Wendy Williams was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023.
Her transformation over the years has been marked by resilience in the face of personal and health challenges.
The recent video of Williams taking off her wig has emotionally impacted fans, showcasing her strength and authenticity.
Wendy Williams recently shared a profoundly personal moment with her audience. By removing her wig in her new documentary, the media personality showcased her vulnerability and highlighted her incredible journey through the years.
Williams being seen without her wig in her documentary, “Where Is Wendy Williams?” moved many people. This is considering her 2023 diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. These disorders are affecting her communication abilities and cognitive functions.
However, without a doubt, Williams has come a long way in her career. While the entertainment industry often focuses on appearances, she has stood out for her bold personality and evolving physical appearance.
In early 1995, Williams had dark curly hair and was pictured with hoop earrings. Notably, her nose was wider. Moreover, the broadcaster’s style, emblematic of the era, reflected the bold and unapologetic presence she was beginning to establish in the industry.
By 2003, Williams had firmly established her presence in the media. Her appearances at the Tribeca Film Festival and other events showcased a polished and confident figure, embracing her unique style and presence. This time, she had brown hair.
The year 2004 saw Williams publicly appearing with her then-husband, Kevin Hunter, and marking her presence at various high-profile events. Each appearance testified to her growing influence and evolving fashion sense.
Williams in 2005
Williams’ style continued to evolve in 2005, with her attendance at fashion shows and other public appearances highlighting her fashion-forward personality. She loved her wigs and never missed an opportunity to show off her style.
By 2010, Williams had become a household name, showcasing her refined style and commanding presence at various events, further solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
Williams in 2015
In 2015, Williams and her husband attended various events, showcasing her as a television personality with a glamorous and vibrant style. For the most part, she kept her looks simple, classy, and stylish.
Williams in 2019
This is the period Williams started rocking long blonde hair. This year was also marked by personal turmoil for her, as news reports revealed her then-estranged husband, Hunter, had fathered a child with another woman.
The talk show host and Hunter, her first true love, had been married for 21 years and welcomed a son, Kevin Hunter Jr. In an August 2019 interview, Williams addressed the situation, saying:
“Kevin had a major indiscretion that he will have to deal with for the rest of his life. An indiscretion that I will not deal with.”
Williams in 2020
2020 was significant for Williams as she finalized her divorce from Hunter in January, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple agreed to split the proceeds from their Livingston, New Jersey home, now on the market for $1.7 million. Williams reportedly paid Hunter $250,000 to find a new place to stay.
She paid alimony to Hunter until they stopped in 2022. According to reports, he took Williams to court once the payments stopped, but a judge dismissed the claims. Amid the news of their split, the mother of one was asked how the duo’s son was handling the situation, and she said he was doing okay, adding she spoke with the teenager daily and sometimes, several times a day.
Williams’ divorce marked the end of a significant chapter in her life, coinciding with her health challenges. Despite the difficulties of 2020, Williams remained in the public eye, attending premieres and making virtual appearances, staying connected with her audience.
Meanwhile, her hit daytime talk show, “The Wendy Williams Show,” aired its final original episode in June 2022, celebrating Williams’ groundbreaking television run with a video tribute. The show aired for over a decade since its inception in 2008.
Williams in 2021
Williams was seen in a wheelchair, highlighting the severity of her health issues. Regardless of this, the media personality’s spirit and resilience remained evident. She looked frail and had been reportedly hospitalized for psychiatric issues.
Wendy Williams Ditches Wheelchair, Plans ‘Big’ TV Comeback in NYC! https://t.co/iqr0CJl7Fc #WendyWilliams pic.twitter.com/og4IuO4aIb
— All About The Tea ☕ (@AllAboutDaTea) March 16, 2022
As the year went by, the media personality showcased a more casual yet stylish side, walking in Soho despite the ongoing challenges of her health condition.
Williams in 2022
Attending the Cardi B x Playboy event, Williams demonstrated her continued relevance and influence in the entertainment industry, even as she navigated personal and health challenges. She shared a social media post showing her spending time with family at some point.
Williams in 2023
Despite her diagnosis, the New Jersey native continued to make public appearances by 2023, displaying her enduring spirit and commitment to her career. Since then, Williams’ health issues have been at the fore, especially after being diagnosed with dementia.
She reportedly would not have known about this health issue had it not been for the due diligence of her care team. Williams has been receiving medical care at Weill Cornell Medicine, although the condition has already caused hurdles in her life.
Before the diagnosis made headlines, her niece, Alex Finnie, revealed on “The View,” that there was more going on with the Hollywood star. Amid health battles, the media personality has reportedly been financially exploited by those around her.
Recently, Williams’ preview clip of her documentary made headlines after she was seen without her wig while talking to her visitor, Blac Chyna, real name Angela White. The video, shared on Facebook, has deeply touched fans.
One social media user commented, “Watching this made me cry Wendy looks so lost and she’s trying her best to fight through it seems like she fell apart after going through the divorce and in the midst of it she loss her mother that can take a toll on anyone mental and physical health.”
“Omg I’m crying,” expressed another. While one said, “Don’t know the what and why, but this is so very sad and concerning. This proves that not one person is exempt from the what and why. Lord, Your Will be done in Wendy’s life.”
Finnie recently shared her famous aunt sounds much better and is optimistic about her future. She hinted at going back to work again. Through the years, Wendy Williams’ has evolved in her career and personal life. Despite her challenges, the media personality has proven that she’s resilient.
