Wendy Joan Williams was born on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to parents Thomas and Shirley Williams, who both held multiple master's degrees.12 Growing up in Ocean Township, New Jersey, Williams faced challenges including hyperactivity and body image issues.3 Despite these obstacles, she remained active in extracurricular activities, participating in the Girl Scouts and her high school marching band.1 Williams pursued higher education at Northeastern University in Boston, where she developed her passion for broadcasting by hosting an urban music show on the college radio station WRBB.1 She graduated in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in communications and a minor in journalism, laying the foundation for her future career in media.2

Wendy Williams' radio career began in 1984, with her first job paying just $3.75 per hour at a station in the Virgin Islands2. She quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming one of New York City's most popular radio personalities. Williams' breakthrough came in 2001 when she launched her syndicated show "The Wendy Williams Experience" on WBLS, which attracted over 12 million listeners2. Known for her bold interviewing style and celebrity gossip segments, Williams gained notoriety for on-air spats with celebrities1. Her success in radio led to her induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 20094. Williams' radio career served as a springboard for her transition to television, where she would become a household name with "The Wendy Williams Show" in 200812.

Wendy Williams made a successful transition to television in 2008 with the launch of "The Wendy Williams Show," which quickly became a daytime TV phenomenon. The show's signature "Hot Topics" segment, where Williams dished on celebrity gossip with her trademark unfiltered style, became a fan favorite. Williams' unique approach to hosting, characterized by her brash, unapologetic demeanor and catchphrases like "How you doin'?", set her apart from other daytime hosts12. The show attracted 2.4 million daily viewers on average, competing with established hosts like Ellen DeGeneres for the top spot among female daytime hosts1. Over its 13-season run, "The Wendy Williams Show" garnered 13 Daytime Emmy nominations, including nods for best host, and won an Emmy for outstanding hairstyling in 20113. Williams' impact on daytime television was significant, with her ability to get candid responses from celebrity guests and her connection with her audience, whom she affectionately called her "co-hosts"23.

Wendy Williams has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, culminating in her diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023.13 These conditions have significantly impacted her cognitive abilities and communication skills. Williams has also battled Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting her thyroid, since at least 2018.13 Additionally, she has struggled with lymphedema, a condition causing fluid buildup in her legs, and has a history of substance abuse issues, including cocaine addiction.14 Due to her cognitive decline, Williams is currently under court-appointed guardianship and resides in a wellness facility specializing in treating cognitive issues.13 A controversial Lifetime documentary, "Where is Wendy Williams?", aired in February 2024, shedding light on her recent struggles and raising ethical questions about her ability to consent to its production.12