You used to hear her catchphrase “How you doin’?” every morning like a caffeinated jolt. Now you’re hearing something else: Wendy Williams says she has no money. From radio royalty to talk show titan to a court-ordered financial guardianship, her story is part rise, part cautionary tale, and still unfolding.
Once worth tens of millions, with a $10 million-a-year salary and a thriving media empire, Wendy’s current net worth is now estimated at $5 million and she’s no longer in control of it. So how did one of the most famous women in daytime TV land here?
What is Wendy Williams’ Net Worth in 2025?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Wendy Williams has a net worth of $5 million, a sharp decline from her peak during The Wendy Williams Show era, where she reportedly earned up to $55,000 per episode.
But the number is complicated. In 2022, a judge placed Wendy under a financial guardianship due to concerns over mental and physical health. In a 2024 Lifetime documentary, she claimed, “I have no money,” a statement that shocked fans and underscored deeper financial and legal issues behind the scenes.
From Daytime Domination to Court-Ordered Control
At her height, Wendy was one of the most bankable personalities on television. The Wendy Williams Show drew millions of daily viewers and aired in more than 50 countries. She authored bestsellers, ran a fashion line, and produced everything from Lifetime biopics to her own comedy tours. She even owned a $4.5 million condo in New York City.
But by 2022, her finances began spiraling. Wells Fargo froze her accounts, citing fears of financial exploitation and naming concerns about her former financial advisor. Wendy sued to regain access, arguing that she and her family were at risk of “irreparable financial harm.” The court didn’t budge.
By 2024, news of her aphasia and frontotemporal dementia diagnosis became public. While the full extent of her finances remains private, it’s clear: she may still have assets but she can’t touch them.
The $10 Million Talk Show Salary
At her peak, Wendy was making $10 million a year for her talk show, filming nearly 180 episodes annually. That broke down to roughly $55,000 per episode, making her one of the highest-paid hosts in daytime TV.
Her show ran for 13 seasons and produced more than 1,500 episodes before health concerns and absences led to her being replaced by a rotating cast of guest hosts, and ultimately, the launch of a new show hosted by Sherri Shepherd.
Legal Drama, IRS Trouble & A Frozen Fortune
In addition to her court-ordered guardianship, Wendy is now battling tax liens as the IRS filed a $568,451 lien against her Manhattan condo in early 2024. She paid $4.5 million for the property in 2021, but unpaid federal taxes from 2019 and 2021 reportedly triggered the lien.
Then there’s the now-infamous Wells Fargo freeze. The bank cited concerns raised by her fired financial advisor and refused to release funds without court involvement. Even now, it’s unclear how much of her assets are liquid, accessible, or even protected.
Real Estate and Assets
Though cash is hard to access, Wendy still owns valuable real estate. Over the years, she’s owned:
- A 6,000-square-foot New Jersey mansion
- A $3 million Manhattan penthouse
- A multi-level, 2,400-square-foot luxury condo at 50 West Street in NYC
She reportedly began selling off personal belongings in 2023, hinting at either a financial crunch or preparation for a move to Los Angeles. Either way, her property portfolio is still likely worth millions — even if she’s not currently holding the keys.
How Does Wendy Williams’ Net Worth Compare?
Wendy Williams’ financial standing might seem modest compared to other daytime TV stars especially when you factor in her long career, bestselling books, fashion lines, and a 13-season hit talk show. But after legal disputes, frozen accounts, and her health taking center stage, Wendy’s fortune has clearly taken a hit.
To put it in perspective: Oprah Winfrey has an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion. Ellen DeGeneres, another daytime giant, clocks in at roughly $500 million. Even Kelly Ripa, who joined the talk show world long after Wendy had built her name in radio, is sitting on a $120 million fortune. By those comparisons, Wendy’s current financial picture feels like a cautionary tale.
Is Wendy Williams Really Broke?
It depends on how you define "broke." Public records show she’s still technically wealthy, owning multiple properties and having earned millions over her career. But her financial access has been severely limited.
She doesn’t currently control her bank accounts. She’s in guardianship. She’s fighting tax liens. And by her own words: “I have no money.”
So while the number $5 million may be her net worth, her day-to-day life may be much more restricted than fans expect.
What’s Next for Wendy Williams?
As of May 2025, Wendy is mostly out of the public eye. The Lifetime documentary raised awareness around her health condition and sparked new conversations about guardianship, financial abuse, and aging in the spotlight.
While it’s unlikely she’ll return to daytime TV, there’s hope that her estate and legacy will be protected moving forward. Whether through memoirs, licensed content, or re-airings of her iconic show, Wendy’s impact on pop culture is undeniable.
Image: Shutterstock
