Montel Williams, a renowned television host, actor, and inspirational advocate, has become a beacon of hope for those battling multiple sclerosis (MS). He has dedicated his platform to empowering others through open dialogue and personal resilience.
He uplifts countless individuals sharing his journey with MS, proving that strength and purpose can thrive despite adversity.
Williams continues to make an impact as the host of Military Makeover: Operation Career and The Balancing Act, where he highlights stories of perseverance and transformation.
Born on July 3, 1956, Montel Brian Anthony Williams enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1974. He was the first black Marine in the four-year officer training program at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975.
After 22 years of service, he retired from the Naval Reserve as lieutenant commander in 1996.
He began The Montel Williams Show in 1991 and received a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host in 1996.
As an actor, he has appeared in numerous shows, including JAG, Matt Waters, The Peacekeeper, and many more. He produced the Starline Films documentary film 4CHOSEN: The Documentary, which tells the story of the New Jersey Turnpike shooting in 1998.
Likewise, he directed Little Pieces, starring Grace Morley and Amy Acton, in 1999.
Is Montel Williams Sick?
TV legend Montel Williams faced a near-death experience after suffering a cerebellar hemorrhagic stroke, a rare and often fatal brain bleed, while working out alone at a gym.
At first, the 68-year-old mistook a noise he heard for something behind him, but moments later, he was hit with crippling dizziness and exhaustion.
He returned to his hotel room, realizing something was wrong, and his wife immediately called an ambulance.
Thanks to cutting-edge medical intervention, the ambulance was equipped with an onboard CAT scan, allowing first responders to diagnose his condition quickly.
If he had been incorrectly treated with blood thinners, a standard stroke treatment, it could have been fatal.
I’m very lucky. ‘When it happened, I didn’t realize the veracity of what this was. When you start thinking about those statistics? That’s harsh reality. I’m so blessed to be alive and I’m not taking it for granted.
After three grueling weeks in intensive care and months of rehabilitation, the Emmy-winning host has remarkably recovered.
Now, reflecting on the ordeal, Williams says he feels “blessed to be alive” and hopes his story raises awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of rapid, accurate medical response.
I went on a vegan, vegetarian diet for about five years. I didn’t do anything but liquid food. The biggest nemesis of MS is inflammation, so I wanted to reduce the inflammation. Once I learned how to reduce inflammation, that started mitigating a little bit of pain.
Montel Williams Detained in Germany Over Medical Cannabis
Television host and multiple sclerosis (MS) advocate Montel Williams was briefly detained at a German airport after authorities discovered medical cannabis in his luggage.
Williams, who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in 1999 at age 43, uses medical cannabis to manage chronic pain, muscle spasms, and other debilitating symptoms of his condition.
MS is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, often causing fatigue, mobility issues, and severe pain.
Williams has been vocal about how medical cannabis helps alleviate his symptoms, as well as the depression he experienced following his diagnosis.
During his trip to Germany, where cannabis laws remain strict, airport officials detained him upon finding his prescribed medication. However, authorities released him within an hour after verifying that it was for legitimate medical use.
Really, the Germans were just simply asking us to prove that he had a medical condition and that’s what he was using it for. And we had no problem with that. Montel feels like he was treated with dignity and respect like a seriously ill person and he’s very grateful. This happens to normal [non-celebrity], seriously ill people every single day, and it shouldn’t.
Williams later commended German officials for their understanding and professional handling of the situation.
A longtime advocate for sensible medical cannabis policies, he reiterated the importance of global access to legal, regulated treatment options for patients in need.
