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Wendy Williams | Source: Youtube/EntertainmentTonight
Wendy Williams | Source: Youtube/EntertainmentTonight

Inside Wendy Williams' Health Struggles: From a Public Faint to Fighting Chronic Illness for 2 Decades

Dorcus Osongo
Feb 23, 2024
10:15 A.M.
  • Wendy Williams has battled chronic health issues for years, leading to the end of her show in 2022.
  • Recently, her care team has revealed that the former broadcaster was diagnosed with more health issues.
  • Nonetheless, her family and care team said she is doing better than before and still has a great sense of humor.
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Wendy Williams attends the NYWIFT Muse Awards in New York City, on December 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams attends the NYWIFT Muse Awards in New York City, on December 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams has been open with the public about her medical struggles. The former broadcaster, who has faced significant challenges to her health, has been away from the public's eyes for a while.

Wendy Williams attends the "New Cash Order" Documentary Screening at Lighthouse International Theater in New York City, on February 20, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams attends the "New Cash Order" Documentary Screening at Lighthouse International Theater in New York City, on February 20, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

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Williams used to host the "Wendy Williams Show," but it ended in 2022 because of her prolonged health-related absence. The show started in 2008 and was replaced with one run by Sherri Shepherd.

Wendy Williams visits The Elvis Duran Z100 Morning Show at Z100 Studio in New York City, on September 8, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams visits The Elvis Duran Z100 Morning Show at Z100 Studio in New York City, on September 8, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

The creators of Williams' widely distributed talk show declared that Sherri Shepherd's upcoming program would supplant "The Wendy Williams Show" in the time slots on Fox-owned-and-operated stations. Even with this alteration, company co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein shared their future aspirations to partner with Williams anew, offering their wishes for her quick and full recovery.

Wendy Williams hosts "The Wendy Williams Show" at The Wendy Williams Show Studio in New York City,  on January 12, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams hosts "The Wendy Williams Show" at The Wendy Williams Show Studio in New York City, on January 12, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

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In a statement, Howard Bragman, spokesperson for Williams, acknowledged that the media figure was facing a difficult period as she grappled with her health. However, Bragman noted Williams' gratitude towards the producers who had backed her show.

Furthermore, Williams' health hadn't interfered with her TV work until 2017 when she fainted during the "Wendy Williams Show." The TV host, dressed in an elaborate Statue of Liberty costume, began introducing the show's annual Halloween costume contest toward the end of the hour. Suddenly, she fainted.

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After a sudden commercial break, Williams returned alert and still in her costume. She announced, "That was not a stunt. I was overheated in my costume. I did pass out. But you know what? I'm a champ, and I'm back." The show went on normally, but as they wrapped up, the media personality joked, "Is that the end of the show? Was I passed out that long?"

Wendy Williams on a video dated February 2, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@Lifetime

Wendy Williams on a video dated February 2, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@Lifetime

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After the show aired, Williams' spokesman, Ronn Torosian, stated that the TV host was dehydrated, causing her to faint on air. Williams was examined by medical professionals and determined to be well.

Wendy Williams on "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen" on September 27, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams on "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen" on September 27, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

The media personality, previously married to Bert Girigorie, headed home to sleep and rest. As Torosian noted, "She has never missed a day of work and is looking forward on November 13th to her 1500th show."

Wendy Williams visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City, on August 6, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City, on August 6, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

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In 2018, Williams opened up about her health issues, revealing that she was diagnosed with Graves' disease 19 years prior, an illness that affects the thyroid. The illness causes the overproduction of thyroid hormones, and its symptoms are weight loss, anxiety, irritability, tremors in the hands, bulging eyes, fatigue, and heat sensitivity.

Wendy Williams on video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Wendy Williams on video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Williams was also told she has hyperthyroidism. The TV host was unlucky to have both illnesses, as having Graves' disease or thyroid doesn't necessarily mean one will have the other.

Wendy Williams attends Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show" World Premiere at David Geffen Hall in New York City, on October 28, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams attends Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show" World Premiere at David Geffen Hall in New York City, on October 28, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

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During her 2018 interview, she acknowledged she felt better than she did months before. Williams acknowledged that her health had deteriorated due to neglecting her scheduled six-month endocrinology appointment.

Wendy Williams is honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, on October 17, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams is honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, on October 17, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Consequently, she was instructed to take a three-week hiatus from work as her symptoms of Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism were exacerbated. Fans also observed her bulging eyes, a common manifestation of her thyroid conditions. Williams clarified that Graves' disease compresses the muscles behind her eyeballs, leading to their protrusion.

Wendy Williams on video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Wendy Williams on video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

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Wendy Williams at the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building to celebrate the ninth season of "The Wendy Williams Show" in New York City,  on September 18, 2017. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams at the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building to celebrate the ninth season of "The Wendy Williams Show" in New York City, on September 18, 2017. | Source: Getty Images

In 2021, the TV host also discussed the numerous wigs she wore. She explained that when she worked as a radio girl, she shot many TV pilots, but none were picked up.

Williams wanted to show off her outrageous style, but producers asked her to limit her wigs to three, something she couldn't do. Williams switched between a dozen wigs due to her thyroid condition which has caused her hair to thin.

Wendy Williams on video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Wendy Williams on video dated February 22, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

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In 2020, Williams discussed yet another health condition that was ailing her. The TV host said she has lymphedema, a condition that causes the swelling of body tissues.

Wendy Williams is seen leaving the view in New York City, on September 5, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams is seen leaving the view in New York City, on September 5, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Lymphedema has caused the media personality's feet to swell to the extent that she revealed she "can only feel maybe five percent" of her feet. Williams added that normally she'd be in a wheelchair, but she is lucky as she can stand up.

Wendy Williams on a video dated February 2, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@Lifetime

Wendy Williams on a video dated February 2, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@Lifetime

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Now, Williams' medical team has disclosed in a formal statement to the press that the media personality received a diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2024.

The team further elaborated that aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication skills, along with frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already posed significant challenges in Wendy's life.

Wendy Williams hosts "The Wendy Williams Show" at The Wendy Williams Show Studio in New York City,  on January 12, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams hosts "The Wendy Williams Show" at The Wendy Williams Show Studio in New York City, on January 12, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

Williams' family said the TV host can handle many tasks independently. She has retained her distinctive sense of humor and is receiving the necessary care to ensure her well-being and address her needs. They revealed that Williams had expressed gratitude for the numerous kind thoughts and well wishes extended to her.

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Wendy Williams on a video dated February 2, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@Lifetime

Wendy Williams on a video dated February 2, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@Lifetime

Williams' loved ones have also spoken out ahead of Lifetime's new documentary "Where is Wendy Williams?" The documentary, which premiered on February 24, 2024, was shot between 2022 and 2023 and showcases a difficult period in the media personality's life.

Wendy Williams on a video dated February 2, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@Lifetime

Wendy Williams on a video dated February 2, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@Lifetime

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The documentary shows that Williams is under the oversight of a court-appointed legal guardian, who manages her finances and health choices. She is depicted as grappling with alcohol addiction, as well as facing challenges related to her mental well-being, memory, and capacity for effective communication.

Wendy Williams attends Daniel's Leather Fashion Show featuring Dame Dash in New York City, on February 15, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams attends Daniel's Leather Fashion Show featuring Dame Dash in New York City, on February 15, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

However, her loved ones, Wanda Finnie, sister, and Alex Finnie, niece, say Williams has improved mentally and physically. Wanda cannot reach out to Williams due to a lack of communication with her guardian, but when the TV host communicates with her, she tells her that she is in a healing place emotionally.

Wendy Williams attends a private dinner at Fresco By Scotto in New York City, on February 21, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams attends a private dinner at Fresco By Scotto in New York City, on February 21, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

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"She is, from what I understand, in a wellness, healing type of environment. She's not the person that you see in this film," said Wanda. Alex agreed that her aunt now "sounds really great."

Wendy Williams on "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen" on September 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Wendy Williams on "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen" on September 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Although Wendy Williams' family is not privy to the specific treatments being administered at the facility she is in, they note a marked improvement in the media personality's condition, indicating that whatever interventions are occurring, she appears to be responding positively.

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The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.

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