Wendy Williams‘ ex-producer believes she will never make a return to the small screen following her aphasia and dementia diagnosis.
Williams’ team confirmed the news of her health status, noting that the illness “presented significant hurdles” in her life.
Wendy Williams’ Return To TV Is ‘Impossible’
According to Suzanne Bass, a former co-executive producer for “The Wendy Williams Show,” Williams’ recent diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and aphasia makes it impossible for the talk show host to ever return to TV.
In an interview with People Magazine, Bass talked about the star’s health issues and how the end of her show has left a “void” in daytime TV.
“Since Wendy’s been off the air, there’s been a huge void in both daytime TV and pop culture. I think there’s always been a glimmer of hope for a comeback for her, but since this diagnosis, that seems impossible. It makes me very sad,” Bass told the news outlet.
She continued, “I do know it takes time to diagnose conditions like this. I’m saddened by it all. Because people are constantly saying, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if Wendy makes a comeback?’”
Bass emphasized that she’s mostly concerned about Williams’ health: “I’m more sad about her health, not that she can’t make a comeback. To have this sort of diagnosis, there’s some finality to it.”
Suzanne Bass Recalls Possible ‘Early Signs’ Of Wendy Williams’ Condition
In her conversation with the news outlet, Bass recalled what may have been the first indications of Williams’ health struggles while working on her talk show, which spanned 13 seasons from 2008 to 2022.
“You can go back and see the show, and there’s really long periods of quietness where she’s not speaking,” Bass said. “And you’re thinking, ‘What’s happening? There were early signs [of something wrong] where you’re grasping for words, having a hard time collecting your thoughts and remembering things. Maybe that’s what was happening back then.’”
The ex-producer also shared that she hasn’t been in contact with Williams since the end of her show in 2022. She also revealed that when Williams struggled to “remember things” during one of their few calls, it made her think of her own mom, who has Alzheimer’s disease.
“The last few times I spoke with Wendy, I remember thinking that she reminded me of my mom,” the former producer stated. “My mom has Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a form of it in her case. I just remember calling my brother and saying, ‘Oh my God. I just talked to Wendy. She reminds me of Mom.’”
The Talk Show Host’s Team Confirmed The News Of Her Illness In A Press Release
In a press release, Williams’ team confirmed that the former talk show host was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia.
FTD is a disorder that affects behavior and cognitive functions, while aphasia impairs language and communication skills. Williams’ condition is similar to that of Hollywood A-list actor Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with dementia last year after first being diagnosed with aphasia in 2022.
Williams’ team said: “Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information, and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions.”
They continued, “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.”
In the press release, the team shared that their goal to raise awareness is because of the stigma people who are diagnosed with dementia and aphasia tend to face, especially when they start to show specific changes in their behavior.
“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,” they added.
Wendy Williams’ Family Slam Court-Issued Guardianship
Prior to the release of Williams’ documentary, “Where Is Wendy Williams?” her family spoke out about the court-appointed guardianship, calling the system “broken” for shutting them out.
“How did she go from this aunt or sister that we love and is healthy one minute to this person who’s in and out of the hospital?” Williams’ sister, Wanda Finnie, wondered during an interview with People magazine.
Finnie added, “How is that system better than the system the family could put in place? I don’t know. I do know that this system is broken. I hope that at some point, Wendy becomes strong enough where she can speak on her own behalf.”
The producer of the documentary, Mark Fords, also shared his concerns about the court not allowing Williams’ family to have adequate access to her amid her struggles.
“Just because you’re under a guardianship doesn’t mean that you’re getting 24/7 care,” Ford stated. “When we got to know Wendy’s family, it was clear to us this was a nice family, and the question remained in our minds: Why is the family not able to be a part of Wendy’s life? Why is the family not able to serve as her guardian? I still don’t fully have those answers.”