepted as the first black Marine into the four-year officer training program at the U.S. Naval Academy.
1980: Graduation from Naval Academy
In 1980, Montel Williams graduated with a degree in general engineering and a minor in international security affairs.
1983: Involvement in Operation Urgent Fury
In 1983, Montel Williams was involved in the U.S. invasion of Grenada, known as Operation Urgent Fury, while working for the National Security Agency.
1991: The Montel Williams Show Begins
In 1991, Montel Williams began hosting "The Montel Williams Show", syndicated by CBS Paramount Television.
1991: Sylvia Browne's first appearance on The Montel Williams Show
In 1991, psychic Sylvia Browne started to appear on The Montel Williams Show.
1996: Stars in Matt Waters
In 1996, Montel Williams produced and starred in the short-lived CBS television series called Matt Waters, playing an ex-Navy SEAL turned inner-city high school teacher.
1996: Daytime Emmy Award
In 1996, Montel Williams received a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host.
1996: Retirement from Naval Reserve
In 1996, Montel Williams retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of lieutenant commander after 22 years of service.
1998: Production of 4CHOSEN: The Documentary
In 1998, Montel Williams produced and narrated the Starline Films documentary film 4CHOSEN: The Documentary, which tells the story about the New Jersey Turnpike shooting.
1999: Directing the film Little Pieces
In 1999, Montel Williams directed the film Little Pieces, starring Grace Morley and Amy Acton.
1999: Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
In 1999, Montel Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which led him to found the Montel Williams MS Foundation.
2001: Emmy Nomination for Montel Williams Show
In 2001, The Montel Williams Show was nominated for Outstanding Talk Show.
2002: Emmy Nomination
In 2002, Montel Williams was again nominated for Outstanding Talk Show Host. Also in 2002, The Montel Williams Show was nominated for Outstanding Talk Show.
2004: Hosting American Candidate
In 2004, Montel Williams hosted American Candidate, a political reality show on Showtime.
January 30, 2008: Termination of The Montel Williams Show
On January 30, 2008, Variety reported that CBS TV Distribution had terminated The Montel Williams Show after key Fox-owned stations decided not to renew it.
May 16, 2008: Last Episode of The Montel Williams Show
On May 16, 2008, the final episode of The Montel Williams Show was broadcast.
2008: Navy Superior Public Service Award
In 2008, Montel Williams received a Navy Superior Public Service Award for his support of Sailors, Marines, and their families.
2008: The Montel Williams Show Ends
In 2008, The Montel Williams Show concluded its run in syndication.
2008: Sylvia Browne's last appearance on The Montel Williams Show
In 2008, self-declared psychic Sylvia Browne made her last appearance on The Montel Williams Show.
April 6, 2009: Hosting Montel Across America
On April 6, 2009, Montel Williams began hosting a daily radio show, Montel Across America, on Air America Media.
May 2009: Hosting Healthmaster Infomercial
As of May 2009, Montel Williams began hosting an infomercial for the Living Well Healthmaster blender.
January 21, 2010: Air America Ceases Broadcasting
On January 21, 2010, Air America ceased broadcasting, leaving Montel Williams without a radio outlet.
June 2010: Infomercials for LifeLock
In June 2010, Montel Williams began doing infomercials for LifeLock, a security fraud company.
November 10, 2010: Guest Appearance on Oprah
On November 10, 2010, Oprah Winfrey invited Montel Williams, along with other former talk show hosts, as guests on her show.
2010: Spokesman for Poker Training Network
In 2010, Montel Williams became chief spokesman for the Poker Training Network, now Card Geniuses.
October 1, 2014: Speaks in Front of Congressional Committee
On October 1, 2014, Montel Williams spoke in front of a Congressional committee in support of Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi.
September 2, 2021: Appointment to Board of Directors
On September 2, 2021, Montel Williams was appointed as a director on the board of Better for You Wellness, Inc.
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