From Radio Host to Hot Topics: Check Out Wendy Williams’ Transformation Over the Years

2003

By 2003, Wendy was already known for her “say it like it is” interview style. For example, that year, she interviewed Whitney Houston and did not hold back when it came to questions of her drug use.

2004

In addition to radio and TV, Wendy had a few small roles in a couple of films. In 2004, she play Reporter No. 2 in The Cookout.

2006

Wendy scored her own reality show in 2006. The VH1 series The Wendy Williams Experience highlighted her life as a radio host and her celebrity rants. 

Reality TV

Unfortunately, Wendy’s show only lasted one season.

2009

By 2009, the TV personality was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

From Radio to TV

That year, Wendy left radio to focus on her TV show which first aired back in July 2008.

2010

Wendy’s show started to be broadcasted internationally on BET in 2010.

International

The Wendy Williams Show aired on BET at night at reached 54 international countries.

2011

Wendy appeared on season 12 of Dancing with the Stars in 2011. She was unfortunately the second to be eliminated.

TV Show Appearances

That year, Wendy had small roles in One Life to Live and Drop Dead Diva.

2012

In 2012, Wendy appeared in Think Like a Man. The movie was the film adaptation of Steve Harvey’s book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.

PETA

She also modeled in PETA’s “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign that same year.

2014

By 2014, the former radio host conquered stand-up comedy. She sold out several live shows in Las Vegas.

2016

In 2016, Wendy played herself in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.

Voice Roles

Wendy had a small voice role in the TV special Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade.

2017

Wendy continued to have cameos in 2017. She appeared on an episode of Nightcap and Odd Mom Out.

2018

Not long ago, Wendy announced that her show would be taking a three-week hiatus for the first time after she experienced complications with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism.

Health Scare

Jerry O’Connell filled in for her during her absence. She later returned in March.

2019

2019 was a big year for Wendy. She came clean on her show and disclosed that she had been living in a sober house due to a past cocaine addiction. She took several weeks off to heal and also shared that she has lymphedema — a condition that causes swelling in your lower body.

Moving On

That same year, she filed for divorce from husband, Kevin Hunter. Wendy has been open about her struggle to move on and Kevin’s infidelity. She also said that she is embracing the single life and is doing well.

2022 Met Gala Afterparty

Wendy enjoyed a night out at Cardi B’s Met Gala afterparty with friend and Hollywood Unlocked with Jason Lee Uncensored host, Jason Lee. 

Health Update

Wendy shared an update about her health amid her Lymphedema battle during an appearance on TMZ Live on June 28. After noting her diagnosis – which is a condition that causes swelling in an arm or leg due to a lymphatic system blockage – Wendy showed off her swollen foot.

“It’s up and down. I can only feel maybe five percent of my feet,” she explained of the condition. The talk show host added that she was previously put in a wheelchair due to the diagnosis, but is currently able to “stand up.”