OLTL Alum Wendy Williams’ Shocking Diagnosis: What You Need to Know

TV viewers know Wendy Williams from her talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, and also her turn on Dancing With the Stars. She also had a brief run on One Life to Live as gossipmonger Phyllis Rose, a talk show host who dished dirt on Llanview residents. Now, Williams is facing some challenging issues with her health.

Wendy Williams: Receiving the Best Care

Deadline reports that representatives for Williams share that she’s been officially diagnosed with “primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.” Aphasia affects communication and language abilities. Frontotemporal dementia impacts cognitive and behavioral functions.

“Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine,” a release from Williams’ team reads. “Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.

“The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances,” the release went on to say. “Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.”

“Wendy is still able to do many things for herself,” the representatives added. “Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”

Lifetime is set to air a documentary on Williams, titled Where Is Wendy Williams?, on two consecutive evenings starting Saturday, February 24. It chronicles Williams’ life after she exited her talk show in 2021 and records her struggles after she was put under a financial guardianship

“Opening the doors to [Wendy’s] private life like never before, cameras chronicled her comeback journey to reclaim her life and legacy despite facing health issues and personal turbulence,” says a Lifetime statement.

Parts 1 and 2 of Where is Wendy Williams? airs on Saturday, February 24 at 8 p.m. ET, and parts 3 and 4 air on Sunday, February 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.