Highlights

• Lifetime's recent Wendy Williams documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams, revealed her financial struggles and court-appointed financial guardianship.
• Williams' net worth was estimated at $20 million in 2023, thanks to her career in talk shows, endorsements, and book sales.
• She has invested her fortune in real estate, luxury cars, jewelry, and philanthropic causes.

From radio personality to talk show host, Wendy Williams has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Her journey to fame has been paved with struggles and controversies, but her resilience and determination have propelled her to success.

Wendy Williams was not just a talk show queen, but also a millionaire. According to myriad sources, as of 2023, Wendy Williams' net worth was estimated at $20 million.

In addition, Wendy's extravagant personality is evident in her lavish lifestyle choices. She doesn't shy away from indulging in luxury items using her hard-earned wealth.

Her collection of high-end designer handbags, worth six figures, is a testament to her opulent taste. Additionally, Wendy is known for her generous philanthropic efforts, making substantial charitable donations with her wealth.

Let’s take a closer look at how Wendy Williams earns and spends her fortune.

Updated, March 2024: Wendy Williams was again in the news after Lifetime's two-part documentary Where Is Wendy Williams? aired in late February. On March 13th, several news outlets reported that Williams owed a hefty tax lien in New York City:

"According to TMZ, the former talk show host is facing a tax lien from the federal government on her New York City condo. She reportedly owes $568,451.57 due to unpaid taxes in 2019 and 2021. She bought the property in 2021 for $4.5 million."

Earns: The Wendy Williams Show

The Wendy Williams Show has been the cornerstone of Wendy's career and is the primary source of her income.

The daytime talk show premiered in 2008 and quickly became a hit among viewers. The show, which featured celebrity interviews, hot topics, and Wendy's signature commentary, was a refreshing departure from traditional talk shows.

As the executive producer and host of the show, Wendy played a significant role in its success. The show's success also helped Wendy increase her net worth significantly.

According to reports, Wendy earned around $10 million per year from the show before it concluded last year.

Spends: Real Estate Investments

One of the biggest ways Wendy Williams has spent her fortune is by investing in real estate.

According to reports, she owns several properties across the country, including a penthouse apartment in New York City worth $1.4 million.

She also owns a mansion in New Jersey worth $2 million, which features six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a tennis court.

Additionally, Wendy owns a $765,000 house in Florida, a $525,000 apartment in Manhattan, and a $1.4 million home in California. Aside from owning multiple properties, Wendy has also invested in real estate development projects.

Earns: Endorsements and Brand Deals

Wendy Williams has been able to leverage her celebrity status to secure lucrative endorsement deals and brand partnerships.

She has been a spokesperson for numerous companies, lending her voice and image to promote products and services. One of her most notable endorsements was with Pantene, a popular haircare brand.

Wendy served as the face of the brand's "Truly Relaxed and Truly Natural" campaign, which targeted women with natural or relaxed hair.

These partnerships have been a significant source of income for Wendy, helping to increase her net worth.

Spends: Extravagant Car Collection

Throughout her life, Wendy Williams has amassed an impressive collection of luxurious cars.

Among the extravagant vehicles parked in her garage are a Bentley, an Aston Martin v12 Zagato, and a Mini Cooper S. The base model price for a Bentley alone starts at $160,000, while an Aston Martin v12 Zagato can cost around $500,000 or more.

Given Wendy's penchant for extravagance, it's likely that she has spared no expense in outfitting her Bentley and Aston Martin with the latest features and upgrades.

Earns: Books and Merchandise Sales

Wendy Williams has capitalized on her celebrity status through her ventures in writing and merchandise sales. She has authored several books, including her autobiography Wendy's Got The Heat, which was published in 2003.

Following the success of her autobiography, Wendy Williams went on to write a novel titled Hold Me In Contempt. In addition to her writing ventures, Wendy has also ventured into merchandise sales.

She has launched a line of merchandise featuring her signature catchphrases and slogans.

Reports suggest that Wendy earns around $1 million per year from her merchandise sales alone.

Spends: Philanthropic Causes

Despite her lavish spending habits, Wendy Williams has also shown a passion for philanthropic causes.

Throughout her celebrity career, Wendy Williams has been a dedicated supporter of over 30 charities. In 2014, she co-founded The Hunter Foundation with her now ex-husband, driven by her personal struggles with substance abuse and a deep desire to help those struggling with addiction.

Despite the dissolution of the foundation due to her tumultuous breakup with Kevin, Wendy remains committed to making a positive impact on people's lives.

Wendy has also been a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness, having been diagnosed with the disease herself in 2017.

Earns: Radio Career

Before she became a talk show host, Wendy Williams had a successful career in radio, coming to prominence on New York City's Hot97.

She began her radio career in 1989, working for several stations in New York City. Her big break came in 2001 when she began hosting The Wendy Williams Experience, a nationally syndicated radio show that focused on celebrity gossip and pop culture.

During her time as a radio host, Wendy Williams earned a reputation for her candid and unfiltered commentary, which often sparked controversy.

She was also known for her signature catchphrases, including "How you doin'?" and "Say it like you mean it."

Spends: Stunning Jewelry Collection

Wendy Williams is known for her stunning jewelry collection that includes an array of exquisite jewels.

From diamonds to rubies to emeralds, Wendy has worn it all. While many celebrities borrow or rent jewelry for special occasions, Wendy has chosen to invest in rare and precious pieces.

According to various online sources, Wendy has spent millions of dollars on jewelry over the years, with one of her most extravagant purchases being a magnificent flower ring adorned with dazzling diamonds.

She initially wore this ring on her right hand, but in 2019, she moved it to replace her wedding ring after announcing her divorce from Kevin Hunter.