Wendy Williams, an American television personality, businesswoman, author, and media figure, is estimated to have a net worth of $5 million. This revelation may seem surprising, especially considering that during her peak career years, Wendy earned millions. Wendy terrified audiences in a 2024 Lifetime documentary by declaring, “I have no money.” However, her finances seem to be under control by others due to recent health and personal struggles. Below, we go into the details of her financial situation and the circumstances leading to her claims.
Wendy Williams’ Career Rise
Wendy Williams is best recognized for hosting The Wendy Williams Show from 2008 to 2022, a show that became a staple of daytime television. Prior to her television fame, she had a significant radio career marked by controversy and candidness, which helped her stand out in major urban markets, especially New York City. Her unique, bold style quickly translated into television success with her show, which gained popularity for celebrity gossip, interviews, and her unfiltered personality.
Throughout her career, Wendy Williams was much more than a talk show host; she also authored several books and cemented her place in the entertainment world. Her catchphrase, “How you doin’?”, became iconic, and her direct approach helped her resonate with audiences, making her a major cultural figure. Despite health challenges and personal issues, Williams’ impact on popular culture remains undeniable, as she used her platform to discuss sensitive topics such as addiction and mental health.
Wendy Williams’ Salary Per Episode
At the height of her television career, Wendy Williams earned an impressive $10 million annually for her role on The Wendy Williams Show. This salary translates into around $55,000 per episode, based on the 180 episodes filmed in some years. However, the situation changed when health complications forced her to take time off, affecting both her salary and career trajectory.
Wendy Williams Claims to Have No Money
In February 2024, Wendy Williams made a stunning statement during a two-part Lifetime documentary, claiming, “I have no money, and I’m gonna tell you something. If it happens to me, it could happen to you.” This claim is particularly startling considering her history of earning significant sums of money. However, it should be noted that in 2022, a judge placed Wendy under financial guardianship due to her battle with substance abuse and health issues, including mental and physical conditions. In early 2024, it was also revealed that Wendy was diagnosed with dementia, further complicating her financial control.
Freezing of Financial Accounts
Wendy’s financial troubles took a significant turn in February 2022 when Wells Fargo Advisors froze her bank accounts, limiting her access to millions of dollars. This move came after allegations that Wendy was being financially exploited by people close to her. Wells Fargo claimed that Wendy’s financial advisor, Lori Schiller, determined she was incapable of managing her finances and requested the freeze.
Despite Wendy firing Schiller, Wells Fargo continued to follow her directions, stating that its priority was Wendy’s well-being and privacy. The bank even offered to release funds to Wendy’s creditors, but it remained unclear how her assets would be handled moving forward, with the possibility that Wendy no longer had direct control over her finances.
IRS Lien on Wendy Williams’ Property
In January 2024, the IRS filed a lien against Wendy Williams’ New York City condo, reportedly due to unpaid taxes for the years 2019 and 2021. The lien amounted to $568,451, and the IRS’ actions cast doubt on Wendy’s financial situation. The property, purchased for $4.5 million in 2021, now faces complications in light of the unresolved tax debt.
Real Estate Ventures
Wendy Williams has owned several properties over the years. In 2009, she bought a 6,000-square-foot home in Livingston, New Jersey, for $2.1 million, which she later sold in 2020 for $1.475 million. In 2019, she moved to sever ties with her estranged husband Kevin Hunter both personally and professionally. She bought a $3 million Manhattan penthouse and later purchased a condo in 2021 for $4.5 million, located at 50 West Street in New York City. The condo features luxurious amenities, including a 60-foot lap pool, sauna, and observatory.
Early Life and Education
Wendy Williams was born on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, the second of three children. The family relocated to Ocean Township, New Jersey when Wendy was young. She graduated from Ocean Township High School and went on to attend Northeastern University in Boston from 1982 to 1986. She graduated with a degree in communications and worked as a DJ for the university’s radio station.
Wendy Williams’ Radio Career
Wendy’s career in radio started at WVIS in the Virgin Islands, and she soon became a popular DJ in major cities like Washington, DC, and New York. Her breakthrough came when she joined Hot 97 in New York City, where she became a popular urban radio personality. Wendy’s radio career gained national attention, and her show was eventually syndicated. Her honest discussions about her personal struggles, such as addiction and miscarriage, resonated with many listeners.
Her success continued as she returned to New York City to host a full-time syndicated show on WBLS. She reached the pinnacle of her radio career after her famous interview with Whitney Houston, which led to widespread recognition. By 2009, Wendy Williams left radio to focus on her television career.
The Wendy Williams Show
The Wendy Williams Show became Wendy’s most significant television project. The show premiered in 2008 as a six-week trial and was quickly picked up for a national run. The show gained immense popularity, attracting millions of viewers daily. At its peak, Wendy’s show averaged 2.4 million viewers, and in November 2015, it was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. among women aged 25-54.
However, Wendy’s health struggles, including complications from Graves’ disease, forced her to take time off in 2019. She returned briefly, but in 2021, she took an indefinite leave due to ongoing health issues. The show was eventually replaced by Sherri, hosted by Sherri Shepherd, in 2023.
Wendy Williams’ Acting Career
Apart from hosting her talk show, Wendy Williams also dabbled in acting, appearing in TV shows, films, and theater. She made notable appearances in Martin, One Life to Live, and Dancing with the Stars. Wendy also acted in films like Think Like a Man, World War Z, and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.
In 2014, Wendy embarked on a nationwide stand-up comedy tour, further diversifying her career. She also ventured into producing television, including the 2015 documentary series Death by Gossip with Wendy Williams and the 2014 Lifetime biopic Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B. Wendy has continued to produce a variety of content across television networks.
