Wendy Williams became a household name after years of success in radio, where she first found her voice. Starting in college radio, Williams quickly realized that broadcasting was her passion. After graduating from Northeastern University in 1986, she worked as a DJ in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., before landing in New York City. It was in the Big Apple that Williams truly rose to fame with her bold and often controversial radio show, The Wendy Williams Experience, which ran from 2001 to 2009.
In 2008, Williams made the leap from radio to television, launching The Wendy Williams Show. Despite having no prior experience in TV, her candid approach to celebrity gossip and candid interviews made her an instant sensation. The show quickly gained a loyal fan base, with Williams’ unapologetic style becoming her trademark. Within a year, the show was picked up by Fox and aired for 13 successful seasons, making Williams a beloved figure in daytime television.
Health Struggles and Show Cancellation
Throughout her time on television, Williams faced significant health challenges, including Graves’ disease and lymphedema. Her ongoing health issues caused her to take multiple breaks from the show, and in 2022, her health took a toll, leading to The Wendy Williams Show being canceled. Despite still having a strong fan following, the prolonged absence and the impact of her illness led producers to make the difficult decision to end the show after 13 seasons.
Wendy Williams (@therealwendywilliamsonline/Instagram)Williams’ financial situation took a sharp turn after she was placed under financial guardianship in 2022. Her financial advisor testified that Williams was not mentally capable of managing her finances, prompting the court to step in. As she continued to face medical and personal difficulties, reports began to surface about her financial struggles. At one point, Williams claimed that she had no money, despite her previous success and wealth accumulated from her years on television.
In February 2024, Williams’ team publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. These cognitive conditions had become increasingly apparent over the previous years, contributing to her long absences from the show. The news of her diagnosis shocked her fans, who had watched Williams go from a larger-than-life personality to someone struggling with significant health issues. Despite her diagnosis, her team stated that she still retained her trademark sense of humor.
At present, Williams is residing in a wellness facility where she is receiving treatment for her cognitive issues. Her family, particularly her sister Wanda Finnie, has shared that they maintain limited contact with Williams, as she can only reach out to them. While she is reportedly in a healing environment, her current situation reflects the severity of her health decline. Her family has expressed concerns but remains hopeful that she is receiving the care she needs.
Declining Net Worth and Financial Uncertainty
Wendy Williams’ financial situation has seen a sharp decline in recent years. At the height of her television career, Williams had amassed a significant net worth. However, by 2025, her net worth was estimated to have fallen to $5 million, a dramatic drop from previous years when it was reported to be much higher. This decline is partly attributed to the suspension of her income after she was diagnosed with health issues in 2021. Given her ongoing medical treatments and the costs associated with dementia and aphasia care, her financial future remains uncertain.
