Wendy Williams has long been a prominent figure in American entertainment, known for her unfiltered style, outspoken personality, and magnetic presence on radio and television. As the former host of The Wendy Williams Show, she built a career on bold commentary and celebrity interviews that drew millions of viewers daily.
In recent years, however, her personal life and health challenges have dominated headlines, prompting many to ask the question: Is Wendy Williams still alive?
As of 2025, the answer is yes. Wendy Williams is alive at the age of 60 and remains a significant public figure. While she faces serious health concerns, she continues to engage with the public and advocate for her personal autonomy. This article will explore her current health condition, legal status, recent appearances, and what lies ahead for the media icon.
Who Is Wendy Williams?
Wendy Joan Williams was born on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a radio personality, building a name for herself with her candid, no-holds-barred style. She became a household name after launching her daytime television talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, in 2008.
The show ran successfully for 13 seasons and became one of the most watched and discussed programs in daytime television. Wendy became famous for her catchphrase, “How you doin’?”, as well as her “Hot Topics” segment, where she discussed celebrity gossip and entertainment news with brutal honesty.
Beyond her professional life, Williams has written books, hosted events, and maintained an influential presence in pop culture. Her public career has been marked by both success and controversy, often blending humor, vulnerability, and personal reflection.
Is Wendy Williams Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Wendy Williams is alive in 2025. However, she is not currently active in television broadcasting due to a number of health complications and legal issues that have placed her under guardianship.
Despite misinformation that occasionally circulates online, there are no credible reports or announcements indicating otherwise. Her health challenges have placed her out of the public spotlight for periods of time, which often fuels speculation, but these rumors have been debunked by her representatives and close family members.
She has also made public appearances in recent months to clarify her status, provide updates on her condition, and share her hopes for the future.
Understanding Her Health Condition
In 2023, it was confirmed that Wendy Williams had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. These conditions affect language abilities, memory, and other cognitive functions, and are typically degenerative in nature.
Primary progressive aphasia makes it difficult for individuals to speak and understand language over time. Frontotemporal dementia can lead to behavioral changes, emotional instability, and impaired judgment.
The diagnosis raised concern among fans and industry professionals. Her representatives released a statement confirming her condition while also expressing her continued desire for privacy and respect. Wendy herself later addressed these issues in televised interviews, assuring audiences that she remains self-aware and engaged in her fight to preserve her quality of life.
Legal Guardianship and Public Controversy
In 2022, a New York court appointed a legal guardian to oversee Wendy Williams’ personal and financial matters. This decision followed public concern about her health, erratic behavior, and missed professional appearances.
Under guardianship, Wendy lost control of many aspects of her personal and professional affairs, including finances and medical decisions. This has become a point of significant contention.
In 2025, Wendy publicly challenged the guardianship, stating that she is mentally competent and wants her independence restored. She claims to have passed independent medical evaluations and has hired legal representation to appeal the arrangement.
Her battle against guardianship has also brought wider attention to systemic issues within the legal process, particularly the treatment of public figures and older adults in high-profile conservatorship or guardianship cases.
Recent Appearances and Statements
In early 2025, Wendy Williams made a surprise television appearance on The View, where she spoke candidly about her current health, her legal status, and her frustration with being under guardianship. She insisted that she is mentally alert and capable of managing her life.
Accompanied by her niece and personal supporters, she expressed a strong desire to return to television in some form and regain full control over her affairs.
Outside of television, Wendy has been spotted in public places in New York City, often using a mobility scooter or walking with assistance. These appearances are part of a broader effort to show the public and the courts that she is active, aware, and determined to regain her autonomy.
Life After Television
Since The Wendy Williams Show ended in 2022, Williams has largely retreated from regular broadcasting. A brief attempt to launch a podcast or media platform was rumored in 2023 but never officially materialized, likely due to her ongoing health issues and legal complications.
Still, she has expressed an interest in returning to media, possibly through digital platforms or interviews where she can control the format and pace.
Her team has emphasized that while her health limits her participation in full-time projects, Wendy remains mentally active, communicative, and passionate about staying involved with her audience.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Wendy Williams’ impact on radio and television is profound. She helped redefine daytime talk shows by blending entertainment with honesty, often discussing taboo or uncomfortable topics with confidence and humor.
Many current television personalities cite Wendy as an influence, and her signature style has inspired a generation of outspoken media figures.
Her legacy also includes raising awareness around personal health battles, including Graves’ disease, substance abuse recovery, and now neurological disorders. Her transparency has made her both a subject of public sympathy and admiration for resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wendy Williams still alive in 2025?
Yes, Wendy Williams is alive and currently living in an assisted setting while managing health challenges.
What health conditions has Wendy Williams been diagnosed with?
She has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, both of which affect cognitive and language functions.
Is Wendy Williams under guardianship?
Yes. Since 2022, a court-appointed guardian has managed her personal and financial affairs. Wendy is actively challenging this legal arrangement.
Has Wendy Williams made any recent public appearances?
Yes. She appeared on The View in 2025 and has been seen in public in New York City with family and supporters.
What is Wendy Williams doing now?
She is focused on her health, legal battles, and potentially returning to public life through media or advocacy when possible.
Will Wendy Williams return to television?
While there is no confirmed return date, Wendy has expressed strong interest in re-engaging with media once her legal and medical circumstances allow.
Conclusion
Wendy Williams is alive in 2025 and remains a figure of resilience in the face of significant personal challenges. Though she no longer hosts a daily talk show, her presence is still felt through her past work, her fight for autonomy, and her efforts to raise awareness around health and guardianship issues.
As she navigates the complexities of illness and legal oversight, her story continues to evolve. Her fans, peers, and supporters remain hopeful that Wendy Williams—ever bold and outspoken—will one day return to the spotlight on her own terms.