February 23, 2024 • 7 mins
Wendy Williams: The Queen of Gossip Gets Candid
Best known as the fiery host of her smash daytime talk show, Wendy Williams has become one of the most iconic figures in pop culture thanks to her frank style and larger-than-life persona. But behind the scenes, Wendy's path to success has been filled with heartbreak, scandal, and perseverance. After spending decades spilling tea on celebrities, Wendy is now getting candid about her own sensational life story. Early Life in New Jersey Wendy Joan Williams was born on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. She was raised in the Wayside section of Ocean Township by her parents Thomas and Shirley Williams. Wendy has credited her mother, a homemaker, as the driving force behind the family and her greatest support system growing up. Education was highly emphasized in the Williams household. Wendy attended Ocean Township High School, where she immediately stood out with her bold, bubbly personality. Wendy was interested in media from a young age. She often listened to New York radio shows like Imus in the Morning, captivated by the DJs sharing gossip about celebrities and popular culture. After high school, Wendy headed to Northeastern University in Boston to study communications and journalism. It was during college that she landed her first on-air gig hosting a show at WRBB radio. After graduating in 1986, Wendy set her sights on breaking into the competitive world of radio and media.
Kickstarting a Media Career Wendy returned home to New Jersey after college and eventually transitioned to the radio station WVIS, gaining experience doing news reports. Her dynamic, frank on-air presence soon caught the attention of New York station WCLK, who recruited Wendy to host her own afternoon show. Thanks to her rapid-fire delivery and fearless commentary on everything from music to pop culture, Wendy quickly built a loyal following. In 1989, Wendy moved to the iconic New York station WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM to host a prime afternoon slot. It was here that she fully embraced her identity as a celebrity gossip maven. Her nationally syndicated show "The Wendy Williams Experience" became a huge hit thanks to segments like "Celebrity Rumor Mill," where she spilled the tea on the latest rumors about stars. Wendy cemented her title as the "Queen of All Media" through her honest, uncensored approach. Mainstream Success with The Wendy Williams Show After dominating radio for over 20 years, Wendy decided to take her unique brand to television. In 2008, she launched the test run of The Wendy Williams Show in four cities nationwide. The test run quickly became the highest rated debut in those markets, proving Wendy's appeal translated beyond just radio. Fox signed Wendy to broadcast the show nationally starting in 2009. The Wendy Williams Show became an instant sensation thanks to its lively, unpredictable format highlighting celebrity news, fashion and Wendy's monologues on everything from sex to dating. With segments like "Hot Topics," where Wendy gave her take on juicy rumors and scandals, the show cemented her as the queen of daytime gossip. Wendy's signature phrase "How you doin'?" became ubiquitous. Over 13 seasons, Wendy interviewed A-list stars, introduced viral segments like "Shoe Cam," and attracted millions of devoted viewers. Outspoken yet empathetic, Wendy offered perspectives from her own life experiences that created an intimate bond with audiences. Despite health issues forcing time off in later seasons, Wendy remained ratings gold into the 2020s. Turbulence in Wendy's Personal Life However, as Wendy's professional profile grew, her personal life descended into tumult. In 1994, she married sales manager Kevin Hunter. Wendy gave birth to their son Kevin Jr. in 2000. Behind the scenes though, Kevin Sr. reportedly subjected Wendy to years of controlling behavior and infidelity. As Wendy's career took off in the late 2000s, sources claim Kevin sabotaged her sobriety and triggered personal crises. In 2019, Wendy stunned fans by filing for divorce from Kevin after over two decades of marriage. Kevin had recently fathered a child with his decade-long mistress Sharina Hudson. Wendy candidly admitted the divorce was due to Kevin's serial cheating. That same year, Wendy entered rehab to manage her addiction issues, especially alcoholism, which she says Kevin enabled.
In 2021, Wendy's health deteriorated rapidly, leading to mass speculation. After postponing her talk show's season premiere for months, Wendy later revealed a devastating diagnosis of Lymphedema, a chronic immune disorder causing severe swelling. Wendy took a prolonged hiatus from her show for treatment in 2022, with a series of guest hosts filling in. She admitted the health issues and divorce from Kevin left her "battered and bruised." Evolving Legacy
Best known as the fiery host of her smash daytime talk show, Wendy Williams has become one of the most iconic figures in pop culture thanks to her frank style and larger-than-life persona. But behind the scenes, Wendy's path to success has been filled with heartbreak, scandal, and perseverance. After spending decades spilling tea on celebrities, Wendy is now getting candid about her own sensational life story. Early Life in New Jersey Wendy Joan Williams was born on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. She was raised in the Wayside section of Ocean Township by her parents Thomas and Shirley Williams. Wendy has credited her mother, a homemaker, as the driving force behind the family and her greatest support system growing up. Education was highly emphasized in the Williams household. Wendy attended Ocean Township High School, where she immediately stood out with her bold, bubbly personality. Wendy was interested in media from a young age. She often listened to New York radio shows like Imus in the Morning, captivated by the DJs sharing gossip about celebrities and popular culture. After high school, Wendy headed to Northeastern University in Boston to study communications and journalism. It was during college that she landed her first on-air gig hosting a show at WRBB radio. After graduating in 1986, Wendy set her sights on breaking into the competitive world of radio and media.
Kickstarting a Media Career Wendy returned home to New Jersey after college and eventually transitioned to the radio station WVIS, gaining experience doing news reports. Her dynamic, frank on-air presence soon caught the attention of New York station WCLK, who recruited Wendy to host her own afternoon show. Thanks to her rapid-fire delivery and fearless commentary on everything from music to pop culture, Wendy quickly built a loyal following. In 1989, Wendy moved to the iconic New York station WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM to host a prime afternoon slot. It was here that she fully embraced her identity as a celebrity gossip maven. Her nationally syndicated show "The Wendy Williams Experience" became a huge hit thanks to segments like "Celebrity Rumor Mill," where she spilled the tea on the latest rumors about stars. Wendy cemented her title as the "Queen of All Media" through her honest, uncensored approach. Mainstream Success with The Wendy Williams Show After dominating radio for over 20 years, Wendy decided to take her unique brand to television. In 2008, she launched the test run of The Wendy Williams Show in four cities nationwide. The test run quickly became the highest rated debut in those markets, proving Wendy's appeal translated beyond just radio. Fox signed Wendy to broadcast the show nationally starting in 2009. The Wendy Williams Show became an instant sensation thanks to its lively, unpredictable format highlighting celebrity news, fashion and Wendy's monologues on everything from sex to dating. With segments like "Hot Topics," where Wendy gave her take on juicy rumors and scandals, the show cemented her as the queen of daytime gossip. Wendy's signature phrase "How you doin'?" became ubiquitous. Over 13 seasons, Wendy interviewed A-list stars, introduced viral segments like "Shoe Cam," and attracted millions of devoted viewers. Outspoken yet empathetic, Wendy offered perspectives from her own life experiences that created an intimate bond with audiences. Despite health issues forcing time off in later seasons, Wendy remained ratings gold into the 2020s. Turbulence in Wendy's Personal Life However, as Wendy's professional profile grew, her personal life descended into tumult. In 1994, she married sales manager Kevin Hunter. Wendy gave birth to their son Kevin Jr. in 2000. Behind the scenes though, Kevin Sr. reportedly subjected Wendy to years of controlling behavior and infidelity. As Wendy's career took off in the late 2000s, sources claim Kevin sabotaged her sobriety and triggered personal crises. In 2019, Wendy stunned fans by filing for divorce from Kevin after over two decades of marriage. Kevin had recently fathered a child with his decade-long mistress Sharina Hudson. Wendy candidly admitted the divorce was due to Kevin's serial cheating. That same year, Wendy entered rehab to manage her addiction issues, especially alcoholism, which she says Kevin enabled.
In 2021, Wendy's health deteriorated rapidly, leading to mass speculation. After postponing her talk show's season premiere for months, Wendy later revealed a devastating diagnosis of Lymphedema, a chronic immune disorder causing severe swelling. Wendy took a prolonged hiatus from her show for treatment in 2022, with a series of guest hosts filling in. She admitted the health issues and divorce from Kevin left her "battered and bruised." Evolving Legacy
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Wendy Williams, the Queen of Gossip, gets Candid. Best known as the
fiery host of her smash daytime talkshow, Wendy Williams has become one of
the most iconic figures in pop culturethanks to her frank style and larger than
life persona. But behind the scenes, Wendy's path to success has been filled
with heartbreak, scandal, and perseverance. After spending decades spilling tea on celebrities,
(00:21):
Wendy is now getting candid about herown sensational life story. Early life
in New Jersey, Wendy Joan Williamswas born on July eighteenth, nineteen sixty
four, in Asbury Park, NewJersey. She was raised in the Wayside
section of Ocean Township by her parents, Thomas and Shirley Williams. Wendy has
credited her mother, a homemaker,as the driving force behind the family and
(00:43):
her greatest support system growing up.Education was highly emphasized in the Williams household.
Wendy attended Ocean Township High School,where she immediately stood out with her
bold, bubbly personality. Wendy wasinterested in media from a young age.
She often listened to New York radioshows like I Imus in the Morning,
captivated by the DJs sharing gossip aboutcelebrities in popular culture. After high school,
(01:06):
Wendy headed to Northeastern University in Bostonto study communications and journalism. It
was during college that she landed herfirst on air gig, hosting a show
at WRBB Radio. After graduating innineteen eighty six, Wendy set her sights
on breaking into the competitive world ofradio and media, kickstarting a media career.
Wendy returned home to New Jersey aftercollege and eventually transitioned to the radio
(01:30):
station WVIIS, gaining experience doing newsreports. Her dynamic, frank on air
presence soon caught the attention of NewYork station WCLK, who recruited Wendy to
host her own afternoon show. Thanksto her rapid fire delivery and fearless commentary
on everything from music to pop culture, Wendy quickly built a loyal following.
In nineteen eighty nine, Wendy movedto the iconic New York station DRKS ninety
(01:55):
eight point seven Kiss FM to hosta prime afternoon slot. It was here
that she fully embraced her identity asa celebrity gossip maven. Her nationally syndicated
show, The Wendy Williams Experience,became a huge hit thanks to segments like
Celebrity Rumor Mill, where she spilledthe tea on the latest rumors about stars.
Wendy cemented her title as the Queenof all media through her honest,
(02:16):
uncensored approach mainstream success with The WendyWilliams Show. After dominating radio for over
twenty years, Wendy decided to takeher unique brand to television. In two
thousand and eight, she launched thetest run of The Wendy Williams Show in
four cities nationwide. The test runquickly became the highest rated debut in those
markets, proving Wendy's appeal translated beyondjust radio. Fox signed Wendy to broadcast
(02:40):
the show nationally starting in two thousandand nine. The Wendy Williams Show became
an instant sensation thanks to its lively, unpredictable format, highlighting celebrity news,
fashion, and Wendy's monologues on everythingfrom sex to dating, with segments like
Hot Topics, where Wendy gave hertake on juicy rumors and scandals. The
(03:01):
show cemented her as the queen ofdaytime gossip. Wendy's signature phrase, how
You Doing, became ubiquitous. Overthirteen seasons, Wendy interviewed a list stars,
introduced viral segments like Shoecam, andattracted millions of devoted viewers. Outspoken,
yet empathetic, Wendy offered perspectives fromher own life experiences that created an
(03:23):
intimate bond with audiences. Despite healthissues forcing time off in later seasons,
Wendy remained Rating's Gold into the twentytwenty s. Turbulence in Wendy's personal life,
However, as Wendy's professional profile grew, her personal life descended into tumult.
In nineteen ninety four, she marriedsales manager Kevin Hunter. Wendy gave
(03:46):
birth to their son, Kevin Junior, in two thousand. Behind the scenes,
though, Kevin Senior reportedly subjected Wendyto years of controlling behavior and infidelity.
As Wendy's career took off in thelate two thousands, sources claim Kevin
sabotaged her sobriety and triggered personal crises. In twenty nineteen, Wendy stunned fans
(04:09):
by filing for divorce from Kevin afterover two decades of marriage. Kevin had
recently fathered a child with his decadelong mistress, Sharina Hudson. Wendy candidly
admitted the divorce was due to Kevin'sserial cheating. That same year, Wendy
entered rehab to manage her addiction issues, especially alcoholism, which she says Kevin
enabled. In twenty twenty one,Wendy's health deteriorated rapidly, leading to mass
(04:31):
speculation. After postponing her talk show'sseason premiere for months, Wendy later revealed
a devastating diagnosis of lymphedema, achronic immune disorder causing severe swelling. Wendy
took a prolonged hiatus from her showfor treatment. In twenty twenty two,
with a series of guest hosts fillingin, She admitted the health issues and
(04:53):
divorced from Kevin left her battered andbruised evolving legacy. In twenty twenty two,
The Wendy Williams Show ended its successfulthirteen year run. However, Wendy
remains determined to tell her story inher own words across media. She launched
the podcast The Wendy Experience in twentytwenty two, bringing her signature candid takes
(05:13):
to long form audio. A forthcomingLifetime biopic promises to go behind the scenes
of Wendy's sensational life. Now single, Wendy has focused on her recovery and
spending time with son Kevin Junior,whom she calls her greatest accomplishment. Though
her future in daytime television remains uncertain, Wendy has proven her resilience in star
power time and again. Approaching sixty, Wendy is embracing the next chapter in
(05:35):
her wild journey. In twenty twentythree, William's family revealed her diagnosis of
frontotemporal dementia, a neurological condition impactingcognitive function. This news came after a
period of declining health and public appearances. For over thirty years, Wendy Williams
has captivated audiences through her bold,unfiltered honesty about celebrity culture and her own
(05:58):
experiences. From New Jersey radio DJto daytime TV queen, she pioneered confessional
media, rooted in her belief thateverybody's got a story. Love her or
loathe her. Wendy's influence on popculture is undeniable. She remains committed to
telling her evolving story Scandalus, wartsand all. Thanks for listening to Quiet.
(06:19):
Please remember to like and share whereveryou get your podcasts, and hey,
history Buffs, buckle up. Talkingtime Machine isn't your dusty textbook lecture.
It's where cutting edge AI throws wildinterview parties with history's iconic figures In
the Talking time Machine podcast, Historygets a high tech twist. Imagine Napoleon
(06:41):
Bonaparte talking French politics with Louis thefourteenth. This podcast is futuristically insightful.
Our AI host grills historical legends withquestions based on real historical context, leading
to surprising, thought provoking, andoften mind blowing answers. Whether you're a
history geek, a tech junkie,or just love a good inns interview,
Talking time Machine has something for you. Talking time Machine Search, subscribe and
(07:04):
listen now.
Wendy Williams, the Queen of Gossip, gets Candid. Best known as the
fiery host of her smash daytime talkshow, Wendy Williams has become one of
the most iconic figures in pop culturethanks to her frank style and larger than
life persona. But behind the scenes, Wendy's path to success has been filled
with heartbreak, scandal, and perseverance. After spending decades spilling tea on celebrities,
(00:21):
Wendy is now getting candid about herown sensational life story. Early life
in New Jersey, Wendy Joan Williamswas born on July eighteenth, nineteen sixty
four, in Asbury Park, NewJersey. She was raised in the Wayside
section of Ocean Township by her parents, Thomas and Shirley Williams. Wendy has
credited her mother, a homemaker,as the driving force behind the family and
(00:43):
her greatest support system growing up.Education was highly emphasized in the Williams household.
Wendy attended Ocean Township High School,where she immediately stood out with her
bold, bubbly personality. Wendy wasinterested in media from a young age.
She often listened to New York radioshows like I Imus in the Morning,
captivated by the DJs sharing gossip aboutcelebrities in popular culture. After high school,
(01:06):
Wendy headed to Northeastern University in Bostonto study communications and journalism. It
was during college that she landed herfirst on air gig, hosting a show
at WRBB Radio. After graduating innineteen eighty six, Wendy set her sights
on breaking into the competitive world ofradio and media, kickstarting a media career.
Wendy returned home to New Jersey aftercollege and eventually transitioned to the radio
(01:30):
station WVIIS, gaining experience doing newsreports. Her dynamic, frank on air
presence soon caught the attention of NewYork station WCLK, who recruited Wendy to
host her own afternoon show. Thanksto her rapid fire delivery and fearless commentary
on everything from music to pop culture, Wendy quickly built a loyal following.
In nineteen eighty nine, Wendy movedto the iconic New York station DRKS ninety
(01:55):
eight point seven Kiss FM to hosta prime afternoon slot. It was here
that she fully embraced her identity asa celebrity gossip maven. Her nationally syndicated
show, The Wendy Williams Experience,became a huge hit thanks to segments like
Celebrity Rumor Mill, where she spilledthe tea on the latest rumors about stars.
Wendy cemented her title as the Queenof all media through her honest,
(02:16):
uncensored approach mainstream success with The WendyWilliams Show. After dominating radio for over
twenty years, Wendy decided to takeher unique brand to television. In two
thousand and eight, she launched thetest run of The Wendy Williams Show in
four cities nationwide. The test runquickly became the highest rated debut in those
markets, proving Wendy's appeal translated beyondjust radio. Fox signed Wendy to broadcast
(02:40):
the show nationally starting in two thousandand nine. The Wendy Williams Show became
an instant sensation thanks to its lively, unpredictable format, highlighting celebrity news,
fashion, and Wendy's monologues on everythingfrom sex to dating, with segments like
Hot Topics, where Wendy gave hertake on juicy rumors and scandals. The
(03:01):
show cemented her as the queen ofdaytime gossip. Wendy's signature phrase, how
You Doing, became ubiquitous. Overthirteen seasons, Wendy interviewed a list stars,
introduced viral segments like Shoecam, andattracted millions of devoted viewers. Outspoken,
yet empathetic, Wendy offered perspectives fromher own life experiences that created an
(03:23):
intimate bond with audiences. Despite healthissues forcing time off in later seasons,
Wendy remained Rating's Gold into the twentytwenty s. Turbulence in Wendy's personal life,
However, as Wendy's professional profile grew, her personal life descended into tumult.
In nineteen ninety four, she marriedsales manager Kevin Hunter. Wendy gave
(03:46):
birth to their son, Kevin Junior, in two thousand. Behind the scenes,
though, Kevin Senior reportedly subjected Wendyto years of controlling behavior and infidelity.
As Wendy's career took off in thelate two thousands, sources claim Kevin
sabotaged her sobriety and triggered personal crises. In twenty nineteen, Wendy stunned fans
(04:09):
by filing for divorce from Kevin afterover two decades of marriage. Kevin had
recently fathered a child with his decadelong mistress, Sharina Hudson. Wendy candidly
admitted the divorce was due to Kevin'sserial cheating. That same year, Wendy
entered rehab to manage her addiction issues, especially alcoholism, which she says Kevin
enabled. In twenty twenty one,Wendy's health deteriorated rapidly, leading to mass
(04:31):
speculation. After postponing her talk show'sseason premiere for months, Wendy later revealed
a devastating diagnosis of lymphedema, achronic immune disorder causing severe swelling. Wendy
took a prolonged hiatus from her showfor treatment. In twenty twenty two,
with a series of guest hosts fillingin, She admitted the health issues and
(04:53):
divorced from Kevin left her battered andbruised evolving legacy. In twenty twenty two,
The Wendy Williams Show ended its successfulthirteen year run. However, Wendy
remains determined to tell her story inher own words across media. She launched
the podcast The Wendy Experience in twentytwenty two, bringing her signature candid takes
(05:13):
to long form audio. A forthcomingLifetime biopic promises to go behind the scenes
of Wendy's sensational life. Now single, Wendy has focused on her recovery and
spending time with son Kevin Junior,whom she calls her greatest accomplishment. Though
her future in daytime television remains uncertain, Wendy has proven her resilience in star
power time and again. Approaching sixty, Wendy is embracing the next chapter in
(05:35):
her wild journey. In twenty twentythree, William's family revealed her diagnosis of
frontotemporal dementia, a neurological condition impactingcognitive function. This news came after a
period of declining health and public appearances. For over thirty years, Wendy Williams
has captivated audiences through her bold,unfiltered honesty about celebrity culture and her own
(05:58):
experiences. From New Jersey radio DJto daytime TV queen, she pioneered confessional
media, rooted in her belief thateverybody's got a story. Love her or
loathe her. Wendy's influence on popculture is undeniable. She remains committed to
telling her evolving story Scandalus, wartsand all. Thanks for listening to Quiet.
(06:19):
Please remember to like and share whereveryou get your podcasts, and hey,
history Buffs, buckle up. Talkingtime Machine isn't your dusty textbook lecture.
It's where cutting edge AI throws wildinterview parties with history's iconic figures In
the Talking time Machine podcast, Historygets a high tech twist. Imagine Napoleon
(06:41):
Bonaparte talking French politics with Louis thefourteenth. This podcast is futuristically insightful.
Our AI host grills historical legends withquestions based on real historical context, leading
to surprising, thought provoking, andoften mind blowing answers. Whether you're a
history geek, a tech junkie,or just love a good inns interview,
Talking time Machine has something for you. Talking time Machine Search, subscribe and
(07:04):
listen now.
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