Early Life and Education of Montel Williams: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 26, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Montel Williams. A timeline of key moments.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 3, 1956: Montel Williams Born

On July 3, 1956, Montel Brian Anthony Williams was born. He is an American television host and actor.

Others born on this day/year

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.

1984: Birth of Ashley Williams

In 1984, Ashley Williams, Montel Williams' daughter with his first wife Rochele See, was born.

1988: Birth of Maressa Williams

In 1988, Maressa Williams, Montel Williams' daughter with his first wife Rochele See, was born.

June 6, 1992: Marriage to Grace Morley

On June 6, 1992, Montel Williams married Grace Morley, an exotic dancer.

1992: Father Becomes Fire Chief

In 1992, Montel Williams' father, Herman Williams, Jr., became Baltimore's first African American fire chief.

1993: Birth of Montel Brian Hank Williams

In 1993, Montel Brian Hank Williams, son of Montel Williams and Grace Morley, was born.

1993: Leaves the Republican Party

In 1993, Montel Williams left the Republican political party and registered as an independent.

1994: Birth of Wyntergrace Williams

In 1994, Wyntergrace Williams, daughter of Montel Williams and Grace Morley, was born.

1999: Diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis

In 1999, Montel Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, four months after his guest appearance in an episode of Touched by an Angel.

1999: Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

In 1999, Montel Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which led him to found the Montel Williams MS Foundation.

2000: Divorce from Grace Morley

In 2000, Montel Williams and Grace Morley divorced.

2001: Dates Kamala Harris

In 2001, Montel Williams briefly dated Kamala Harris.

July 2006: Proposes to Tara Fowler

In July 2006, Montel Williams proposed to girlfriend Tara Fowler, an American Airlines flight attendant.

2006: Speaks out about the port security bill

In 2006, Montel Williams spoke out about the port security bill signed that banned online gaming sites from accepting money transactions from the U.S.