Wendy Williams, the iconic talk show host known for her larger-than-life personality and candid conversations, has lived much of her life in the public eye. While her highly publicized marriage and subsequent divorce from Kevin Hunter made numerous headlines, few people know about her first husband, Bert Girigorie. This post dives into the life of Bert, his brief marriage to Wendy, and what he has been up to since their separation nearly three decades ago.
Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams’ Brief Marriage
Before Wendy Williams’ 22-year-long marriage to Kevin Hunter, she tied the knot with Bert Girigorie in 1994. The two met while working at a New York City radio station. Their relationship began as an office romance and flourished into a serious commitment.
A Quick Timeline of Their Relationship
- Early 1990s: Bert Girigorie and Wendy meet at the radio station and begin dating.
- 1994: After dating for about two years, they get married.
- 1995: Just five months after tying the knot, the couple separates and eventually divorces within the year.
From the outside, their relationship seemed promising, but Bert later revealed in interviews that their marriage faced challenges right from the start. According to him, Wendy’s behavior was unpredictable, which he came to suspect might be linked to her struggles with substance abuse—a factor Wendy has been open about in her memoir and throughout her career.
Bert’s Side of the Story
Bert spoke candidly in a 2019 interview, describing his confusion and frustration during their short-lived marriage. “It was very bizarre. She just turned into a different person. I didn’t understand a lot of things that she did,” Bert shared. He mentioned that Wendy’s alleged drug use at the time might have influenced her behavior, although she kept that part of her life hidden from him. Their tumultuous relationship ultimately hit a breaking point after a significant argument that led to their separation.
Life After Divorce
Following their divorce, Wendy went on to marry Kevin Hunter in 1999, with whom she shares a son, Kevin Hunter Jr. This marriage, too, ended in divorce in 2020 after allegations of infidelity on Hunter’s part. Meanwhile, Bert chose a much quieter life, away from the limelight.
Who Is Bert Girigorie?
Bert Girigorie may be known to the public as Wendy Williams’ first husband, but he has built a successful life and career on his own terms.
Early Life and Education
Bert was born on March 13, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and grew up in a family that valued faith and community. After completing his early education, he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, a prestigious historically Black liberal arts college for men. It is believed that he studied marketing or a related field, setting the foundation for his career in sales and marketing.
A Career in Sales and Marketing
Post-divorce, Bert focused on his professional growth and carved out a successful career as a sales and marketing professional. He eventually became the president of G2 Marketing, Inc., a digital marketing agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bert’s work reflects his strategic thinking and leadership skills, making him a respected figure in his field.
Fun Facts About Bert Girigorie
- Age: Born in 1964, Bert is 59 years old as of 2023.
- Personality Traits: His zodiac sign is Pisces, often associated with creativity, empathy, and emotional depth.
- Physical Appearance: Bert’s distinctive features include black hair and dark brown eyes, reflective of his African American heritage.
Family and Personal Life
Bert was raised in a close-knit Christian household, which played a significant role in shaping his values. He has two siblings, Gabrielle and Bruce Girigorie. While Gabrielle maintains a low profile, Bruce works for the NYS Office of the Comptroller and lives in New York with his family.
Since his divorce from Wendy, Bert has not remarried. Instead, he has focused on his career, personal growth, and community involvement. He currently resides in Charlotte and leads a fulfilling, quiet life.
Challenges During the Marriage
Many might wonder why Bert and Wendy’s marriage ended so quickly. According to Bert, their relationship was strained from the beginning. Wendy’s behavior, which he described as inexplicable at times, coupled with his realization of her past struggles with drugs, created a challenging environment. He said their incompatibility was clear early on, and their eventual divorce was inevitable.
Financial Success
While Wendy Williams boasts a net worth of $20 million as a result of her media empire, Bert has earned his own recognition in the business world. His estimated net worth falls between $700,000 and $1.5 million, amassed through his work in marketing and other professional pursuits.
Did Wendy and Bert Stay in Touch?
It appears that Wendy and Bert moved on separately after their divorce with no public sign of staying in communication. While Wendy’s life has been a rollercoaster of public success and personal challenges, Bert has taken a much more private approach to life post-divorce.
Key Takeaways from Bert and Wendy’s Relationship
- Sometimes relationships unravel because of personal struggles or mismatched priorities.
- Both Bert and Wendy moved on to focus on themselves after their divorce.
- Even brief marriages can leave lasting impacts on individuals’ lives.
Final Thoughts
Bert Girigorie’s story may have intersected with Wendy Williams for a brief period, but he has carved out his own path as a successful marketing professional and grounded individual. While Wendy continued to capture attention in the public eye, Bert opted for a lower profile, making strides in his career and personal development.
Their short-lived marriage offers a glimpse into how two people from the same world can move in vastly different directions after parting ways. Understanding Bert’s life beyond his connection with Wendy Williams reminds us that everyone has their unique story, shaped by experiences both shared and individual.
FAQs
Q: How long were Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams married?
A: They were married for five months in 1994 before separating.
Q: Where is Bert Girigorie now?
A: Bert resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he works as the president of G2 Marketing, Inc.
Q: What caused their divorce?
A: According to Bert, Wendy exhibited strange behavior early in their marriage, which strained their relationship. He later speculated that her alleged drug use might have impacted her actions during that time.
Q: What is Bert Girigorie’s net worth?
A: Approximately $700,000 to $1.5 million, earned primarily through his career in sales and marketing.