Montel Williams

Montel Williams has evolved from a media celebrity, revered for his 17-year tenure on "The Montel Williams Show," into a multifaceted figure with endeavors spanning across television hosting, authorship, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and motivational speaking. A recipient of an Emmy Award, his television career has been marked by a deep commitment to exploring societal issues and empowering individuals facing challenging situations.

Williams is notably recognized for his military service, having begun his career in the United States Marine Corps, subsequently becoming the first African American to attend the Naval Academy Prep School and then graduating from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in engineering and a minor in international security affairs. Williams served 18 months in Guam as a cryptologic officer for naval intelligence. His next assignment was as a cryptologic officer with the Naval Security Fleet Support Division at Fort Meade, Maryland. After 22 years of military service, he retired from the Navy as lieutenant commander.

Beyond his illustrious television career, Williams continues to make an impact through his current role as the host of "Military Makeover with Montel" on Lifetime, a heartwarming series dedicated to renovating the homes of military families. He also brings his insights to "The Balancing Act," a talk show that addresses pivotal life topics.

His acting pursuits have seen him grace screens in notable shows like “The Resident,” “All My Children,” and “Guiding Light,” for which he received a NAACP Image Award nomination. Off-screen, Williams is a successful author with eight books to his credit, four of which are bestsellers, and he's currently penning his ninth book, in the military history genre.

Williams’ deep-rooted passion for the well-being of military personnel and veterans drives his philanthropic efforts. He actively supports organizations that focus on veterans' welfare, diversity, children's well-being, animal rights, and more. His dedication is further exemplified through his board memberships at the Fisher House Foundation, The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, and The Research & Recognition Project.

Holding a degree in general engineering with a minor in international security affairs, and additional qualifications in Russian and Mandarin from the Defense Language Institute, Williams’ military accolades include two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, among others.

Montel Williams is not just a public figure but a beacon of resilience, advocacy, and service, continually seeking ways to inspire and make a tangible impact on the world.