Wendy Williams And Other Black Celebrities Who’ve Battled Addiction
Yesterday, when talk show host Wendy Williams told the world on her show that she is currently living in a “sober house,” the longtime radio personality and gossip queen, through tears, gave us a transparent reminder that addiction can touch anyone.
We’ve lost more great entertainers, including Prince, Whitney Houston and others, to addiction and overdose. But there are also several superstars who were fortunate enough to escape the grasp of addiction through a variety of means.
Friends, family and fans of Wendy Williams are no doubt keeping the beloved personality in their thoughts and prayers. We at V-103 hope and believe that she will come through this challenging time stronger and better than ever. And to prove that it is possible, here are four other legendary celebrities who’ve openly talked about their survival against the odds of addiction.
Oprah Winfrey
Yes, one of the world’s most powerful women could have easily become a victim of crack-cocaine addiction instead of a media mogul. She talked about it with the Today show years ago, and has never shied away from overcoming that turbulent time in her life.
Mary J. Blige
The “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” has spoken candidly about her struggles with drugs and alcohol during the recording of her classic debut and sophomore albums, “What’s The 411” and “My Life.”
Samuel L. Jackson
A proud Morehouse graduate and the highest-grossing film actor of all time, Jackson is known for speaking his truth, whether through his movie characters or in real life. And he’s not ashamed to tell his story of addiction, and how once he became sober his career really took off.
Chaka Khan
The “wild child” Chaka Khan was known to have partied hard with cocaine and heroin when she first became famous as a member of the funk band Rufus, and later as a solo act. She worked to become clean, but checked herself into rehab for a prescription painkiller addiction after the death of her friend and sometime-collaborator Prince.
It’s never too late to make changes in your life if you know that you are struggling with addiction. And there are resources available to anyone looking for ways to get out of a dangerous and harmful lifestyle.
And send good vibes to our friend Wendy Williams!
