History of Wendy Williams in Timeline
Wendy Williams is an American former broadcaster, media personality, and writer. She started as a radio DJ, gaining fame in New York City for her controversial "shock jock" style and celebrity feuds. Her life was chronicled in the VH1 reality series, *The Wendy Williams Experience*. From 2008 to 2021, Williams hosted the nationally syndicated television talk show, *The Wendy Williams Show*.
July 18, 1964: Wendy Williams Born
On July 18, 1964, Wendy Joan Williams was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
1969: Father Becomes First Black School Administrator
In 1969, Thomas Dwayne Williams, Wendy Williams's father, became the first black school administrator in Red Bank, New Jersey.
1970: Family Moves to Wayside
Following race riots in Asbury Park, in 1970, the Williams family moved to Wayside in Ocean Township, New Jersey.
1982: Graduation from High School
Wendy Williams graduated from Ocean Township High School in 1982.
1986: Graduation from Northeastern University
In 1986, Wendy Williams graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and a minor in journalism.
November 1, 1987: Start at WQHT
On November 1, 1987, Wendy Williams began working as a weekend fill-in at New York City's WQHT radio station.
May 1990: Permanent Morning Position at WRKS
In May 1990, WRKS gave Wendy Williams a non-compete clause and a permanent morning position after WBLS began poaching its employees.
April 1991: Moved to Evening Drive Time Slot
In April 1991, WRKS moved Wendy Williams to host the evening drive time slot.
1993: Highest-Rated Host and Billboard Award
By 1993, Wendy Williams was the highest-rated host in her time slot in the New York City market and received a Billboard Radio Award for R&B Major Market Radio Air Personality of the Year.
1993: Co-hosted American Urban Radio Networks
In 1993, Wendy Williams co-hosted American Urban Radio Networks' syndicated Top 30 USA song countdown program.
September 26, 1994: Moved Back to Mornings at WRKS
On September 26, 1994, WRKS moved Wendy Williams back to mornings, where she hosted a program titled "Wendy and Company".
December 12, 1994: Moved to WQHT
On December 12, 1994, Wendy Williams began hosting the evening drive time slot at WQHT after Emmis purchased WRKS.
1994: Meeting and Marriage to Kevin Hunter
In 1994, Wendy Williams met her second husband, Kevin Hunter, while still married to her first husband, Bertrand "Bert" Girigorie whom she married that year.
April 1997: Suspension for Website Content
In April 1997, WQHT suspended Wendy Williams for one week after she mentioned her website on air, which contained a doctored image of Sean Combs.
September 1997: Suspension for Online Comments
In September 1997, Wendy Williams was suspended again by WQHT for online comments insinuating that Angie Martinez's boyfriend Q-Tip was gay.
1997: Wendy's World Poised to Debut
A syndicated daytime talk show hosted by Wendy Williams titled Wendy's World was poised to debut in fall 1997, but it never aired.
1998: Fired from Hot 97 and hired by Power 99FM
In 1998, Wendy Williams was fired from Hot 97 and subsequently hired by WUSL (Power 99FM) in Philadelphia.
November 30, 1999: Marriage to Kevin Hunter
On November 30, 1999, Wendy Williams married her second husband, Kevin Hunter, who later became her agent.
August 2000: Birth of son
In August 2000, Wendy Williams gave birth to her son with Kevin Hunter, after suffering multiple miscarriages.
2001: Return to New York Airwaves
In 2001, Wendy Williams returned to the New York airwaves when WBLS hired her full-time for a syndicated 2–6 p.m. time slot.
August 2003: Release of Wendy's Got the Heat
In August 2003, Wendy Williams released her autobiography, Wendy's Got the Heat, co-written with Karen Hunter, which focused on her life, including childhood troubles, drug addiction, and marriages. It debuted at number nine on The New York Times Best Seller list for nonfiction.
2003: Infamous Interview with Whitney Houston
In 2003, Wendy Williams had an infamous interview with Whitney Houston, which involved a shouting match regarding Houston's marriage and breast implants.
2003: Interview with Blu Cantrell released on DVD
In 2003, Wendy Williams interviewed Blu Cantrell, and the conversation was released as a DVD on the singer's album, Bittersweet.
August 2004: Reprint of Wendy's Got the Heat
In August 2004, Wendy Williams' autobiography, Wendy's Got the Heat, was reprinted in paperback, a month before the debut of her second book.
June 2005: Release of Wendy Williams Brings the Heat: Volume 1
In June 2005, Wendy Williams and Virgin Records released a compilation album, Wendy Williams Brings the Heat: Volume 1, featuring various rap acts. It sold 29,000 copies by November of that year.
2005: Funding of a scholarship for a black female high school student
In 2005, Wendy Williams funded a $1,000 scholarship for a black female high school student who sought to major in communications in college.
2006: The Wendy Williams Experience Airs on VH1
In 2006, VH1 broadcast 'The Wendy Williams Experience', a reality television series documenting events surrounding Wendy Williams' radio show.
2006: Spokesperson for George Veselles champagne and Alizé liqueurs
In 2006, Wendy Williams became a spokesperson for George Veselles champagne and Alizé liqueurs.
2006: Publication of Drama Is Her Middle Name
In 2006, Wendy Williams co-authored Drama Is Her Middle Name with Karen Hunter, the first novel in a trilogy about radio shock jock Ritz Harper.
2006: Conflict with Method Man
In 2006, Wu-Tang Clan performer Method Man had a personal and publicized conflict with Wendy Williams after she revealed details about his wife's cancer diagnosis.
2006: Scholarship recipient receives internship
In 2006, the scholarship recipient also received an internship at WBLS, continuing Williams's support for aspiring communications professionals.
2007: Publication of Is the Bitch Dead, or What?
In 2007, Wendy Williams co-authored Is the Bitch Dead, or What? with Karen Hunter, the second novel in the Ritz Harper trilogy.
2007: Scholarship recipient receives internship
In 2007, the scholarship recipient also received an internship at WBLS, continuing Williams's support for aspiring communications professionals.
July 14, 2008: Debut of The Wendy Williams Show
On July 14, 2008, Wendy Williams debuted her daytime talk show, 'The Wendy Williams Show', in four cities during a six-week television trial.
2008: Syndication Expansion
By 2008, Wendy Williams's show was syndicated in several markets, including Redondo Beach, Shreveport, Wilmington, and Toledo.
2008: The Wendy Williams Show Debut
In 2008, Wendy Williams started hosting the nationally syndicated television talk show 'The Wendy Williams Show'.
July 2009: National Broadcast Deal
In July 2009, Fox signed a deal with Debmar-Mercury to broadcast 'The Wendy Williams Show' nationally on their stations.
2009: Publication of Ritz Harper Goes to Hollywood!
In 2009, Wendy Williams co-authored the third novel in the Ritz Harper trilogy, Ritz Harper Goes to Hollywood!, with Zondra Hughes.
2009: Donation to Asbury Park Middle School
In 2009, Wendy Williams led an effort to donate money and school supplies to Asbury Park Middle School.
2009: Departure from Radio
In 2009, Wendy Williams left her radio show to focus on her television program and spend more time with her family.
2009: Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame
In 2009, Wendy Williams was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
2009: National Radio Hall of Fame Induction
In 2009, Wendy Williams was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
2010: International Broadcast of The Wendy Williams Show
In 2010, BET started airing 'The Wendy Williams Show' internationally in 54 countries through BET International.
2011: Hosting Love Triangle and Acting Roles
In 2011, Wendy Williams hosted the game show 'Love Triangle' for GSN and played a judge on 'Drop Dead Diva'.
2012: Appearance in Think Like a Man
In 2012, Wendy Williams appeared in the film adaptation of Steve Harvey's book, 'Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man', titled 'Think Like a Man'.
2012: Debut of "Adorn" jewelry and shoe line on QVC
In 2012, Wendy Williams debuted a jewelry and shoe line called "Adorn" on shopping channel QVC. Also in 2012, Williams started a "Save the Twinkie" campaign amidst the parent company's filing for bankruptcy, setting up a Facebook page and promoting the snack on The Wendy Williams Show.
2012: Hurricane Sandy Relief and PETA Campaign
In 2012, following Hurricane Sandy, Wendy Williams visited her hometown of Asbury Park and provided hot meals and entertainment for 300 people. She also posed for PETA's "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign and supported Barack Obama in the presidential election and headlined Philly Pride.
February 2013: Launch of Wendy Williams Productions
In February 2013, Wendy Williams and her husband, Kevin, launched a reality television production company, Wendy Williams Productions.
May 2013: Release of Ask Wendy
In May 2013, Wendy Williams released an advice book titled Ask Wendy.
August 11, 2013: End of Broadway Run in Chicago
On August 11, 2013, Wendy Williams concluded her seven-week run as Matron "Mama" Morton in the Broadway musical 'Chicago'.
2013: Participation in The Heart Truth fashion show
In 2013, Wendy Williams participated in The Heart Truth fashion show to raise awareness for women's breast cancer.
2013: Release of wig collection to online retailers
In 2013, Wendy Williams released a wig collection to online retailers.
2013: Guest Judge on The Face
In 2013, Wendy Williams served as a guest judge on 'The Face'.
July 11, 2014: Comedy debut at Lipshtick in Las Vegas
On July 11, 2014, Wendy Williams made her sold-out comedy debut at Lipshtick, an all-female-based comedy series at the Venetian in Las Vegas.
October 31, 2014: Return to Lipshtick
On October 31, 2014, Wendy Williams returned to Lipshtick at the Venetian in Las Vegas, after her sold-out debut in July.
November 1, 2014: Return to Lipshtick
On November 1, 2014, Wendy Williams returned to Lipshtick at the Venetian in Las Vegas, after her sold-out debut in July.
November 15, 2014: Premiere of Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B
On November 15, 2014, 'Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B', a biographical film executive produced by Wendy Williams for Lifetime, premiered and attracted controversy.
2014: Creation of The Hunter Foundation
In 2014, Wendy Williams and her ex-husband created The Hunter Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting anti-poverty programs and resources for those transitioning from drug addiction to recovery.
2014: Appearance in Think Like a Man Too
In 2014, Wendy Williams appeared in the sequel to 'Think Like a Man', titled 'Think Like a Man Too'.
2014: Release of Hold Me in Contempt
In 2014, Wendy Williams released a romance novel, Hold Me in Contempt, co-authored with an English professor ghostwriter.
2014: Wendy Williams Way
In 2014, on Wendy Williams' 50th birthday, Asbury Park renamed the street where she grew up as Wendy Williams Way.
September 2015: Premiere of Death By Gossip with Wendy Williams
In September 2015, the documentary series 'Death By Gossip with Wendy Williams', hosted and produced by Williams, premiered on Investigation Discovery.
2015: Announcement of "The Wendy Williams Sit Down Tour: Too Real For Stand-Up"
In 2015, Wendy Williams announced a 12-city comedy tour called "The Wendy Williams Sit Down Tour: Too Real For Stand-Up."
2015: Release of self-titled clothing line on HSN
In 2015, Wendy Williams sold a self-titled clothing line on shopping channel HSN.
2015: Support for removal of Confederate battle flag
In 2015, Wendy Williams supported the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina State House.
2016: Holiday dinners for those in need
During the Holiday season in 2016, The Hunter Foundation hosted dinners for over 1000 people in need.
2016: Accusations of Victim Blaming and Apology
In 2016, Wendy Williams was accused of victim-blaming Kesha and later apologized for her remarks.
October 2017: Fainting during live broadcast
In late October 2017, Wendy Williams fainted during a live broadcast of her show from dehydration.
2017: Donation to emergency food pantry
In 2017, The Hunter Foundation donated $1000 for the opening of an emergency food pantry.
January 2018: Criticism for R. Kelly comments and #MeToo movement
In January 2018, Wendy Williams faced criticism from activist Tarana Burke for her comments about an alleged sexual assault victim of R. Kelly and the #MeToo movement. Williams stood by her comments, stating she knew things about R. Kelly that he had confided in her.
February 2018: Disclosure of Graves' disease diagnosis
In February 2018, Wendy Williams disclosed that she has Graves' disease, which causes hyperthyroidism, conditions she had been diagnosed with nearly two decades prior.
December 2018: Shoulder fracture
In December 2018, Wendy Williams fractured her shoulder.
2018: College tuition payment
In 2018, The Hunter Foundation paid for a student's college tuition.
2018: Promotion of Be Here for drug abuse victims
In 2018, Wendy Williams promoted Be Here (behere.org) during a 10-city tour aimed at raising $10 million in 5 years for drug and substance abuse victims.
2018: Hiatus From Hosting Show
In 2018, Wendy Williams took a three-week hiatus from hosting her show due to health issues.
March 2019: Launch of 24/7 national addiction hotline
In March 2019, The Hunter Foundation launched a 24/7 national hotline, 1-888-5HUNTER, for those struggling with addiction.
March 2019: Disclosure of living in a sober house and having vertigo
In March 2019, Wendy Williams said she had been living in a sober house "for some time" and that she has vertigo.
April 2019: Filing for divorce from Kevin Hunter
In April 2019, Wendy Williams filed for divorce from Kevin Hunter due to irreconcilable differences after he fathered a baby with a mistress.
May 2019: Dissolution of The Hunter Foundation
In May 2019, The Hunter Foundation was dissolved following Wendy Williams' divorce from Kevin Hunter. She subsequently partnered with SNAX-Sational Brands and Operation Backpack to raise funds for school supplies for children in New York shelters.
June 2019: Attendance at Los Angeles Pride with Blac Chyna
In June 2019, Wendy Williams attended Los Angeles Pride with Blac Chyna.
October 17, 2019: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On October 17, 2019, Wendy Williams received the 2,677th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2019: Extended Hiatus From Hosting Show
In 2019, Wendy Williams took a six-week hiatus from hosting her show due to health issues.
January 2020: Criticism for mocking Joaquin Phoenix
In January 2020, Wendy Williams was criticized for mocking actor Joaquin Phoenix by using her finger to pull up her lip to resemble a cleft palate. She later apologized on Twitter and her show donated to cleft palate charities after a petition calling for her firing gained over 70,000 signatures.
January 2020: Finalization of divorce from Kevin Hunter
In January 2020, Wendy Williams' divorce from Kevin Hunter was finalized, though her legal surname remained Hunter.
May 2020: Hiatus due to fatigue
In May 2020, Wendy Williams took a hiatus from hosting her show remotely due to fatigue caused by Graves' disease, following remote hosting due to the COVID-19 pandemic which began in March of the same year.
July 2021: Criticism for tone covering Swavy's murder
In July 2021, Wendy Williams received criticism for her tone while covering the murder of TikTok star Swavy, stating "I have no idea who this is" after comparing their social media followers.
September 2021: COVID-19 positive breakthrough infection
In September 2021, Wendy Williams tested positive for a breakthrough infection of COVID-19.
2021: The Wendy Williams Show Ends
In 2021, Wendy Williams ended her run as the host of 'The Wendy Williams Show'.
2021: Williams Reveals Date Rape Experience
In 2021, Wendy Williams revealed that she was date raped while in college.
January 2022: Wells Fargo freezes accounts and requests guardianship hearing
In January 2022, Wells Fargo froze Wendy Williams's accounts and requested a New York Supreme Court hearing to determine whether she needed a guardianship due to her health conditions.
2022: Chronicle of Wendy Williams's life started
In 2022, a documentary chronicling Williams's life since that year began filming.
2022: Conclusion of The Wendy Williams Show production
In 2022, production of The Wendy Williams Show concluded due to Wendy Williams's ongoing health issues.
2023: Retirement from Broadcasting
In 2023, Wendy Williams retired from broadcasting after being diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
2023: Diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia
In 2023, Wendy Williams was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and entered a cognitive facility.
February 2024: Airing of Where Is Wendy Williams? documentary
In February 2024, the documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?, chronicling Williams's life since 2022, aired on Lifetime. Morrissey unsuccessfully sued to prevent its release.
November 2024: Legal documents describe Williams as cognitively impaired
In November 2024, legal documents filed by Sabrina Morrissey described Wendy Williams as "cognitively impaired, permanently disabled and legally incapacitated."
January 2025: Williams claims she is not cognitively impaired
In January 2025, Wendy Williams claimed she was "not cognitively impaired" during an appearance on The Breakfast Club radio show. She described her guardianship as "emotional abuse" and compared it to prison.
June 18, 2025: Lawsuit filed by Kevin Hunter on Williams' behalf
On June 18, 2025, it was reported that Wendy Williams's ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, filed a lawsuit on her behalf against the judge in her case and her legal guardian, citing abuse, neglect, and fraud in the guardianship case.
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