Wendy Williams is a household name, famous for her bold personality and no-holds-barred approach to talk show hosting. Her career, spanning radio, television, and even her bestselling memoirs, has captivated millions. But while her second marriage to Kevin Hunter gained major media attention, her first marriage to Bert Girigorie is far more elusive, with little public information about the man behind the headlines. So, who is Bert Girigorie, and what went wrong in his brief marriage to Wendy Williams? This article takes a deeper look at Bert’s life, his time with Wendy, and where he is now.

Bert Girigorie: A Quiet, Private Life

Bert Girigorie is perhaps best known for being the first husband of Wendy Williams, but outside of his connection to the talk show star, he’s managed to live a rather private life. Born and raised in the United States, Bert is a marketing professional who’s worked in business development and communications. He graduated from Morehouse College, a historically Black college in Atlanta, Georgia, known for producing notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and filmmaker Spike Lee. Bert built a successful career in the corporate world, working his way up in marketing.

While Wendy’s career as a radio DJ and TV host put her in the public eye, Bert stayed largely out of the spotlight. He didn’t seek fame, and after his marriage to Wendy ended, he retreated even further from the media.

How Bert Met Wendy Williams

Bert and Wendy’s relationship began in the early 1990s when Wendy was starting to make a name for herself in the world of radio. She was already known for her unfiltered commentary and bold opinions, which would later become her signature style on her talk show. The two reportedly met at a radio station, and their connection was instant. They quickly became a couple, and just months into their relationship, they decided to marry in 1994.

At that time, Wendy was still rising in her career, while Bert was working in a more traditional, corporate role. Their differences in career paths and lifestyle may have been one of the factors that contributed to the end of their marriage.

A Short Marriage and Quick Divorce

Unfortunately, Wendy and Bert’s marriage was brief. After only five months, the couple separated, and their divorce was finalized shortly after. The reasons behind their split have been the subject of speculation for years, with both Wendy and Bert offering different perspectives on what went wrong.

Wendy has spoken candidly about their marriage, calling it tumultuous and describing their relationship as “bizarre.” In her memoir Wendy’s Got the Heat, she reflected on how things started to deteriorate quickly after their wedding, hinting at deeper issues that ultimately led to the breakup. She’s mentioned that she realized early on that the relationship was not meant to last.

Bert, on the other hand, has a different take. In interviews, he suggested that Wendy’s increasingly erratic behavior at the time played a role in their breakup. He expressed feeling blindsided by the separation and suggested that the marriage fell apart rapidly, although he has kept the details of their issues vague. He’s also hinted that external factors may have contributed, though he hasn’t gone into specifics.

One potential factor for their split could have been the lifestyle changes that came with Wendy’s rising fame. As Wendy’s career took off, the pressures of being in the spotlight may have caused tension between them. Wendy herself has been open about her struggles with substance abuse during this period, which may have added to the strain on their relationship.

Life After the Divorce

After their divorce, Wendy Williams continued her rapid rise to fame, eventually becoming a TV icon with her daytime talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, which premiered in 2008. She became known for her no-nonsense style, discussing everything from celebrity gossip to her own personal struggles. Her marriage to Kevin Hunter, her second husband, would later attract even more media attention, especially with their publicized divorce.

In contrast, Bert Girigorie opted for a much quieter life after the marriage ended. He continued to work in marketing and business development, staying out of the public eye. Bert has said that he was surprised by Wendy’s success and the level of fame she achieved, but he has remained respectful of her in public. He’s also shared how challenging it was for him to have his personal life exposed to the media just because of his connection to Wendy.

Did Bert Girigorie Remarry?

There is very little information available about Bert’s personal life after his divorce from Wendy. Given his private nature, it’s unclear whether he remarried or had any other significant relationships. He has not publicly discussed his personal life in any detail, preferring to keep his relationships out of the spotlight. Unlike Wendy, who has been very open about her life in the media, Bert has continued to focus on his career and live a life away from the cameras.

The Legacy of Their Marriage

Though their marriage lasted only a few months, the brief relationship between Wendy Williams and Bert Girigorie remains a point of interest for many fans. Wendy’s career, personal life, and subsequent marriages have been heavily documented, but her first marriage is still largely a mystery.

For Wendy, the brief marriage served as a learning experience that helped shape her into the independent, outspoken woman she is today. As for Bert, his brief time in the media spotlight came and went quickly, and he has since moved on from that chapter of his life. He has maintained a level of privacy that contrasts sharply with Wendy’s more public approach.

Conclusion

Bert Girigorie may never have sought fame, but his brief marriage to Wendy Williams thrust him into the public eye. After their divorce, Bert chose a life away from the media spotlight, focusing on his career and maintaining a low profile. Wendy’s life, on the other hand, has continued to unfold in the public eye, with her second marriage and ongoing career developments making headlines. Despite the short-lived marriage, both Bert and Wendy have gone on to carve out very different paths—one in the limelight, and the other in the quietude of private life.

Bert’s story remains a reminder of how fleeting moments in the media can leave lasting impressions, even for those who prefer to live their lives far from the spotlight.

FAQs

Who is Bert Girigorie?
Bert Girigorie is Wendy Williams’ first husband. He’s a marketing professional who has largely remained out of the public eye since his brief marriage to the TV host.

How long were Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams married?
Bert and Wendy were married for only about five months in 1994 before separating and divorcing.

Why did Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams divorce?
The reasons for their divorce aren’t fully clear, but both have suggested differences in their lifestyles and personal issues contributed to their split.

What does Bert Girigorie do for a living?
Bert works in marketing and business development, focusing on his career away from the media spotlight.

Did Bert Girigorie remarry after his divorce from Wendy Williams?
There’s no public information about Bert remarrying after his divorce from Wendy, and he has kept his personal life private since then.