Wendy Williams is a name that has dominated the talk show industry for decades. From her no-holds-barred interviews to her signature catchphrases, she’s been a force to reckon with. But while most fans are well aware of her long and tumultuous marriage to Kevin Hunter, many don’t know that she was actually married before him. Yes, before all the drama with Hunter, Wendy was married to a man named Bert Girigorie. Let’s take a deep dive into their short-lived marriage and why it ended just as quickly as it began.
Who is Bert Girigorie?
Before Kevin Hunter, before the explosive cheating scandals, and before the daytime TV dominance, Wendy Williams was briefly married to Bert Girigorie. So, who exactly is he?
Bert Girigorie, now in his late 50s, is a sales and marketing professional based in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to his LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, he runs a digital marketing agency called G2 Marketing Inc. He’s kept a relatively low profile over the years, especially compared to Wendy’s very public persona.
The two met while working at a New York City radio station. Bert, who was in the industry at the time, connected with Wendy, and sparks flew. After dating for about two years, they decided to take things to the next level and got married in 1994. However, that honeymoon phase didn’t last long—just five months into their marriage, things started to unravel.
Why Did Wendy Williams and Bert Girigorie Split?
While Wendy herself hasn’t spoken in depth about this marriage, Bert has given glimpses into what went wrong. In a 2019 interview with RadarOnline, he expressed confusion about Wendy’s behavior, calling it “bizarre.” According to him, she became a completely different person almost immediately after they got married.
“I didn’t understand a lot of things that she did,” he admitted. “I didn’t understand what her motivations were.”
Bert also suggested that Wendy’s struggles with substance abuse could have played a role in their short-lived union. While he didn’t realize it at the time, he later looked back and suspected that drug use might have contributed to her erratic actions. Wendy has been open about her past addiction issues, but she reportedly kept that side of her life hidden from Bert while they were together.
Their relationship took a turn for the worse, leading to what Bert described as a “big blowout.” The marriage, which started on shaky ground, completely fell apart, and the two separated within five months. Their divorce was finalized in 1995, and both moved on in different directions.
Wendy’s Marriage to Kevin Hunter
After her split from Bert, Wendy didn’t give up on love. She later married Kevin Hunter in 1999, a relationship that would span two decades and bring both joy and heartbreak. The couple had a son together, Kevin Hunter Jr., and for a long time, it seemed like their marriage was rock solid. However, as Wendy has since revealed, Kevin was a “serial cheater.”
Their marriage came to an explosive end in 2020 after reports surfaced that Kevin had fathered a child with another woman. Wendy wasted no time in filing for divorce, and by the time she was back on her show, she wasn’t shy about letting the world know how she felt about his betrayal.
Wendy’s Health Struggles in Recent Years
In addition to her personal life making headlines, Wendy’s health has also been a major concern in recent years. In 2024, her care team revealed that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, conditions that severely impact communication and cognitive functions.
For a long time, fans speculated about Wendy’s well-being, as she had been absent from the public eye. Some assumed it was due to her ongoing struggles with addiction, but her team set the record straight, confirming that her health issues were neurological. The sad reality is that frontotemporal dementia has no cure, and over time, it can significantly impact a person’s ability to function independently. Despite this, Wendy still maintains her signature sense of humor and continues to receive the care she needs.
Wendy Williams’ Net Worth and Where She Stands Today
As of 2025, Wendy Williams’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This is a significant drop from her peak net worth when she was at the top of her game on The Wendy Williams Show. Various financial and legal issues, along with health-related expenses, have taken a toll on her fortune. However, Wendy remains an icon in the media world, and her legacy is undeniable.
Bert Girigorie, on the other hand, has remained out of the limelight. He has continued his career in sales and marketing and appears to live a quiet life in North Carolina. Unlike Kevin Hunter, who was deeply intertwined with Wendy’s career, Bert has no connection to her world of fame and controversy.