2024

AUNTIE OF THE YEAR

 

Unapologetically Iconic

Wendy Williams is Auntie Magazine’s Auntie of the Year because she exemplifies the unfiltered wisdom, resilience, and heart that define the role of the beloved Auntie in our lives. For decades, Wendy has been a trailblazer, breaking barriers as a Black woman in media and unapologetically owning her truth, even in the face of personal and professional challenges. She has been the voice that tells it like it is, offering tough love wrapped in humor and delivering the tea with a side of life lessons. Wendy’s openness about her struggles—with addiction, health, and heartbreak—has made her a symbol of strength and vulnerability, showing us all that imperfection is not a flaw but a badge of authenticity. Honoring Wendy as Auntie of the Year isn’t just about her legendary career; it’s about recognizing her as a cultural touchstone who inspires us to be bold, honest, and unafraid to take up space.

Wendy Joan Williams is a name that reverberates through the annals of media history. Known for her audacity, candor, and unrelenting determination, Wendy exemplifies what it means to be unapologetically authentic. Her journey from a radio DJ with an unfiltered voice to a reigning queen of daytime television is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of standing firmly in one’s truth. Her story transcends the boundaries of success and adversity, etching her legacy as an iconic Auntie who inspired millions to embrace their boldness.

The Early Years: A Path Forged with Purpose

Born on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Wendy Williams was destined to stand out. Growing up in Ocean Township, Wendy attended and graduated from Ocean Township High School, where she played clarinet in the marching band. These formative years laid the foundation for her larger-than-life personality and knack for captivating audiences.

After high school, Wendy pursued her passion for communication at Northeastern University in Boston. She graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in communications, a milestone propelling her into radio broadcasting. Her first job took her to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she began cultivating her unique voice and honing her craft.

 

Dominating the Airwaves: The Rise of a Radio Icon

By the mid-1990s, Wendy had established herself as a force to be reckoned with in New York City’s radio scene. Her commanding voice, razor-sharp wit, and fearless questioning made her a standout figure in an industry that often stifled women, particularly Black women. Wendy’s openness about personal struggles, including addiction and fertility challenges, endeared her to audiences and solidified her reputation as a media maven who wasn’t afraid to break barriers.

Her nationally syndicated show, The Wendy Williams Experience, garnered an audience of over 12 million listeners. Wendy coined the now-iconic catchphrase, “How you doin’?” a playful yet sincere greeting that became a hallmark of her brand. In a memorable moment on her show, Wendy learned from a South African caller that in Zulu, “How you doin’?” translates to “Gunjani?” with the response being “Encona.” Wendy was so delighted by this discovery that she played the recording of their conversation daily, further connecting with her global audience.

In 2009, Wendy’s contributions to radio were formally recognized when she was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame—a rare honor that underscored her monumental impact on the industry.

 

Conquering Daytime Television: A Cultural Phenomenon

In 2008, Wendy Williams made an audacious leap from radio to television, launching The Wendy Williams Show for a trial run. What followed was nothing short of revolutionary. Wendy redefined daytime television with her effervescent personality, incisive celebrity gossip, and signature “How you doin’?” catchphrase. By 2009, the show had been greenlit for an entire season, and its popularity catapulted Wendy into the upper echelons of media stardom.

Her on-screen presence was fresh air in a space that often demanded conformity. Standing tall at 5’10” with a booming voice and unapologetic style, Wendy challenged the norms of what a daytime talk show host could be. For Black women, she was a beacon of representation, proving that authenticity and boldness were not just acceptable—they were transformative.

On October 17, 2019, Wendy was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to television, a crowning achievement in her illustrious career.

 

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Wendy’s journey is as much a tale of perseverance as a triumph. She has weathered public scrutiny, health challenges, and personal heartbreak, emerging each time with her head held high. In February 2018, Wendy revealed that she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. She had also been managing thyroid issues for years. In 2019, she shared another health update, announcing her diagnosis of lymphedema, a condition causing swelling in her limbs. Despite these challenges, Wendy continued to inspire audiences with her resilience and transparency.

Her personal life also experienced upheaval. On April 11, 2019, Wendy filed for divorce from her husband of 21 years, Kevin Hunter, following revelations of infidelity. The couple has a son, Kevin Hunter Jr., born on August 18, 2000. Despite the turmoil, Wendy remained resolute, using her platform to address the situation on her terms and empower others to prioritize their self-worth.

Wendy lives in Manhattan with her two beloved cats, My Way and Chit Chat. She finds solace in her home life while continuing to inspire millions.

A Star Beyond Television

Beyond her success on television, Wendy extended her influence to other realms of entertainment and business. In 2011, she co-executively produced and hosted the game show Love Triangle, further cementing her reputation as a versatile talent. That same year, she competed in Dancing with the Stars, bringing her signature energy to the reality TV stage.

Wendy also embraced acting, taking on the iconic role of Matron “Mama” Morton in the 2013 Broadway production of Chicago. Her foray into fashion was equally impactful: She designed a successful line of accessories for QVC and launched her eponymous clothing brand in 2015. Her ability to diversify her ventures showcased her boundless ambition and creativity.

 

Embracing the Iconic Auntie Archetype

In Black culture, the title of “Auntie” carries deep significance—it represents wisdom, wit, and the courage to speak one’s mind. Wendy Williams embodies this archetype with unparalleled flair. Whether dispensing advice, spilling tea, or offering a tough-love reality check, she has become a cultural touchstone for millions.

Wendy’s candor about her plastic surgeries, including breast augmentations and liposuction, challenged societal taboos and redefined the conversation around body image. Her willingness to confront personal topics, from her past struggles with addiction to her fertility journey, made her relatable in a way few media figures can claim. Wendy didn’t just share her truth—she owned it unapologetically and without compromise. Wendy Williams’ impact transcends the boundaries of her mediums. She has shattered ceilings in both radio and television, paving the way for other women of color to assert their voices in the entertainment industry. Her influence is evident in the careers of countless young media professionals who cite her as an inspiration.

Wendy’s familial ties remind her of her grounded roots even as her career soared to new heights. Her capacity to inspire is matched only by her ability to connect, making her a true icon in every sense of the word.

The Legacy Endures

Although health challenges have temporarily sidelined Wendy from her hosting duties, her legacy is unassailable. She is a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a cultural icon who dared to be herself in an industry that often demands conformity. Wendy Williams is not just a media personality—she is a movement, a symbol of resilience, and the embodiment of unapologetic truth.

Wendy continues to inspire millions. Her story reminds us that strength lies not in avoiding challenges but facing them head-on. She proves that imperfection is not a flaw but a hallmark of authenticity. Williams is, and always will be, the quintessential Auntie—a fearless woman whose light continues to shine brightly. She is a trailblazer in media who is unapologetically herself and deserves to be celebrated now—not in hindsight, not in memorials, but while she is here to feel the love and gratitude she has earned.

Too often, we wait until someone’s light dims to recognize how brightly it shone. Williams revolutionized radio, conquered daytime television, and reshaped the boundaries of what a Black woman could say and do in media, all while weathering personal battles with resilience and grace. Her candidness about her struggles—from addiction to health challenges—offered millions of people solace and strength, reminding them that imperfection is part of the journey. Waiting until she is no longer with us to acknowledge her contributions would be a disservice to her impact and the legacy she continues to build.