Former talk show host Wendy Williams has revealed that she has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This news comes after Bruce Willis shared last year that he was also diagnosed with the same type of dementia. Williams, who gained fame as the host of “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021, stepped down from her hosting duties due to medical issues. She was open about her struggles with Graves’ Disease and lymphedema. The talk show was eventually canceled and aired its final episode in June 2022, with several guest hosts filling in for Williams.
In a press release, Williams’ team acknowledged the speculation surrounding her condition, stating, “Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.” The decision to share this news was not an easy one, but it was made to raise awareness about aphasia and FTD and to support others facing similar circumstances. Many individuals with these conditions face stigma and misunderstanding, especially when they exhibit behavioral changes before receiving a diagnosis.
The announcement of Williams’ dementia disorder coincides with the premiere of a two-part documentary about her life on Lifetime titled “Where Is Wendy Williams?”. The documentary, produced by Williams herself, provides an honest look at her journey with Graves’ Disease and more. However, her sister, Wanda Finnie, recently revealed to People magazine that Williams is currently in a much better place than depicted in the documentary. Wanda shared, “I spoke with her yesterday and I speak with her very regularly when she reaches out to me. She is, from what I understand, in a wellness, healing type of environment…We cannot reach out to her, but she can reach out to us. And she is in a healing place emotionally. She’s not the person that you see in this film.”
“Where Is Wendy Williams?” will air on Lifetime on February 24 and 25. This documentary offers viewers a chance to gain insight into Williams’ life and her journey with health challenges. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and compassion for individuals facing similar circumstances. By sharing her story, Williams hopes to raise awareness about aphasia and FTD, shedding light on these conditions that are often misunderstood and stigmatized.
Williams’ diagnosis serves as a reminder that anyone can be affected by these conditions, regardless of their fame or success. It is crucial to support and advocate for individuals facing aphasia and FTD, offering understanding and compassion rather than judgment. As Williams continues her own healing journey, she encourages others to seek help and support if they are experiencing similar challenges. By sharing her story, she is breaking down barriers and starting conversations about these often overlooked conditions.
The premiere of “Where Is Wendy Williams?” not only provides an intimate look into the life of a beloved talk show host but also serves as a platform to raise awareness and promote understanding. Williams’ courage in sharing her diagnosis will undoubtedly inspire others to seek help and find solace in knowing that they are not alone. As the documentary airs, viewers are encouraged to approach it with empathy and compassion, recognizing that the person they see on screen may be different from the person Williams is today.