History of Wendy Williams in Timeline
Wendy Williams is an American former broadcaster, media personality, and writer. Initially a radio DJ known for her shock jock style and celebrity feuds in New York City, she starred in the reality TV series 'The Wendy Williams Experience'. From 2008 to 2021, she hosted the nationally syndicated television talk show 'The Wendy Williams Show', solidifying her presence in daytime television.
July 18, 1964: Wendy Williams Born
On July 18, 1964, Wendy Joan Williams was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
1969: Father becomes 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, NJ
In 1970, following race riots in Asbury Park, the Williams family moved to Wayside in Ocean Township, New Jersey.
1982: Graduation from Ocean Township 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: Started at WQHT
On November 1, 1987, Wendy Williams started as a weekend fill-in on New York City's WQHT.
May 1990: Permanent morning position at WRKS
In May 1990, WRKS gave Wendy Williams a non-compete clause and permanent morning position after WBLS began poaching its employees. She joined Jeff Foxx and Spider Webb as part of the station's "Wake-Up Club".
April 1991: Evening drive time slot at WRKS
In April 1991, WRKS moved Wendy Williams to host the evening drive time slot.
1993: Billboard Radio Award
In 1993, Wendy Williams received a Billboard Radio Award for R&B Major Market Radio Air Personality of the Year.
1993: Co-hosted American Urban Radio Networks' syndicated Top 30 USA
In 1993, Williams co-hosted American Urban Radio Networks' syndicated Top 30 USA song countdown program.
September 26, 1994: Return 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: Move to WQHT
On December 12, 1994, Wendy Williams began hosting the evening drive time slot at WQHT after Emmis purchased WRKS and transferred her.
1994: Met Second Husband
In 1994, Wendy Williams met her second husband, Kevin Hunter.
April 1997: Suspension from WQHT
In April 1997, WQHT suspended Wendy Williams for one week after she mentioned her website on air that 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 insinuating that Angie Martinez's boyfriend Q-Tip was gay.
1997: Wendy's World show was poised to debut but never aired
Wendy's World, a syndicated daytime talk show hosted by Williams was poised to debut in fall 1997 but it never aired.
1998: Fired from Hot 97
Wendy Williams was fired from Hot 97 in 1998 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.
August 2000: Birth of Son
In August 2000, Wendy Williams gave birth to her son.
2001: Return to New York airwaves
In 2001, Wendy Williams returned to the New York airwaves when WBLS hired her full-time.
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. The book delves into her life, including childhood struggles, drug addiction, and marriages.
2003: Infamous interview with Whitney Houston
In 2003, Wendy Williams had an infamous interview with Whitney Houston, which included a shouting match about Houston's marriage and breast implants.
2003: Interview with Blu Cantrell
In 2003, Wendy Williams interviewed Blu Cantrell, and the conversation was released as a DVD on Blu Cantrell's album "Bittersweet".
August 2004: Paperback Reprint of 'Wendy's Got the Heat'
In August 2004, Wendy Williams's autobiography "Wendy's Got the Heat" was reprinted in paperback. This preceded the release of her second book in September.
June 2005: Release of Compilation Album '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 rap artists such as M.O.P., Jadakiss, and Young Jeezy. It sold 29,000 copies by November.
2005: Funding of Scholarship
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 aired on VH1
In 2006, VH1 broadcasted the reality television series 'The Wendy Williams Experience,' which documented events surrounding Wendy Williams's 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: Co-Authored Drama Is Her Middle Name
In 2006, Wendy Williams co-authored the novel "Drama Is Her Middle Name" with Karen Hunter, which is the first book in the trilogy about radio shock jock Ritz Harper.
2006: Conflict with Method Man
In 2006, Wendy Williams had a publicized conflict with Method Man of the Wu-Tang Clan after she revealed details about his wife's cancer diagnosis.
2006: Scholarship Recipient Receives Internship at WBLS
In 2006, the scholarship recipient also received an internship at WBLS.
2007: Co-Authored Is the Bitch Dead, or What?
In 2007, Wendy Williams co-authored the novel "Is the Bitch Dead, or What?" with Karen Hunter, which is the second book in the trilogy about radio shock jock Ritz Harper.
2007: Scholarship Recipient Receives Internship at WBLS
In 2007, the scholarship recipient also received an internship at WBLS.
July 14, 2008: The Wendy Williams Show debut
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 in multiple markets
By 2008, Wendy Williams's show was syndicated in several markets including Redondo Beach, Shreveport, and Wilmington.
2008: The Wendy Williams Show began
In 2008, Wendy Williams began hosting 'The Wendy Williams Show', a nationally syndicated television talk show.
July 2009: National broadcast deal for The Wendy Williams Show
In July 2009, Fox signed a deal with Debmar-Mercury to broadcast 'The Wendy Williams Show' nationally on their stations, with BET picking up cable rights.
2009: Co-Authored Ritz Harper Goes to Hollywood!
In 2009, Wendy Williams co-authored the novel "Ritz Harper Goes to Hollywood!" with Zondra Hughes, which is the third book in the trilogy about radio shock jock Ritz Harper.
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: Left radio show
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: The Wendy Williams Show goes international
In 2010, BET started airing 'The Wendy Williams Show' internationally in 54 countries through BET International.
2011: Hosted Love Triangle for GSN
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'. Additionally, it was announced that Williams would enter a "production alliance" to create movies and television shows aimed at multicultural audiences.
2012: Debut of Jewelry and Shoe Line "Adorn" on QVC
In 2012, Wendy Williams debuted a jewelry and shoe line called "Adorn" on shopping channel QVC.
2012: Hurricane Sandy Relief, Obama Support, PETA Campaign, and Philly Pride
In 2012, following Hurricane Sandy, Wendy Williams visited Asbury Park, paid for meals, face painting and balloon animals. She supported Barack Obama, promoted an NAACP voter helpline, posed for PETA's "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign, and headlined Philly Pride.
February 2013: Launched 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", providing advice on various topics.
August 11, 2013: Finished run in Chicago on Broadway
Wendy Williams finished her seven-week run as Matron "Mama" Morton on the Broadway musical 'Chicago' on August 11, 2013.
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: Wig Collection Release
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
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 initial debut there in July.
November 1, 2014: Return to Lipshtick
On November 1, 2014, Wendy Williams returned to Lipshtick at the Venetian in Las Vegas, following her initial debut in July.
November 15, 2014: Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B premiered
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 to fund anti-poverty programs and provide resources to people transitioning from drug addiction to recovery.
2014: Appeared 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 the romance novel "Hold Me in Contempt", co-authored with a ghostwriter who was an English professor.
2014: Wendy Williams Way
In 2014, on Wendy Williams' 50th birthday, Asbury Park renamed the street on which she grew up to Wendy Williams Way.
September 2015: Death By Gossip with Wendy Williams premiered
In September 2015, the documentary series 'Death By Gossip with Wendy Williams', hosted and produced by Wendy Williams, premiered on the Investigation Discovery channel.
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: 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 Hosted by The Hunter Foundation
During the Holiday season in 2016, Wendy Williams and her ex-husband hosted dinners for over 1000 people in need through The Hunter Foundation.
2016: Accused 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 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 Remarks on R. Kelly and #MeToo
In January 2018, Wendy Williams faced criticism from activist Tarana Burke for defending R. Kelly amidst sexual assault allegations, stating the victim gave consent and expressing fatigue with the #MeToo movement. Williams stood by her comments. This sparked controversy and public backlash.
February 2018: Disclosure of Graves' Disease
In February 2018, Wendy Williams disclosed that she has Graves' disease, which causes hyperthyroidism, a condition she had been diagnosed with nearly two decades prior.
December 2018: Fractured Shoulder
In December 2018, Wendy Williams fractured her shoulder.
2018: College Tuition Paid by The Hunter Foundation
In 2018, The Hunter Foundation paid for a student's college tuition.
2018: Promotion of Be Here Campaign
In 2018, Wendy Williams promoted Be Here (behere.org) while on a 10-city tour with a goal to raise $10 million in 5 years for drug and substance abuse victims.
2018: Took hiatus from hosting her 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 Hotline
During 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 Revelation
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
In April 2019, Wendy Williams filed for divorce from Kevin Hunter, citing irreconcilable differences after he fathered a child 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.
June 2019: Attendance at Los Angeles Pride
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: Took hiatus from hosting her 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 seemingly mocking actor Joaquin Phoenix's cleft palate by using her finger to pull up her lip. Despite stating she found it attractive, critics viewed it as insensitive. A Change.org petition called for her firing, leading to an apology and donations to cleft palate charities.
January 2020: Divorce Finalized
In January 2020, Wendy Williams' divorce from Kevin Hunter was finalized, although her legal surname remained Hunter.
May 2020: Hiatus due to Fatigue
In May 2020, Wendy Williams took a hiatus from hosting her show, which had been remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic, due to fatigue caused by Graves' disease.
July 2021: Criticism for Tone While Covering Swavy's Murder
In July 2021, Wendy Williams received criticism for her tone while reporting on the murder of TikTok star Swavy. She compared their social media follower counts and stated "I have no idea who this is" before casually announcing his death, which was viewed as insensitive.
September 2021: Positive COVID-19 Test
In September 2021, Wendy Williams tested positive for a breakthrough infection of COVID-19. This occurred after she had already taken a hiatus from her show due to health issues in July.
2021: The Wendy Williams Show Ended
In 2021, Wendy Williams concluded hosting 'The Wendy Williams Show'.
2021: Williams reveals being date raped in college
In 2021, Wendy Williams revealed that she was date raped while in college.
January 2022: Wells Fargo Freezes Accounts
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: The Wendy Williams Show Concluded
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 following a diagnosis of 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. Sabrina Morrissey unsuccessfully sued to prevent its release.
November 2024: Legal Documents Describing Williams as Incapacitated
In November 2024, legal documents filed by Sabrina Morrissey described Wendy Williams as "cognitively impaired, permanently disabled and legally incapacitated."
January 2025: The Breakfast Club appearance
In January 2025, Wendy Williams appeared on The Breakfast Club and stated that she was "not cognitively impaired". She described her guardianship as "emotional abuse" and compared it to prison. Her niece Alex Finnie expressed support for her.
June 18, 2025: Ex-Husband Files Lawsuit
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 her guardianship case.
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