Bert Girigorie: The Untold Story of Wendy Williams’ First Husband
Bert Girigorie: When you hear the name Bert Girigorie, chances are you immediately think of Wendy Williams. And honestly, that makes sense—their brief marriage in the mid-1990s put this otherwise private man in the public eye. But here’s the thing: Bert Girigorie is so much more than just “Wendy Williams’ ex-husband.” He’s a successful marketing professional, a dedicated entrepreneur, and perhaps one of the most private figures to ever be connected to a major celebrity. While Wendy’s life has played out in headlines, talk show segments, and documentaries for decades, Bert has quietly built a career and a life far away from the cameras. And honestly? Something is refreshing about that.
In an era where everyone seems to be chasing their fifteen minutes of fame, Bert Girigorie stands out as someone who had his brush with the spotlight and then intentionally stepped back. He didn’t write a tell-all book. He didn’t go on a media tour to cash in on his connection to a famous name. Instead, he returned to his roots in North Carolina, focused on his work in digital marketing, and let his actions—not his past—define him. This article takes a deep dive into the life of Bert Girigorie, exploring his early years, his short-lived marriage to the “Queen of All Media,” his professional accomplishments, and the quiet, purposeful life he leads today. Whether you’re a Wendy Williams fan curious about her early life or just someone interested in stories of resilience and privacy, you’re in the right place.
Early Life and Roots: Where It All Began
Bert Girigorie was born on March 13, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Growing up in the Queen City during the 1960s and 70s shaped his perspective in ways that would later influence his career choices and his approach to life. Charlotte was a city on the rise during his childhood—a place that balanced Southern charm with a growing business sector. Bert was raised in a Christian family alongside two siblings: a sister named Gabrielle and a brother named Bruce. This family foundation gave him a sense of stability that would serve him well throughout his life.
As a young man, Bert wasn’t necessarily dreaming of fame or the entertainment industry. In fact, his interests leaned more toward business and strategy. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities in the country. At Morehouse, he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, joining a brotherhood known for its commitment to scholarship, service, and leadership. This experience helped shape his character, instilling values of integrity and hard work that he carries to this day. His time at Morehouse also gave him the academic foundation he needed to eventually step into the competitive world of marketing and business development.
Professional Journey: From Radio to Marketing Maven
Before he became known as Wendy Williams’ first husband, Bert Girigorie was already carving out a professional identity for himself. His career began in an interesting place: the radio industry. In the early 1990s, Bert worked as an account executive at Kiss FM, a prominent New York City radio station. This role was crucial because it put him right in the middle of the media world, working behind the scenes in sales and advertising. At Kiss FM, Bert wasn’t the one behind the microphone, but he understood the business side of broadcasting—how to sell airtime, how to build relationships with clients, and how to navigate the fast-paced world of media.
It was during this time that he crossed paths with a brash, rising radio personality named Wendy Williams. But we’ll get to that part of the story soon. What’s important to note is that Bert’s radio experience gave him a unique skill set that he would later parlay into a successful career in marketing. After leaving the radio world, he pivoted to the corporate sector, where he found his true calling. In 2010, he became the president of G2 Marketing, a digital marketing agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company specializes in a range of services, including web and mobile development, revenue development, and sales and marketing strategy execution.
For over a decade, Bert Girigorie has been at the helm of G2 Marketing, helping businesses grow their digital presence and streamline their operations. This isn’t the kind of job that gets you on magazine covers, but it’s the kind of work that builds real, lasting success. According to his professional profiles, Bert is known for his strategic thinking, his ability to drive revenue growth, and his hands-on approach to leadership. He’s a businessman who lets his results speak for themselves—a quality that seems to define his entire approach to life.
Meeting Wendy Williams: How Two Worlds Collided
So how did a marketing professional from Charlotte end up married to one of the most controversial and beloved media figures of her generation? The story goes back to the early 1990s, when Bert was working as an account executive at Kiss FM in New York City. At the same time, Wendy Williams was making waves in the same city’s radio scene. She was building her reputation as a “shock jockette” at WRKS and later at WQHT (Hot 97), where her unfiltered commentary on celebrities made her a must-listen for New York audiences.
Bert and Wendy met through their shared connections in the New York radio industry. What started as a professional acquaintance soon turned into something more personal. They began dating, and for about two years, their relationship grew. By all accounts, the early days of their romance were happy. Wendy was on her way up in radio, and Bert was establishing himself in sales and marketing. They decided to take the next step, and in 1994, the couple tied the knot.
But the excitement of a new marriage quickly gave way to something much more complicated.
The Marriage That Lasted Five Months
If you’re looking for a fairy tale, this isn’t it. Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams’ marriage was remarkably short—they separated after just five months. The divorce wasn’t officially finalized until 1995, but the relationship effectively ended almost as soon as it began. For years, the details of what went wrong remained mostly private, but in later interviews, both Bert and Wendy offered glimpses into the turmoil of their brief union.
Wendy has been open about her struggles with cocaine addiction during this period of her life. In her memoir, Wendy’s Got the Heat, she admitted that her drug use was a factor in the breakdown of her first marriage. Bert, on the other hand, has spoken about feeling blindsided by the changes he saw in his wife after the wedding. In a 2019 interview, he recalled that things started going strange almost immediately. “It was very bizarre,” he said. “She just turned into a different person. I don’t know what was going on. I didn’t understand a lot of things that she did. I didn’t understand what her motivations were”.
He went on to say that their relationship eventually reached a breaking point after “a big blowout,” after which things became too strained to continue. Bert noted that while he later learned about Wendy’s alleged drug use, she had kept that part of her life hidden from him during the marriage. “I know she said she was doing drugs, but she kept that away from me,” he explained. “I assumed that she was, but I didn’t know anything about it”.
A Controversial Claim: The Allegation of Physical Assault
One of the more contentious aspects of Bert and Wendy’s marriage involves an allegation Wendy made in her memoir. In Wendy’s Got the Heat, she claimed that Bert physically assaulted her during their marriage. Bert has consistently and strongly denied this allegation. According to him, the accusation is false, and he has maintained his innocence on the matter throughout the years. It’s one of those “he said, she said” situations that are difficult to untangle decades later. What is clear, however, is that the marriage was fraught with tension, miscommunication, and ultimately, irreconcilable differences.
Despite the difficult end to their marriage, both Bert and Wendy have, over the years, indicated that they’ve moved on and harbor no deep-seated animosity toward one another. Bert has spoken about the experience with a tone of reflection rather than anger, suggesting that he’s made peace with that chapter of his life.
Life After Divorce: Choosing Privacy Over Fame
After the divorce was finalized in 1995, Bert Girigorie faced a choice that many people in his position would have handled differently. He could have leaned into his connection to a rising media star. He could have written a book, done interviews, or tried to build a public persona based on his relationship with Wendy Williams. But that’s not who Bert is. Instead, he did something almost unheard of in celebrity culture: he walked away.
Bert returned to his home state of North Carolina and refocused on his career. He stepped out of the media spotlight entirely, choosing to build a life based on his own merits rather than on a brief marriage that ended nearly three decades ago. In the years since, he’s rarely given interviews, and when he has, he’s done so with discretion and respect. There’s no public drama, no social media feuds, no tell-all documentaries. Just a quiet, focused life in Charlotte, where he continues to run his marketing business.
For someone who was once connected to one of the most talked-about personalities in entertainment, Bert Girigorie has managed to maintain an extraordinary level of privacy. There’s no public record of him remarrying, and he doesn’t appear to have any children. His LinkedIn profile and company website show a professional who is deeply engaged in his work, helping clients navigate the complex world of digital marketing and business growth.
What Is Bert Girigorie’s Net Worth?
This is a question that pops up frequently when people search for Bert Girigorie, and the answer depends on which source you consult. There’s a range of estimates out there, and that’s largely because Bert has kept his financial details private—as he has every right to do. Some sources estimate his net worth at around $700,000, while others suggest it could be as high as $1.5 million or even $5 million.
The most reliable estimates place Bert Girigorie’s net worth somewhere in the $1 million to $3 million range, reflecting his long career in marketing and his role as the president of G2 Marketing. It’s worth noting that Bert didn’t receive any significant financial settlement from his divorce from Wendy Williams—the marriage was too short, and Wendy hadn’t yet reached the level of wealth she would later attain. Whatever wealth Bert has accumulated, he’s built it himself through hard work and smart business decisions.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
| 2020 | $700,000 – $1 million |
| 2022 | $700,000 – $1.5 million |
| 2024 | $1 million – $3 million |
| 2025 | $1 million – $5 million |
Data compiled from various sources
Bert Girigorie’s Height and Physical Presence
For those curious about the more superficial details, Bert Girigorie stands at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches tall (approximately 188 to 189 centimeters). He weighs around 198 to 200 pounds, with black hair and dark brown eyes. While physical attributes don’t define a person, it’s worth noting that Bert’s height and build give him a commanding presence—fitting for a man who has led a marketing firm for over a decade.
But here’s the thing: Bert’s physical appearance isn’t what makes him interesting. What makes him interesting is his character. In a world where so many people try to leverage their connections for fame and fortune, Bert chose a different path. He chose substance over spotlight, work over gossip, and privacy over publicity. And honestly, that’s something worth respecting.
The Man Behind the Name: Character and Values
If you dig through the limited information available about Bert Girigorie, a picture begins to emerge of a man who values integrity, professionalism, and discretion. Colleagues and those who know him personally describe him as intelligent, composed, and principled. He’s not the type to seek attention or validation from the public. Instead, he seems to find satisfaction in his work, his business relationships, and the quiet rhythm of everyday life.
This approach has served him well. While his ex-wife has navigated public health struggles, financial guardianship issues, and the end of her second marriage in very public ways, Bert has remained steady and out of the headlines. He’s not a cautionary tale or a footnote in someone else’s story. He’s a man who made a life for himself on his own terms.
The Rare Interview: What Bert Has Said About the Past
In 2019, Bert gave a rare interview to RadarOnline, breaking his decades-long silence about his marriage to Wendy Williams. It was a moment of candor from a man who usually keeps his thoughts to himself. In that interview, he reflected on the “bizarre” behavior he witnessed during their brief union and suggested that Wendy’s substance use—which he didn’t fully understand at the time—likely played a role in their problems.
But what’s striking about Bert’s comments is the lack of bitterness. He didn’t go on a tirade or try to paint himself as a victim. He simply stated what he observed and moved on. That’s a level of emotional maturity that’s rare in the world of celebrity exes. It’s also a testament to the kind of person Bert is: someone who can look back at a painful chapter, learn from it, and then keep walking forward.
Where Is Bert Girigorie Now?
As of 2026, Bert Girigorie is 62 years old and continues to reside in Charlotte, North Carolina. He remains active as the president of G2 Marketing, and his professional profiles indicate that he’s still deeply involved in helping businesses grow through strategic digital marketing. There’s no evidence that he’s remarried, and he doesn’t appear to have any children. He lives a life that’s intentionally private, and for those who know him personally, that’s likely exactly how he wants it.
It’s worth noting that Bert has remained notably silent on the health struggles Wendy Williams has faced in recent years, including her diagnoses of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. That silence is consistent with his character—he’s not the type to weigh in on someone else’s personal battles, especially when they don’t directly involve him. Whatever feelings he has about his past, he keeps to himself, focusing instead on the present and the future.
Why Bert Girigorie’s Story Matters
You might be wondering: why does any of this matter? Why write thousands of words about a man who deliberately stepped away from fame? The answer is that Bert Girigorie’s story offers something valuable in an age of oversharing and constant public scrutiny. He shows us that it’s possible to have a brush with celebrity and then choose a different path. He shows us that success isn’t always measured in Instagram followers or magazine covers. Sometimes, it’s measured in peace, stability, and the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.
For fans of Wendy Williams, learning about Bert Girigorie adds depth to the story of her early life. It reminds us that before the talk show, the drama, and the headlines, she was a young woman trying to find her way—and that her first marriage, however brief, was part of that journey. For everyone else, Bert’s life is a reminder that you don’t have to be defined by your past. You can make mistakes, experience heartbreak, and then build something new, something better, something that’s truly your own.
Conclusion
Bert Girigorie is a study in contrasts. He’s a man who was briefly famous by association but chose to become unknown again. He’s a marketing executive who knows how to build brands but has never tried to brand himself. He’s a former spouse of one of the most famous media personalities in America, yet he’s managed to live almost entirely outside the public eye for over 25 years. In a culture that rewards exposure and punishes privacy, Bert has done something radical: he’s lived his life on his own terms.
From his early days in Charlotte to his time at Morehouse College, from his career in New York radio to his long-running role as president of G2 Marketing, Bert Girigorie has built a life of substance. His brief marriage to Wendy Williams may be what made his name recognizable, but it’s his character—his commitment to integrity, his privacy preference, his dedication to his work—that defines him. As he enters his sixties, Bert continues to live quietly in North Carolina, a reminder that sometimes the most compelling stories are the ones that happen far from the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Bert Girigorie?
Bert Girigorie is an American marketing and sales professional best known as the first husband of television host Wendy Williams. He was born on March 13, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended Morehouse College. He currently serves as the president of G2 Marketing, a digital marketing agency based in Charlotte.
How long were Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams married?
Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams married in 1994 but separated after just five months. Their divorce was finalized in 1995. Wendy has stated that her cocaine addiction at the time contributed to the marriage’s failure, while Bert has described her behavior during the marriage as “bizarre” and difficult to understand.
What does Bert Girigorie do for a living?
Bert Girigorie is a marketing professional and entrepreneur. Since 2010, he has been the president of G2 Marketing, a digital marketing agency in Charlotte, North Carolina, that specializes in web development, revenue development, and marketing strategy. Before that, he worked as an account executive at Kiss FM in New York City.
What is Bert Girigorie’s net worth?
Estimates of Bert Girigorie’s net worth vary, but most sources place it between $1 million and $3 million. He has built his wealth through his long career in marketing and business leadership. Unlike his ex-wife, he did not receive a significant financial settlement from his divorce.
Did Bert Girigorie ever remarry after Wendy Williams?
There is no public record or reliable information indicating that Bert Girigorie has remarried since his divorce from Wendy Williams in 1995. He has kept his personal life extremely private and does not appear to have any children.
Does Bert Girigorie have any children?
No, no evidence or public record suggests that Bert Girigorie has any children from his marriage to Wendy Williams or from any subsequent relationships. He has maintained a private personal life focused on his career in North Carolina.
Where does Bert Girigorie live now?
Bert Girigorie currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was born and raised. He has lived there for many years while running his digital marketing business, G2 Marketing.
What did Bert Girigorie say about his marriage to Wendy Williams?
In a rare 2019 interview, Bert Girigorie described his brief marriage to Wendy Williams as “very bizarre,” noting that she “turned into a different person” after the wedding. He said he didn’t understand her motivations at the time and later learned about her drug use. He also denied an allegation of physical assault that Wendy made in her memoir.
How tall is Bert Girigorie?
Bert Girigorie stands approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall (about 188 to 189 centimeters). He weighs around 198 pounds and has black hair and dark brown eyes.
Did Bert Girigorie appear on Wendy Williams’ talk show?
No, Bert Girigorie has never appeared on The Wendy Williams Show or any other major media program related to his ex-wife. After their divorce, he deliberately stepped away from the public eye and has rarely given interviews. His focus has remained on his career in marketing and business.
