History of Wendy Williams in Timeline
Wendy Williams is an American media personality known for her career as a radio DJ and television host. Rising to prominence in New York City radio, she became recognized as a shock jock, known for her outspoken commentary and on-air feuds with celebrities. Her radio career was documented in the reality series, 'The Wendy Williams Experience.' From 2008 to 2021, she hosted the nationally syndicated talk show 'The Wendy Williams Show,' further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.
6 hours ago : Wendy Williams' Guardianship Drama Explored in 'Trapped' Documentary Premiering on ID
The 'Trapped: What is Happening to Wendy Williams?' documentary investigates Wendy Williams' guardianship. The documentary explores the controversies and challenges surrounding her current situation and career.
July 18, 1964: Wendy Williams Born
On July 18, 1964, Wendy Joan Williams was born. She became an American broadcaster, media personality, and writer.
1969: Father Becomes School Administrator
In 1969, Thomas Williams, Wendy Williams' 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, Wendy Williams' family moved to Wayside in Ocean Township, New Jersey.
1982: Graduation from High School
In 1982, Wendy Williams graduated from Ocean Township High School.
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: Starts at WQHT
On November 1, 1987, Wendy Williams began working as a weekend fill-in at New York City's WQHT.
May 1990: Permanent Morning Position at WRKS
In May 1990, Wendy Williams got a permanent morning position at WRKS after WBLS began poaching employees.
April 1991: Host Evening Drive Time Slot
In April 1991, WRKS moved Wendy Williams to host the evening drive time slot.
1993: Co-hosted Top 30 USA Song Countdown Program
In 1993, Wendy Williams co-hosted American Urban Radio Networks' syndicated Top 30 USA song countdown program.
1993: Billboard Radio Award
In 1993, Wendy Williams received a Billboard Radio Award for R&B Major Market Radio Air Personality of the Year.
September 26, 1994: Hosts Wendy and Company
On September 26, 1994, Wendy Williams began hosting a program titled "Wendy and Company" at WRKS.
December 12, 1994: Host Evening Drive Time Slot at WQHT
On December 12, 1994, Wendy Williams began hosting the evening drive time slot at WQHT after being transferred from WRKS.
1994: Meeting Kevin Hunter
In 1994, Wendy Williams met Kevin Hunter, who would later become her second husband. She also married her first husband, Bertrand "Bert" Girigorie, in 1994, separating after five months and divorcing about 18 months later.
April 1997: Suspension from WQHT
In April 1997, WQHT suspended Wendy Williams for one week after mentioning her website on air, which displayed a doctored image of Sean Combs.
September 1997: Second Suspension from WQHT
In September 1997, Wendy Williams was suspended again from WQHT for online comments about Angie Martinez's boyfriend, Q-Tip.
1997: Wendy's World Was Poised to Debut
In 1997, a syndicated daytime talk show hosted by Williams titled Wendy's World was poised to debut in the fall but never aired.
November 30, 1999: Marriage to Kevin Hunter
On November 30, 1999, Wendy Williams married Kevin Hunter. He later became her agent.
August 2000: Birth of son
In August 2000, Wendy Williams gave birth to her son 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 autobiography "Wendy's Got the Heat"
In August 2003, Wendy Williams released her autobiography, "Wendy's Got the Heat", co-written with Karen Hunter. The book debuted at number nine on The New York Times Best Seller list for nonfiction.
2003: Interview with Blu Cantrell released as a DVD
In 2003, Wendy Williams' interview with Blu Cantrell was released as a DVD on the singer's album "Bittersweet".
2003: Infamous Interview with Whitney Houston
In 2003, Wendy Williams' interview with Whitney Houston was described as her most infamous due to a shouting match between them.
August 2004: Reprint of "Wendy's Got the Heat" and debut of "The Wendy Williams Experience"
In August 2004, Wendy Williams' autobiography "Wendy's Got the Heat" was reprinted in paperback. Also that month, she released her second book, "The Wendy Williams Experience", which features celebrity gossip and interviews.
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, including M.O.P., Jadakiss, and Young Jeezy.
2005: Funding of scholarship for black female student
In 2005, Wendy Williams funded a $1,000 scholarship for a black female high school student majoring in communications in college.
2006: The Wendy Williams Experience
In 2006, VH1 broadcasted "The Wendy Williams Experience", a reality television series documenting events surrounding her 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: Scholarship and internship provided to recipient
In 2006, Wendy Williams continued to provide a $1,000 scholarship and internship at WBLS to a black female high school student majoring in communications in college.
2006: Release of Drama Is Her Middle Name
In 2006, Wendy Williams released "Drama Is Her Middle Name", the first novel in a trilogy about radio shock jock Ritz Harper, co-authored with Karen Hunter.
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.
2007: Scholarship and internship provided to recipient
In 2007, Wendy Williams continued to provide a $1,000 scholarship and internship at WBLS to a black female high school student majoring in communications in college.
2007: Release of Is the Bitch Dead, or What?
In 2007, Wendy Williams released "Is the Bitch Dead, or What?", the second novel in a trilogy about radio shock jock Ritz Harper, co-authored with Karen Hunter.
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 the summer of 2008.
2008: Syndication in Multiple Markets
By 2008, Wendy Williams' show was syndicated in various markets including Redondo Beach, California; Shreveport, Louisiana; and others.
2008: The Wendy Williams Show Debut
In 2008, Wendy Williams began hosting "The Wendy Williams Show", a nationally syndicated television talk 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: 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: Leaves Radio Show
In 2009, Wendy Williams left her radio show to focus on her television program and spend more time with her family.
2009: Release of Ritz Harper Goes to Hollywood!
In 2009, Wendy Williams released "Ritz Harper Goes to Hollywood!", the third novel in a trilogy about radio shock jock Ritz Harper, co-authored with Zondra Hughes.
2009: Inducted into National Radio Hall of Fame
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: Hosted Love Triangle and Appeared on Drop Dead Diva
In 2011, Wendy Williams hosted a game show called "Love Triangle" for GSN and played a judge on the Lifetime network show "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 the shopping channel QVC. She also started a "Save the Twinkie" campaign amid the parent company's bankruptcy filing, promoting the snack on her show. However, the shoe manufacturer's lawyer alleged she never paid the production cost.
2012: Charitable activities and political support in 2012
In 2012, Wendy Williams visited her hometown of Asbury Park and paid for hot meals, face painting, and balloon animals following Hurricane Sandy. She also supported Barack Obama in the presidential election, promoted an NAACP voter helpline, posed for PETA's "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign, and headlined during Philly Pride.
February 2013: Launched Wendy Williams Productions
In February 2013, Wendy Williams and her husband launched a reality television production company, Wendy Williams Productions.
May 2013: Release of advice book "Ask Wendy"
In May 2013, Wendy Williams released an advice book titled "Ask Wendy".
August 11, 2013: Finished Run in Chicago
On August 11, 2013, Wendy Williams finished her seven-week run as Matron "Mama" Morton on 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
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. Her comedy tour was called "The Sit-down Comedy Tour".
October 31, 2014: Return to Lipshtick comedy series
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: Second show at Lipshtick comedy series
On November 1, 2014, Wendy Williams performed her second show at Lipshtick at the Venetian in Las Vegas.
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 Williams, premiered on Lifetime.
2014: Creation of The Hunter Foundation
In 2014, Wendy Williams and her ex-husband created The Hunter Foundation, a non-profit organization to fund anti-poverty programs and provide resources for drug addiction 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", which she co-authored with an English professor ghostwriter.
2014: Street renamed Wendy Williams Way in Asbury Park
On Wendy Williams' 50th birthday in 2014, her hometown of Asbury Park renamed the street on which she grew up to Wendy Williams Way.
September 2015: Premiere of Death By Gossip
In September 2015, "Death By Gossip with Wendy Williams" premiered on the Investigation Discovery channel, hosted and produced by Williams.
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 clothing line on HSN
In 2015, Wendy Williams released a self-titled clothing line on the 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 hosted by The Hunter Foundation
During the 2016 Holiday season, The Hunter Foundation, led by Wendy Williams and Kevin Hunter, hosted dinners for over 1000 people in need.
2016: Accusation of Victim Blaming Kesha
In 2016, Wendy Williams was accused of victim blaming singer Kesha after questioning why she did not film the alleged sexual abuse by record producer Dr. Luke.
October 2017: Fainting during live broadcast
In late October 2017, Wendy Williams fainted during a live broadcast of her show due to 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 stance
In January 2018, Wendy Williams faced criticism after stating that an alleged 14-year-old sexual assault victim of R. Kelly consented and expressed being tired of the #MeToo movement. She defended her remarks, claiming insider knowledge about R. Kelly.
February 2018: Disclosure of Graves' disease diagnosis
In February 2018, Wendy Williams disclosed that she has Graves' disease, a condition she had been diagnosed with nearly two decades prior, which causes hyperthyroidism.
December 2018: Fractured shoulder
In December 2018, Wendy Williams fractured her shoulder.
2018: The Hunter Foundation paid for a student's college tuition.
In 2018, The Hunter Foundation paid for a student's college tuition.
2018: Promotion of Be Here campaign
In 2018, Wendy Williams promoted the "Be Here" campaign (behere.org) during a 10-city tour to raise $10 million in 5 years for drug and substance abuse victims.
2018: Hiatus From Show
In 2018, Wendy Williams took a three week hiatus from hosting her show due to health issues.
March 2019: Launch of 24/7 addiction hotline
In March 2019, The Hunter Foundation launched a 24/7 national hotline, 1-888-5HUNTER, for individuals struggling with addiction.
March 2019: Sober house and vertigo
In March 2019, Wendy Williams revealed that 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. Afterward, she partnered with SNAX-Sational Brands and Operation Backpack to raise funds for school supplies for children in homeless and domestic violence shelters.
June 2019: Attendance at Los Angeles Pride
In June 2019, Wendy Williams attended Los Angeles Pride with Blac Chyna.
October 17, 2019: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On October 17, 2019, Wendy Williams was honored with the 2,677th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2019: Hiatus From Show
In 2019, Wendy Williams took a six week hiatus from hosting her show due to health issues.
January 2020: Controversy over mocking Joaquin Phoenix
In January 2020, Wendy Williams was criticized for seemingly mocking actor Joaquin Phoenix's alleged cleft palate during her show. Despite claiming she found it attractive, critics perceived it as offensive. A Change.org petition calling for her firing gained over 70,000 signatures, leading to an apology and a donation to cleft palate charities.
January 2020: Divorce from Kevin Hunter finalized
In January 2020, Wendy Williams's divorce from Kevin Hunter was finalized, though her legal surname remains Hunter.
May 2020: Hiatus from show due to fatigue caused by Graves' disease
In May 2020, Wendy Williams took a hiatus from her show due to fatigue caused by Graves' disease. This occurred after she had been hosting the show remotely from March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2021: Criticism for coverage of Swavy's murder
In July 2021, Wendy Williams faced criticism for her tone while covering the murder of TikTok star Swavy. She compared their social media followers and stated she did not know who he was before informing her audience of his death.
September 2021: Positive COVID-19 test
In September 2021, it was revealed that Wendy Williams tested positive for a breakthrough infection of COVID-19. She had not returned to her show after July 2021 due to health issues, and guest hosts filled in during her absence.
2021: The Wendy Williams Show Ends
In 2021, Wendy Williams ended her nationally syndicated television talk show, "The Wendy Williams Show".
2021: Revealed Date Rape
In 2021, Wendy Williams revealed that she was date raped while in college.
January 2022: Wells Fargo freezes accounts, guardianship requested
In January 2022, Wells Fargo froze Wendy Williams' accounts and requested a New York Supreme Court hearing to determine if she needed a guardianship due to her health. She disputed the allegations, accusing her former manager and a Wells Fargo financial advisor of impropriety.
2022: The Wendy Williams Show concludes production
In 2022, production of "The Wendy Williams Show" concluded due to Wendy Williams' 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 documentary "Where Is Wendy Williams?"
In February 2024, the documentary chronicling Wendy Williams's life since 2022, "Where Is Wendy Williams?", aired on Lifetime. Sabrina 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 not to be cognitively impaired
In January 2025, Wendy Williams stated during her appearance on The Breakfast Club radio show that she was "not cognitively impaired." She described her guardianship as "emotional abuse" and compared it to prison and called for broader reforms of the guardianship system. Her niece Alex Finnie supported her, stating that Wendy "sounds great" and encouraged support via the hashtag #FreeWendy.
Mentioned in this timeline
TikTok also known as Douyin in China is a short-form...
Wells Fargo Company is a multinational financial services institution operating...
A shoe is a protective and comfort-providing item of footwear...
A fashion show is an event held by designers to...
Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada and...
Los Angeles L A is the most populous city in...
Trending
18 minutes ago Artemi Panarin Trade Rumors Swirl: Potential Destinations and Rangers' Offseason Plans Emerge.
18 minutes ago Cassie's testimony reveals Diddy's rivalry with Suge Knight, involving weapons.
18 minutes ago Trey Hendrickson Seeks New Bengals Deal, Expresses Grievances at Practice
1 hour ago Portland Trail Blazers for Sale: Paul Allen Estate Initiates Formal Sales Process
1 hour ago Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal Spark Engagement Rumors: Diamond Ring Fuels Speculation.
2 hours ago Jake Tapper's 'Original Sin' reviewed; Biden aides considered wheelchair use: new book.
Popular
Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church...
Cristiano Ronaldo often nicknamed CR is a highly decorated Portuguese...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is an American businessman...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a professional basketball player...
Ronald Reagan the th U S President - was a...
Charlie Kirk is an American conservative political activist author and...