Wendy Williams' Health Struggles Through The Years Before Dementia, Aphasia Diagnosis
Wendy Williams' health battles continue with a new diagnosis.
The American media personality and author announced last week that she was diagnosed with "frontotemporal dementia and aphasia" in 2023. But before that, she already battled various illnesses, Page Six reported. Williams has been out of the spotlight and wasn't even present at the finale of her eponymous program, "The Wendy Williams Show," in 2022.
Television host Wendy Williams attends the Vulture Festival Presented By AT&T - Milk Studios, Day 1 at Milk Studios on May 19, 2018 in New York City.
In October 2017, the "Ask Wendy" writer fainted on live television while wearing a Statue of Liberty costume for its festive Halloween episode. Producers rushed onto the set to assist her. She was immediately back on air and told the audience it was not a stunt. She just "overheated" in her outfit.
"I'm overheated in my costume, and I did pass out. But you know what? I'm a champ, and I'm back," Williams said, per Page Six.
In 2018, Williams had to cancel a few episodes because she felt "flu-ish." She told her supporters it was her first time taking a sick leave in 25 years. However, Williams returned to her show a week later.
Wendy Williams gets her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 17, 2019 in Hollywood.
In January 2019, the TV personality was hospitalized due to Grave's disease, an autoimmune disorder. The condition forced her to take a leave from her talk show because she needed to spend a significant time in the hospital. Williams was put under strict supervision.
It took months before Williams returned to her hosting duties. Upon her return, she told the audience about her health battle.
"I'm at home, and I'm taking my thyroid meds, and I'm meditating," Williams said.
According to the TV host, she met with several doctors and underwent numerous tests to get back on her feet. In the same year, she was spotted with swollen ankles.
Wendy Williams attends SiriusXM Town Hall with Wendy Williams hosted by SiriusXM host Karen Hunter at SiriusXM Studios on July 23, 2019 in New York City.
Reports revealed that she had lymphedema, a condition caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune and circulatory systems, per the Mayo Clinic. Williams assured fans she was taking medication and even purchased an at-home machine to ease the side effects.
However, in 2022, her condition worsened, with the celebrity saying she had "maybe five percent" senses left in her feet.
Williams also struggled with substance abuse through the years. Sources said she had trouble with alcohol.
In this week's People's cover story, an insider who used to be part of "The Wendy Williams Show" claimed the former host -- who is currently being treated in a facility -- "would be drunk on air."
TV host Wendy Williams visits The Elvis Duran Z100 Morning Show at Z100 Studio on September 8, 2015 in New York City.
"Slowly, we started being like, 'What's going on with her?'" the anonymous source claimed. "We knew she was drinking off camera, but we also didn't know what else was involved. We were all in the dark. None of us really knew what was going on with Wendy's health."
Suzanne Bass, co-executive producer of Williams' show, admitted that she saw the "Think Like a Man Too" star's issues. She added that she was "very sad" with Williams' aphasia and dementia diagnosis.
"I knew she was struggling. How could I not?" Bass, whose husband served as the stage manager, told People. "As her situation grew worse, she pushed us away."
Bass hoped Williams was receiving the medication and support she needed. She also admitted that the celebrity's recent diagnosis somehow explained those times when Williams couldn't remember things.
"I hope she's getting the right treatment and support," she added. "Her diagnosis helps explain why on air she had problems remembering things that left her grasping for words."
