Montel Williams Biography: Education, Movies, TV Shows, Parents, Height, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Children

Montel Williams is an American television host, actor, and motivational speaker, widely recognized for his groundbreaking talk show, The Montel Williams Show, which aired from 1991 to 2008.

His engaging and empathetic approach to addressing diverse social issues made him a prominent figure in daytime television. Beyond his media career, Williams has an extensive background in the military and is a dedicated health advocate.

Profile

• Full name: Montel Brian Anthony Williams
• Date of birth: July 3, 1956
• Age: 69 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
• State of origin: Maryland
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Television host, actor, motivational speaker
• Height: 185 cm
• Parents: Herman Williams Jr. (father), mother’s name N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Tara Fowler (m. 2007)
• Children: Ashley Williams, Maressa Williams, Montel Williams Jr., Wyntergrace Williams
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Ethnicity: African American
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Born on July 3, 1956, in Baltimore, Maryland, Montel Brian Anthony Williams is the son of Herman Williams Jr., who made history as Baltimore’s first African American Fire Chief in 1992. Raised in a Roman Catholic household, Williams served as an altar server during his youth.

He attended Andover High School in Linthicum, Maryland, where he was elected class president in both his junior and senior years, showcasing early leadership qualities. Williams graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1980 with a degree in general engineering and a minor in international security affairs.

Personal Life

Williams has been married three times. His first marriage to Rochele See lasted from 1982 to 1989, and they have two children together: Ashley Williams and Maressa Williams.

In 1992, he married Grace Morley, with whom he has a son, Montel Williams Jr., and a daughter, Wyntergrace Williams; they divorced in 2000. Since October 6, 2007, Williams has been married to Tara Fowler.

Career

Williams enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1974 and later attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1980. He served as a Naval Intelligence Officer, specializing in cryptology, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 22 years of service.

In 1991, Williams launched The Montel Williams Show, becoming the first African American man to host a nationally syndicated daytime talk show. The program addressed a wide range of social issues and personal stories, earning Williams a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host in 1996. The show concluded in 2008 after a successful 17-year run.

Throughout his career, Williams has received several awards and honors, including a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host in 1996.

Net Worth

Montel Williams‘ net worth is estimated to be approximately $10 million, accumulated through his extensive career in television, acting, writing, and motivational speaking.

Health Challenges

In 1999, Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), leading him to establish the Montel Williams MS Foundation to fund research and provide support for individuals living with the disease.

He has been a vocal advocate for medical cannabis, crediting it with alleviating his MS symptoms. In 2018, Williams suffered a cerebellar hemorrhagic stroke but has since recovered and continues to promote health and wellness.

Social Media

• Instagram: @montel_williams
• Twitter handle: @Montel_Williams

Filmography

• The Montel Williams Show (1991–2008)
• JAG (1995)
• Guiding Light (1952)
• The Peacekeeper (1997)
• Matt Waters (1996)
• The Montel Williams Show (1991–2008)
• BodyChange: The 21-Day Fitness Program for Changing Your Body and Changing Your Life (2001)
• A Dozen Ways to Sunday: Stories of Hope and Courage (2001)
• Climbing Higher (2005)
• Living Well Emotionally: Break Through to a Life of Happiness (2009)
• The Sailing of the Intrepid (2024)

Books

The Sailing of the Intrepid co-authored with David Fisher (2024)