Late in 2021, pictures of Wendy Williams had everyone wondering why is Wendy Williams in a wheelchair.
According to reports, apart from showing early signs of dementia, Wendy lost all blood circulation to her feet and legs.
The controversial talk show host for her self-named show, The Wendy Williams Show, had been absent from the show since it made a return in September 2021.
So what happened to Wendy, and why was she in a wheelchair? Here’s what I found out.
CHECK: Why Was FDR in a Wheelchair?
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing health concerns, including losing blood circulation in her feet, confined Wendy Williams to a wheelchair.
- Williams had been battling several health issues, among them Covid-19, for close to two years.
- William’s health issues led to the show’s cancellation after a 13year run. That was despite several celebrity hosts stepping in to hose the show.
- Show ratings had still increased even in her absence, growing 33 percent in October 2021
What Happened to Wendy Williams?
The then 57-year-old talk show host was seen being wheeled by a friend in New York, sparking numerous queries.
Reports claimed the talk show host was showing early signs of dementia that had put her in a wheelchair.
Her ongoing health issues were to blame for her absence in the purple chair. The Ricky Smiley Morning Show claimed the television host had lost blood circulation in her feet which is why she was in a wheelchair.
However, her brother Tommy Williams Jr refuted claims she’s in the early stages of dementia (1). In an interview with the Sun, he said the beloved host had no cognitive health issues.
Rather, physical medical issues and not her mental health prevented her from resuming her hosting duties.
Wendy isn’t a stranger to speculation over her health, with her health complications being a hot topic.
She also had to contend with a positive Covid-19 diagnosis in September 2021, just before the Wendy show’s return was pushed back.
She’s been open about her addiction issues while also admitting to suffering from Graves disease and hyperthyroidism.
The Emmy award-winning host gave an update on her health issues on Instagram, saying, “I’m making progress, but it’s just one of those things that are taking longer than we expected (2).
I’m a woman of a certain age, and I know enough to listen to my doctors and will return to my purple chair as soon as we all agree I’m ready.
I love spending my mornings with you and all, and I’m doing everything to get back to work, but right now, Wendy has to focus on Wendy.”
With her health complications, it’s obvious to wonder what will happen to her show.
Stand-in Guest Hosts and Show Cancellation
The host of the Wendy Williams Show had not made the expected original return to the show in September 2021 because of her health.
A lineup of other hosts was set to host the show for as long as her health issues continued.
An exciting lineup of guest hosts had hosted the show in her absence for some time. Of these hosts, Leah Remini and Sherry Shepherd caught the eye of the viewers.
There was even a clamor for the former to take over the hosting duties full-time instead of a rating clique of notable names as hosts (3).
Michael Rapaport, Whitney Cummings, and Leah Remini, among other guest hosts, hosted the popular show.
At the time, it was unclear just how long the longtime host would be sidelined from hosting the popular program. The show was later canceled in June 2022 after almost 14 years.
Her time spot was taken up by Sheri Shepherd, who also led a tribute to the veteran host who had last appeared on her show in 2020.
Wendy Williams wasn’t impressed by the ending of the show. In an interview with the New York Post, Williams said she liked nothing about the finale of the long-running show (4).
After the cancellation of the show, there has been a little appearance of the queen of talk shows. So how is she doing today?
How Is Wendy Williams Doing Today?
After the official ending of her show amid struggles with thyroid conditions partly caused by Grave’s disease, Wendy checked into a wellness facility in September.
There was speculation she checked in for psychiatric services. Her publicist, however, said she checked in for her general health issues rather than one specific issue.
The speculation was due to the disturbing behavior she was exhibiting. An inside source had disclosed to the Sun that Wendy has a drinking problem spiraling out of control (5).
That was a few months after her popular program, The Wendy Williams Show, wrapped up soon after the 13th season.
She’s no longer in a wheelchair and could be back soon in a different career trajectory, according to her publicist.
The Wendy Williams Show fans are now wondering if the show will return to the air.
Will the Wendy Williams Show Ever Return?
It’s unlikely the long-running talk show will ever return. Even if the original host, Wendy Williams, wins her health battles.
The show had been a good competitor of the Ellen DeGeneres show, among other shows attracting high household ratings (6).
That still won’t help to have the show return unless there’s an extremely good change in circumstances.
Canceled shows rarely make a return despite a public clamor for them to return.
ALSO CHECK:
FAQs
Why was the Wendy Williams Show canceled?
The show was probably canceled because of Wendy William’s health. Wendy Williams had stepped back from hosting the show amidst a difficult time with her health.
What was the Wendy Williams show about?
The show was a talk show about the latest entertainment use and celebrity gossip.
For how many years did Wendy Williams Show run?
The show ran for nearly 14 years after beginning in 2008 and closing shop in June 2022.
Conclusion
Why is Wendy Williams in a wheelchair? She had a range of health issues, including the early onset of dementia that put her in a wheelchair troubling her. (7)
Is Wendy Williams still in a wheelchair, though? Not she isn’t. However, she checked into a wellness facility to get the best care for her failing health and other troubles.
The 58-year-old talk show host is a true icon of the showbiz world. Unfortunately, her health issues got in the way of continuing her run on the Wendy Williams show.
So, do you know anything other than what we shared? Don’t forget to share with us in the comments section below!
Resources
- 1. Wendy Williams in dementia; confined to wheelchair: Report – Peoples Gazette. Published November 24, 2021. Accessed October 24, 2022. https://gazettengr.com/wendy-williams-in-dementia-confined-to-wheelchair-report/
- 2. 161385360554578. Wendy looks glum in a wheelchair after giving an update on her health. The US Sun. Published November 11, 2021. Accessed October 24, 2022. https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/4048275/wendy-williams-glum-wheelchair-update-health-absence/
- 3. Archive VA, Author E the, feed G author R. Wendy Williams liked “nothing” about the end of her show: “I’m ready to f–k.” New York Post. Published July 12, 2022. Accessed October 24, 2022. https://nypost.com/2022/07/12/wendy-williams-didnt-like-end-of-wendy-williams-show/
- 4. 161385360554578. Wendy Williams enters rehab facility after months of disturbing behavior. The US Sun. Published September 14, 2022. Accessed October 24, 2022. https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/6223619/wendy-williams-rehab-treatment-disturbing-behavior/
- 5. Wendy Williams Show Grows in Ratings Without Wendy Williams. Published November 2, 2021. Accessed October 24, 2022. https://www.thewrap.com/wendy-williams-tv-ratings-grow-leah-remini/
- 6. Pasquier F. Early diagnosis of dementia: neuropsychology. Journal of Neurology. 1999;246(1):6-15. doi:10.1007/s004150050299
Great article. I hate hearing anything about anyone with health issues. Seems she has a lot to deal with.
I was wondering about this. I am glad to hear she’s doing better. I know there seemed to be lots going on in her life.
It is so good to hear she is doing better, it is amazing the reasons you can end up in a wheelchair and the freedom they can offer people is a must to take up.
I hope she continues in her healing process. Things can change so quickly in life.
The article packs so much information about Wendy Williams that I was totally unaware of. So sad she is relegated to a wheelchair.
I had no idea. I used to listen to her back in the day when she was on the radio. She was always so entertaining. Sad to hear that her health is keeping her from doing what she is so good at. I wish her healing and love.
I haven’t really watched her show, but I do hope she continues to heal and is able to return.
I have never seen her show but I hope she gets better. This has not been easy for her.
I think dementia is the saddest disease. My friend’s dad just passed away from it.
So, the bottom line is Wendy Williams is in a wheelchair for multiple reasons. And, it is very sad to see such a vibrant person with a huge disability.
I had wondered what was going on with her. I’ve only seen the show a handful of times but I like her.
I wasn’t familiar with Wendy Williams, but this was an interesting read.
I had no idea she was dealing with dementia. Its such a difficult medical condition to deal with
Oh wow I didn’t know that she was in a wheelchair now. I know her health has been declining over the last several years. I hope she gets better.
Aw, I’m sorry to hear the news. I knew there was speculation about whether or not she woudl return.
I was glad to find find out more about Wendy Williams! I am sorry that she is going through all these health problems!