Montel Williams On Beating the Odds With Stroke and MS to Help Veterans — ‘Life Is Precious and I Want to Make the Most of It’ (EXCLUSIVE)
From serving in the military to hosting award-winning talk shows, Montel Williams has faced life-threatening challenges—now, he empowers veterans and their families
To say Montel Williams has faced life’s toughest challenges would be an understatement. From serving in the military to living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1999, and surviving a life-threatening stroke in 2018, Williams has consistently defied the odds. While many remember him as the beloved host of The Montel Williams Show (1991–2008), Williams’ story goes far beyond daytime television. He won a Daytime Emmy in 1996 for Outstanding Talk Show Host and continues to inspire audiences today.
Currently, Williams headlines Military Makeover with Montel on Lifetime TV, a series dedicated to honoring military families through home renovations while uniting communities and businesses across the country. With the new season debuting on November 14, Williams opened up in an exclusive Woman’s World interview about his journey, career and mission to give back.
Woman’s World (WW): Congratulations. Your series Military Makeover is back for a new season?
Montel Williams: The show has been around for 10 years, and we’re entering our 44th season. Each season represents a family we help. We build houses from the ground up or give them much-needed upgrades—roofs, ceilings, floors, decks, HVAC, appliances, furniture—and we get it all done in nine days.
“Many veterans carry the wounds of war, and seeing their joy and gratitude when we renovate their homes is emotional”
WW: Why nine days?
Montel: Families need a place to stay while we work. We try to lessen the burden by keeping the renovations short.
WW: How do you find these families?
Montel: They’re nominated by neighbors, veteran organizations, or other veterans.
WW: Where are the families from?
Montel: All over the country—Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Arizona—we travel nationwide.
WW: Do you help all demographics and ages?
Montel: Yes, we help all types of veterans, even female veterans.
WW: Spotlighting veterans is personal for you because you’re a decorated military man.
Montel: Yes. My military career spans 20 years, serving in the Marines and the Navy. I understand the sacrifices service members make, which makes helping them through this show deeply rewarding.
WW: What inspired you to serve?
Montel: It was the end of the Vietnam War, and I had friends who served. My father’s career in public service also shaped my path—he was Baltimore’s first African American fire chief, and his discipline and leadership profoundly influenced me.
WW: How would you describe your childhood?
Montel: Watching and learning from my father was crucial. He was a serious disciplinarian and incredibly structured. He went to school for almost 18 years to earn his bachelor’s degree. I think about him often since he passed in 2022, and I realize how much of my work ethic comes from him.
WW: How did you transition from military service to hosting an award-winning talk show?
Montel: I started speaking at schools nationwide about staying in school and making good choices. I spoke to over a million kids face-to-face in schools, colleges, and town halls. That exposure caught Hollywood’s attention. I started with The Fourth R: Kids Rap About Racism, which won a local Emmy, and by 1991, I launched The Montel Williams Show, which ran for 17 seasons.
WW: How is hosting Military Makeover different from your talk show?
Montel: It’s incredibly rewarding. Many veterans carry the wounds of war, and seeing their joy and gratitude when we renovate their homes is emotional. Jennifer Bertram, our interior designer, transforms each home based on the family’s preferences. The intimacy and immediacy of the show create moments that are unforgettable for both the families and our crew.
WW: Who pays for the materials and labor?
Montel: We rely on volunteers, local businesses, and vendors who donate materials and their time. We couldn’t do it without the incredible community support that brings each project to life.
“MS does not have me—I have MS, and I refuse to let it dictate my life”
WW: You’ve also acted on stage and in TV shows.
Montel: Yes, I’ve had a broad-based career. I’ve been on TV, Broadway, and in movies. Each opportunity has been a unique experience, and I’m grateful for them all.
WW: How would your children describe you as a father?
Montel: I’m attentive and respectful. My children are adults now, so our relationships have evolved. I support them while respecting their independence. They know how much I love them, and we try to get together as much as possible. They are the most important part of my life.
WW: You’ve been public about your MS. How are you feeling?
Montel: I’ve been doing well. MS is an ongoing challenge, but it doesn’t define me. I work hard to manage it and stay on top of my health. I help veterans access medical care and treatments, too. MS does not have me—I have MS, and I refuse to let it dictate my life.
WW: Do you still go to the gym regularly?
Montel: Yes, but workouts change as we age. Years ago, I had a stroke, and my doctors told me I had a spike in blood pressure during exercise. I had to adjust my routine, cut back in some areas, and be mindful about my health.
WW: That must have been terrifying.
Montel: It was a hard time. In May 2018, I had a life-threatening cerebellar hemorrhagic stroke at a hotel gym. I spent a month in the hospital. The bleeding missed my brain stem by an inch—if it had hit, I might not be here. Recovering taught me to pay closer attention to my health and adapt my workouts and lifestyle.
“Challenges will come, but we can choose positivity and action over despair”
WW: What else are you working on?
Montel: For the past 14 years, I’ve been working with a doctor on a protocol that could treat PTSD, especially for veterans. It’s been an uphill battle, but it works for many forms of PTSD, and I’m committed to helping those who served our country.
WW: How do you maintain a positive attitude despite life’s challenges?
Montel: I believe we can either complain about life or be thankful for it. I focus on helping others and staying busy doing meaningful things. Life is precious, and I want to make the most of it. Challenges will come, but we can choose positivity and action over despair.
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