CELEBRITY

Who Is Bert Girigorie? A Deep Dive into the Life, Career, and Legacy of Wendy Williams’ Ex-Husband

Published

4 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bert Girigorie is best known as the ex-husband of Wendy Williams, the outspoken media personality and former talk show host. However, beyond his brief marriage to Wendy, Bert has built a successful career in sales and marketing while maintaining a private life away from the media spotlight.

Who is Bert Girigorie outside of his past relationship with Wendy Williams? This article explores his early life, education, career, marriage, divorce, and life after Wendy.

Quick bio

Personal Details	Information
Full Name	Bert Girigorie
Famous As	Wendy Williams’ Ex-Husband
Profession	Sales and Marketing Professional
Date of Birth	March 13, 1964
Place of Birth	Charlotte, North Carolina
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Age	60 (as of 2024)
Current Residency	Charlotte, North Carolina
Marital Status	Divorced
Ex-Spouse	Wendy Williams
Children	None
Siblings	Gabrielle Girigorie, Bruce Girigorie
Gender	Male
Nationality	American
Religion	Christianity
Ethnicity	African American
Sexuality	Straight
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Net Worth	$700,000 – $1.5 million

Early Life and Background

Born on March 13, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bert Girigorie grew up in a close-knit Christian family with two siblings, Gabrielle and Bruce. While little is known about his parents, his upbringing emphasized faith, education, and strong values.

From an early age, Bert showed an interest in business and entrepreneurship, which would later shape his career in sales and marketing.

Age and Physical Attributes

As of 2024, Bert Girigorie is 60 years old. He maintains a professional and polished appearance, reflecting his background in corporate business. With black hair, dark brown eyes, and a confident presence, he embodies the image of a successful businessman.

Educational Background

Bert attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges in the U.S.

Morehouse College is known for producing influential Black leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr.
While Bert’s major remains undisclosed, his studies helped him develop the skills necessary for a career in business and marketing.

Career Beginnings

From Radio Sales to Marketing Executive

Bert Girigorie started his professional journey in the early 1990s as an account executive at Kiss FM, a popular radio station in New York City.

His role focused on media sales and advertising, helping him build experience in business development.
During this time, he met Wendy Williams, who was also working in the radio industry.

His background in radio sales laid the foundation for his later success in digital marketing and business strategy.

Building a Career in Sales & Marketing

After leaving the radio industry, Bert moved into business development and later founded G2 Marketing, Inc., a digital marketing agency in Charlotte, North Carolina.

As the president of G2 Marketing, Bert helps businesses with branding, digital strategy, and sales growth.
His expertise in corporate marketing has allowed him to achieve financial stability and professional success outside the media spotlight.

How Bert Girigorie Met Wendy Williams

Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams met in the early 1990s while working in the radio and entertainment industry.

Wendy was rising to fame as a bold and outspoken radio DJ.
Bert was a sales and marketing executive at Kiss FM.
Their mutual interests and industry connections led to a romantic relationship.

After dating for some time, they decided to take their relationship to the next level and got married in 1997.

Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams’ Marriage

Their 1997 marriage was short-lived, lasting only about a year.

At the time, Wendy was gaining national attention for her controversial radio shows.
Bert, on the other hand, preferred a private and business-oriented lifestyle.
The pressures of Wendy’s rising fame may have contributed to their relationship issues.

By 2001, their marriage officially ended in divorce.

Why Did Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams Divorce?

While neither Bert nor Wendy has publicly shared specific details about their divorce, speculation suggests:

Wendy’s skyrocketing career put pressure on their relationship.
Personality differences played a role in their separation.
Rumors about Wendy’s personal struggles may have contributed to marital conflicts.

After their divorce, Wendy Williams became a TV personality and media mogul, while Bert stepped away from the public eye to focus on his marketing business.

Bert Girigorie’s Career After Divorce

After separating from Wendy, Bert shifted his focus entirely to his marketing career.

He expanded his digital marketing expertise and grew G2 Marketing, Inc. into a successful firm.
His work involves helping businesses improve their branding, advertising strategies, and sales performance.
Unlike Wendy, Bert has avoided the media spotlight, choosing a private and low-key lifestyle.

Bert Girigorie’s Net Worth and Financial Success

Bert Girigorie has an estimated net worth of $700,000 – $1.5 million.

His primary income sources include:
His digital marketing firm, G2 Marketing, Inc.
Past roles in sales and business development
Investments and business ventures

Although not as wealthy as Wendy Williams, Bert has built a comfortable and successful life through his career in business and marketing.

Personal Life and Family Today

Where is Bert Girigorie Now?

Bert continues to live a private life in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He maintains close ties with his siblings, Gabrielle and Bruce.
He has never remarried and has no known children.
He focuses on his business and personal growth, avoiding the media.

Unlike Wendy, who frequently makes headlines, Bert prefers to stay out of the public eye.

Conclusion

While Bert Girigorie is often remembered as Wendy Williams’ ex-husband, he has built a successful career in marketing and maintained a private lifestyle.

Although his marriage was short-lived, Bert has established himself as a respected entrepreneur, proving that life after fame can be just as rewarding.

FAQs About Bert Girigorie

Who is Bert Girigorie?

Bert Girigorie is a sales and marketing professional, best known as Wendy Williams’ ex-husband.

How did Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams meet?

They met in the early 1990s through mutual connections in the radio and entertainment industry.

Why did Bert Girigorie and Wendy Williams divorce?

Their marriage ended in 2001, reportedly due to career pressures, personality differences, and personal struggles.

What is Bert Girigorie’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated between $700,000 and $1.5 million, primarily from his marketing career.

Is Bert Girigorie married now?

No, Bert has not remarried since his divorce from Wendy Williams.

CELEBRITY

Who Was Jackie Witte? The Hidden Truth About Paul Newman’s First Wife

Published

3 days ago

March 11, 2025

DigiTimes

Jackie Witte Jacqueline “Jackie” Witte, often overshadowed by the towering fame of her ex-husband, Paul Newman, lived a life of quiet resilience and determination. Though her marriage to the Hollywood icon brought her brief public recognition, Jackie was much more than just “Paul Newman’s first wife.” From her early dreams of an acting career to the challenges she faced after their divorce, her life tells a story of ambition, grace, and strength.

Quick bio

Detail	Information
Name	Jackie Witte
Birth Date	September 15, 1929
Death Date	May 19, 1994
Death Place	New York, USA
Nationality	American
Marriage Year	1949
Divorce Year	1958
Marriage Duration	9 years
Ex-Husband	Paul Newman
Children	Scott Newman, Susan Kendall Newman, Stephanie Newman
Gender	Female
Age at Death	64

Early Life and Background

Born in 1929, Jackie Witte’s early life remains largely undocumented. Unlike her famous ex-husband, little is known about her childhood, family, or education. However, those who knew her described her as intelligent, ambitious, and strikingly beautiful. Her tall stature, deep-set eyes, and natural charm set her apart, giving her a quiet magnetism that would later capture Paul Newman’s heart.

Age and Physical Attributes

Jackie Witte stood out not only for her height and striking features but also for the grace with which she carried herself. With blonde hair and dark, expressive eyes, she had the classic look of a Hollywood starlet. However, her life took a different path than the one she may have initially envisioned.

Meeting Paul Newman

Jackie Witte’s life changed when she met Paul Newman in the late 1940s. At the time, Newman was a young, ambitious actor working towards his big break. Their romance blossomed quickly, and in 1949, they tied the knot. Jackie was just 19 years old when she married Paul, making her the first woman to stand by his side as he pursued his Hollywood dreams.

Who Was Paul Newman?

Paul Newman, born in 1925, would go on to become one of the most celebrated actors in American history. Known for films like Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Color of Money, he was famous not only for his acting talent but also for his piercing blue eyes and undeniable charisma. Beyond Hollywood, he was a philanthropist, race car driver, and founder of Newman’s Own, a charitable food brand that donates all profits to charity.

Marriage with Paul Newman

Jackie and Paul Newman were married for nine years, from 1949 to 1958. During this time, Newman’s career began to take off, and their lives changed dramatically. The demands of Hollywood, coupled with Newman’s increasing stardom, put a strain on their marriage.

During the 1950s, Paul Newman met Joanne Woodward, a young actress whose chemistry with him was undeniable. As their relationship deepened, it became clear that Newman’s marriage to Jackie was reaching its end. In 1958, Paul and Jackie divorced, and shortly afterward, he married Joanne Woodward, with whom he shared a lifelong partnership.

Jackie Witte’s Children

Despite the personal challenges Jackie faced, she remained devoted to her children. She and Paul Newman had three children together:

Scott Newman (1950–1978): Scott pursued acting but struggled with addiction. Tragically, he passed away from a drug overdose at the age of 28. His death deeply affected Paul Newman, who later founded the Scott Newman Center to educate young people about substance abuse.
Susan Kendall Newman (born 1953): Susan chose a path outside of Hollywood, dedicating herself to philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. She has worked with various charitable organizations, continuing her father’s legacy of giving.
Stephanie Newman (born 1954): Unlike her siblings, Stephanie has largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing a quiet and private life.

Career Ambitions and Achievements

Before her marriage, Jackie Witte had ambitions of becoming an actress. She briefly worked as a model and had minor acting opportunities. However, as Paul Newman’s career began to flourish, her professional aspirations took a backseat. She eventually chose to focus on her role as a wife and mother.

Though she never achieved the Hollywood success she once dreamed of, Jackie carried herself with dignity and grace. She supported Newman in the early years of his career, playing a crucial but often overlooked role in his journey to stardom.

Life After Divorce

After her marriage ended, Jackie Witte withdrew from the public eye. Unlike Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, who became one of Hollywood’s most famous couples, Jackie chose a different path. She never remarried and instead focused on raising her children away from the Hollywood spotlight.

While Paul Newman’s life remained in the public eye, Jackie lived with quiet dignity, avoiding interviews and public appearances. Her decision to stay private speaks to her strength and independence.

Relationship with Her Children

Despite the heartbreak of her divorce, Jackie remained deeply involved in her children’s lives. She was a loving and dedicated mother, ensuring that they had a stable upbringing despite the challenges they faced. Her children were her priority, and she remained a guiding force in their lives until her passing in 1994.

Jackie Witte’s Legacy

Jackie Witte’s legacy is one of quiet resilience. While many remember her simply as “Paul Newman’s first wife,” those who knew her recognized her as a woman of grace, intelligence, and strength. She chose a life of privacy over public recognition, proving that dignity often speaks louder than fame.

Her influence lived on through her children, and though she may not have had the Hollywood career she once dreamed of, she left an indelible mark on those who knew and loved her.

Death and Remembrance

Jackie Witte passed away on May 19, 1994, at the age of 64. True to her nature, her passing was private, with little public information available about her final years. While she may not have sought the spotlight, her story remains an important part of Paul Newman’s legacy.

Jackie Witte’s Net Worth

Jackie Witte’s financial details remain largely undisclosed. However, it is believed that she had financial stability from her marriage and later personal endeavors. Some estimates place her net worth at around $1 million at the time of her passing.

Conclusion

Jackie Witte’s story is one of quiet strength and dignity. Though she was once part of a Hollywood romance, she ultimately chose a life away from the glitz and glamour, prioritizing her family and personal peace. Her journey serves as a reminder that some of the most compelling stories are those lived away from the spotlight.

FAQs About Jackie Witte

Who was Jackie Witte?
Jackie Witte was the first wife of legendary actor Paul Newman. She was a model and aspiring actress before her marriage.

When was Jackie Witte born?
She was born on September 15, 1929, in the United States.

Did Jackie Witte have children?
Yes, she had three children with Paul Newman: Scott Newman, Susan Kendall Newman, and Stephanie Newman.

What did Jackie Witte do for a living?
Jackie initially pursued a career in acting and modeling but later chose to focus on her family.

Did Jackie Witte remarry after divorcing Paul Newman?
No, Jackie Witte chose to remain unmarried after her divorce.

How did Jackie Witte pass away?
She passed away on May 19, 1994, in New York at the age of 64. The specific cause of her death was not publicly disclosed.

What is Jackie Witte’s legacy?
Jackie Witte is remembered for her grace, strength, and resilience. Though often remembered as Paul Newman’s first wife, she lived life on her own terms and left a lasting impact on those who knew her.