For more than 30 years, television viewers have turned to talk show veteran Montel Williams to entertain, inform and inspire them. Currently, the former host of The Montel Williams Show can be found on two Lifetime programs, The Balancing Act, a morning show aimed at busy women, and Military Makeover With Montel, a home-improvement series spotlighting veteran families. Montel also hosts two podcasts and is looking forward to the May publication of a book he co-authored on the history of the USS Intrepid battleship.
The TV personality, 68, is thankful for his extraordinary life. “Despite the challenges of living with MS and surviving a stroke, I’ve managed to maintain a positive outlook and stay active,” Montel exclusively tells Closer. “It’s all about taking care of your health and staying committed to your goals.”
What was your childhood like?
“I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. My parents were very supportive and instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. They always encouraged me to pursue my dreams, which laid the foundation for my future endeavors.”
You enlisted in the Marines at 18. Did your parents approve?
“My parents were incredibly supportive of my decision to join the Marines, and equally supportive when I decided to transition into the entertainment industry. They believed in my potential and always encouraged me to follow my passion.”
What do you consider your big break?
“My big break came with The Montel Williams Show. It gave me a platform to discuss important issues and connect with millions of viewers. That opportunity to make a difference on such a large scale was a defining moment in my career.”
Do you have a favorite memory of hosting the show?
“A fun memory that stands out is when we had a surprise reunion between a guest and a long-lost family member. The emotions in the room were palpable. It was a reminder of the impact we could have on people’s lives. Through the show, I learned the importance of empathy and the power of storytelling.”
You’ve also done some acting. What do you like about it?
“I enjoy it. It’s a different form of storytelling that allows me to explore various characters and narratives. While my focus is primarily on my current projects, I wouldn’t rule out a return to acting if the right opportunity comes along.”
You were diagnosed with MS in 1999 and suffered a stroke in 2018. How have you managed these health battles?
“My resilience comes from a combination of faith, determination and support from loved ones. I’ve always believed in the power of a positive mindset and the importance of staying proactive in managing my health. My family, friends and fans have been incredibly supportive, and that has kept me going.”
Is there anyone who deserves special mention for helping you through?
“My wife, Tara, is my rock. She has been an unwavering source of support and inspiration through all of life’s challenges. Her strength and compassion have been pivotal in helping me maintain a positive outlook, especially during the tougher times. Having someone by your side who believes in you and can lift you up when you need it most makes an incredible difference.”
Sounds like you’ve found the secret to a happy marriage.
“The secret to our long marriage is seeing it as a partnership. We support each other through life’s ups and downs and make sure to always be there for one another. Another important factor in our long marriage has been maintaining a sense of humor. We make sure to laugh together every day, even during difficult times. It helps us to remember not to take ourselves too seriously and keeps things light and fun.”
What do you do for fun?
“I love staying active, so snowboarding is a favorite winter pastime. I also have a passion for cooking. I enjoy exploring new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. Additionally, I’m a bit of a news junkie — keeping up with current events is something I find fascinating.”
Are you a grandpa yet?
“Yes! My 2-year-old grandson brings so much joy into our lives. It’s a new chapter filled with love and excitement. I cherish every moment with him. Because we live in different states, I only get to see my grandson a few times a year. He was at a golf range recently, and every time he saw a bald Black man from behind, he said, ‘Pop-Pop,’ thinking it was me. He is growing up so fast and is such an angel.”
What has been the most gratifying thing about hosting Military Makeover?
“It’s a project that holds a special place in my heart. What I love most about doing the show is the opportunity to give back to our veterans and their families. These are individuals who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and being able to transform their homes and lives in a positive way is incredibly rewarding. It’s a small token of appreciation for their service and dedication.”
You’re also on The Balancing Act. Is it hard to keep a daily show from becoming rote?
“The key is to stay current and relevant. We always bring in fresh, exciting content and guests who have compelling stories or expertise to share. Additionally, being genuine and passionate about the topics we cover helps keep the energy and interest alive. It’s all about creating a dynamic and engaging experience for our audience.”
You host two podcasts, ‘Let’s Be Blunt With Montel’ and ‘Free Thinking With Montel.’ Why do you enjoy the talk genre so much?
“I am a communicator at heart. I love opening up thought-provoking discussions because they keep me curious and inspired.”
For more than 30 years, television viewers have turned to talk show veteran Montel Williams to entertain, inform and inspire them. Currently, the former host of The Montel Williams Show can be found on two Lifetime programs, The Balancing Act, a morning show aimed at busy women, and Military Makeover With Montel, a home-improvement series spotlighting veteran families. Montel also hosts two podcasts and is looking forward to the May publication of a book he co-authored on the history of the USS Intrepid battleship.
The TV personality, 68, is thankful for his extraordinary life. “Despite the challenges of living with MS and surviving a stroke, I’ve managed to maintain a positive outlook and stay active,” Montel exclusively tells Closer. “It’s all about taking care of your health and staying committed to your goals.”
What was your childhood like?
“I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. My parents were very supportive and instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. They always encouraged me to pursue my dreams, which laid the foundation for my future endeavors.”
You enlisted in the Marines at 18. Did your parents approve?
“My parents were incredibly supportive of my decision to join the Marines, and equally supportive when I decided to transition into the entertainment industry. They believed in my potential and always encouraged me to follow my passion.”
What do you consider your big break?
“My big break came with The Montel Williams Show. It gave me a platform to discuss important issues and connect with millions of viewers. That opportunity to make a difference on such a large scale was a defining moment in my career.”
Do you have a favorite memory of hosting the show?
“A fun memory that stands out is when we had a surprise reunion between a guest and a long-lost family member. The emotions in the room were palpable. It was a reminder of the impact we could have on people’s lives. Through the show, I learned the importance of empathy and the power of storytelling.”
You’ve also done some acting. What do you like about it?
“I enjoy it. It’s a different form of storytelling that allows me to explore various characters and narratives. While my focus is primarily on my current projects, I wouldn’t rule out a return to acting if the right opportunity comes along.”
You were diagnosed with MS in 1999 and suffered a stroke in 2018. How have you managed these health battles?
“My resilience comes from a combination of faith, determination and support from loved ones. I’ve always believed in the power of a positive mindset and the importance of staying proactive in managing my health. My family, friends and fans have been incredibly supportive, and that has kept me going.”
Is there anyone who deserves special mention for helping you through?
“My wife, Tara, is my rock. She has been an unwavering source of support and inspiration through all of life’s challenges. Her strength and compassion have been pivotal in helping me maintain a positive outlook, especially during the tougher times. Having someone by your side who believes in you and can lift you up when you need it most makes an incredible difference.”
Sounds like you’ve found the secret to a happy marriage.
“The secret to our long marriage is seeing it as a partnership. We support each other through life’s ups and downs and make sure to always be there for one another. Another important factor in our long marriage has been maintaining a sense of humor. We make sure to laugh together every day, even during difficult times. It helps us to remember not to take ourselves too seriously and keeps things light and fun.”
What do you do for fun?
“I love staying active, so snowboarding is a favorite winter pastime. I also have a passion for cooking. I enjoy exploring new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. Additionally, I’m a bit of a news junkie — keeping up with current events is something I find fascinating.”
Are you a grandpa yet?
“Yes! My 2-year-old grandson brings so much joy into our lives. It’s a new chapter filled with love and excitement. I cherish every moment with him. Because we live in different states, I only get to see my grandson a few times a year. He was at a golf range recently, and every time he saw a bald Black man from behind, he said, ‘Pop-Pop,’ thinking it was me. He is growing up so fast and is such an angel.”
What has been the most gratifying thing about hosting Military Makeover?
“It’s a project that holds a special place in my heart. What I love most about doing the show is the opportunity to give back to our veterans and their families. These are individuals who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and being able to transform their homes and lives in a positive way is incredibly rewarding. It’s a small token of appreciation for their service and dedication.”
You’re also on The Balancing Act. Is it hard to keep a daily show from becoming rote?
“The key is to stay current and relevant. We always bring in fresh, exciting content and guests who have compelling stories or expertise to share. Additionally, being genuine and passionate about the topics we cover helps keep the energy and interest alive. It’s all about creating a dynamic and engaging experience for our audience.”
You host two podcasts, ‘Let’s Be Blunt With Montel’ and ‘Free Thinking With Montel.’ Why do you enjoy the talk genre so much?
“I am a communicator at heart. I love opening up thought-provoking discussions because they keep me curious and inspired.”