Get to know New Jersey’s homegrown superstar. For real this time.

In May 2005, I was riding high. I was the editor in chief of a national magazine that was getting some long overdue buzz because of our eye-popping financial and editorial turnaround. As part of this transformation, I was booked on CNN’s sister network, HLN, for a live segment with Showbiz Tonight co-host (and my old friend) A.J. Hammer, to discuss the historic cover the magazine was about to unveil that featured nine of the biggest divas in the Latin world, including Gloria Estefan, Sonia Braga and Daisy Fuentes, who was joining us from Hollywood via satellite.

This interview was a big deal for the magazine and a big deal for me because this “event” cover was my idea, and its successful execution would determine the magazine’s creative trajectory going forward. So, yeah, I was a little nervous as I walked into the green room in the CNN building and looked over my talking points one last time. As I chatted up the magazine’s incredible public relations director and one of my closest friends at the office, Lauren Kuschner Grossman, trying to push past the nerves, I looked up and saw this presence, this oak tree-tall woman who even without saying anything, shut everyone up just by entering the room.

“Who is that?” I whispered to Lauren. “You’re kidding, right? That’s Wendy Williams, the radio host,” she said. I pulled closer to Lauren worried about being heard, and said, “I. Am. Scared. Of. Her.” Lauren, bursting out laughing and surely blowing my cover, whispered back, “You should be—she’s incredible.” And boy, was she ever.

Every few seconds, I couldn’t help stealing glances at Williams as the hair and makeup crew fussed over her. She was quite a sight: Shoulders back, head straight, expressionless face—oh, yeah, she was ready. Needless to say, Williams exploded on camera being at once funny and current and as quick with a comeback as I had ever witnessed up close. When she was done, I scurried back to Lauren and said, “Why this woman doesn’t have a TV show is beyond me—I can’t take my eyes off her. And I have to go on national television after that? Damn.”

Happily, my segment went off without a hitch (maybe watching Williams inspired me a little), and as Showbiz Tonight went to commercial break, I told Daisy Fuentes that we had preceded Williams, someone I had never heard of and was very impressed by. Daisy, whom I’ve known for a quarter century, scolded me in front of everybody. “Richard, how don’t you know who Wendy Williams is? C’mon! She’s a freakin’ force of nature. She’s a legend. And the best part is she’s a Jersey girl like me. I love Wendy Williams.” As Daisy sang her praises, I wondered if this telegenic superpower had inadvertently stolen my magazine’s big moment. Maybe not entirely, but Wendy Williams definitely made her presence known. I, for one, was impressed.

A few months ago when my team and I started to brainstorm possible cover subjects for HudsonMOD’s holiday issue, let’s just say Wendy Williams wasn’t top of mind for this luxury magazine. Is Williams fierce, popular and over the top? Absolutely. Is she understated, reserved, elegant? Hmmm. That was the question I wrestled with—until I didn’t. From the moment we decided to go forward with Williams as our cover subject, every single aspect of what can be a difficult process—the publicist, the access, the photo shoot, the interview—was easy as pie. In fact, I had a blast immersing myself in Wendy Williams’ world. How could you not? The lady is F-U-N.

Wendy Joan Williams was born in Asbury Park, NJ, in 1964 as the middle child to lifelong teachers, Thomas and Shirley Williams. Wendy,her older sister, Wanda, and younger brother, Thomas, Jr., all graduated from Ocean Township High School as Williams says “one of four black kids in the entire school.” After earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from Northeastern University in Boston, Williams landed a radio DJ job in St. Croix and after less than a year found her way back to the mainland for a gig in Washington, D.C. Williams was well on her way.With a radio career that spans more than 23 years—including her iconic turn as host of The Wendy Williams Experience, her top-rated, daily radio program that aired on WBLS in New York City and was syndicated nationally to an audience that topped 12 million—Williams is nothing short of that medium’s living legend and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2009, a rarity for a woman.

With a career that long and with a personality that bold, the blunt-speaking self-proclaimed “Queen of All Media” has had her share of controversies, most notably her run-in with Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, whom she claimed “single-handedly tried to ruin me” after a dispute with a former colleague. But it’s her patented, no-nonsense approach to popular culture—and particularly celebrities’ misdeeds—that make Williams truly memorable. And it’s Williams’ directness with her listeners that Fox executives believed might just translate to millions of television viewers. And they were right.In the summer of 2008, The Wendy Williams Show began a 13-week test run in New York City and several other large media markets, and the viewers loved it. Now in its fourth season, the show airs in more than 50 countries, late nights on BET and has been renewed on Fox through 2014.

After 48 hours of all Wendy, all the time—backstage, in the studio audience, at the cover shoot, at the interview—I am convinced that Wendy Williams is unequivocally, undeniably, unapologetically Wendy Williams. Has there ever been a media personality more themselves than Wendy Williams? I can’t think of one. The irony here borders on cliché: Behind the elaborate wigs, the mile-long eyelashes and that slap-your-mama Jessica Rabbit-like body, there lies a down-to-earth wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend who would rather be in Northern New Jersey curled up at home watching a movie with her two Kevin Hunters—her husband of 14 years and her 12-year-old son—than hitting the club with TMZ-magnet fame-seeking never-will-bes. You see, Wendy Williams’ fabulous drag is nothing but a big put on, a larger than life, spectacular game that suits her personality perfectly. But don’t confuse “Wendy Williams” in those sparkly six-inch Christian Louboutins with her “Wendy Hunter” soccer mom reality. TV Wendy is no match for Jersey Wendy who loves cooking dinner for the family. Not even close.

The idea behind the HudsonMOD holiday cover was to showcase Williams in something a little unexpected, a little more nuanced, quiet, luxe than her sexy diva fabulousness the superstar is usually serving up. We were thinking a little more Audrey Hepburn and a little less RuPaul, and she was game. The results speak for themselves. Wow.

The moment she strolled into the gorgeous Gansevoort Park Hotel suite—the same place Kim, Kourtney and Khloé take over New York from—Williams was every bit a rock star. Gracious, honest and humble, I can count on one hand the number of celebrities I’ve encountered—and I’ve encountered them all—who have been as professional and devoid of drama as Williams. Again, not at all what one would expect.

Let me be crystal clear: Wendy Williams is an articulate, passionate, hilarious, informed, sexy, truthful avalanche of realness that deserves all of the fame and impressive accolades she’s receiving. This—right now—is her moment in the zeitgeist and the fact that this best-selling author, radio icon and television goddess can pull off being “Wendy Williams” on a daily basis—the Hot Topics poppin’, Oprah lovin’, audience huggin’ Wendy Williams—is a credit to her discipline and her ambition.

So for those among you who raised an eyebrow or two when you saw that Williams was the cover choice for our year-end issue, I’d like you to take a few minutes and get to know a little more about this proud Jersey favorite daughter. You’ll soon discover—as I did—that after all this time, Wendy Williams is still that little girl from Ocean Township who felt different than everyone else. But like any great epic story, this one also has a happy ending, for that awkward girl pushed through her fear and ended up on top of the world.

I love fairy tale endings. And I love me some Wendy Williams. How could I not? She’s the fairest of them all.

Right now, is this your moment?

I feel like I have had a lot of great moments. Even with the hiccups they don’t keep me down for very long. I very much believe that tomorrow’s a new day. I’m never down for too long.

Tell me what you think the biggest misconception is about you?

I think it’s that I’m a gossip in real life. “Hot Topics” is a very popular segment of my show, so people assume I’m always gossiping. I do love a good story, but after the show is over I am done with that.

The thing I love about you is that you not only serve up the gossip, but you have a point of view about it. Has a celebrity ever confronted you about something you said?

I’m a 20-foot-tall woman with a very strong presence so no one approaches me! [Laughs] But that’s why I say, “How you doin’?” because it breaks up the room. My confidence intimidates a lot of people. That’s why I lead with my smile. I do know how to bark and bite, but I use my powers for good, not evil.

So you grew up in Ocean Township. What was that like?

I grew up with a pretty charmed lifestyle. Both of my parents were very educated. They’ve been married for 54 years and are still a very cute couple. I’m one of three children; I have an older sister and a younger brother. I’ve always been a spitfire though. Growing up in Ocean Township I was one of only four black kids in my school. I felt different because I was different. Maybe I was acting a little bit to fit in more.

Did you go on many dates?

I have always been very attractive, but just not in the town I lived in. [Laughs] Back then dating someone of a different race wasn’t an option.

Did you rebel as a child?

Are you kidding? I didn’t rebel because my parents would have beaten my butt. I’ve always had the utmost respect for my parents.

Let’s talk a little bit about your husband, Kevin.

We’ve been married for 14 years and together a total of 18.

Do you remember the first thing he ever said to you?

[Laughs] I sure do! He said, “Give me a call—we can get our Pathfinders dirty sometime.”

How did you meet?

I never had a problem getting men after high school. Kevin actually had his friend come over to me. We were both at an event that I was hosting. His friend came over to me and I peeked through the crowd and thought he was cute. A few days later I found his number in my bag and told him that after my show “if you’re downstairs you’re there, if you’re not, OK.” He was there. He smelled so good and looked like the real Brooklyn boy that he is. We went to Houlihan’s and drank Heineken out of the bottle. I’m a simple girl in a complicated world. He totally got that about me and we’ve been together ever since.

Now it’s time to tell me something about the other Kevin in your life.

My son Kevin is 12 and he’s the perfect child. I’ve been quite public about having three miscarriages later in my pregnancies—that changes everything forever. That’s why Kevin is my miracle child and I’m so proud of him. He goes to public school in our town. Kevin is already 5-foot-8 and all the girls love him. He’s finally in love with and understanding school. I thank him for taking responsibility for his schoolwork. I can’t help him with all of this new stuff—all I can do is take him to school every day.

Is Kevin aware of who his mom is?

[Laughs] Oh, he’s totally aware of who his mom is! And the girls in school know who his mom is, too! He’s just so busy with school and sports now, that he only bothers me when he wants tickets or something. And, besides, this is the year of bar mitzvahs so he’s having a “black mitzvah!” He came up with it. It will actually be a fancier 13th birthday. He wants the fancy invitations that he’s been receiving in the mail and, of course, the party bus. And we’ll give it to him. He deserves it.

Does your son want to be in the entertainment industry?

He isn’t interested at all in the entertainment industry. He’s way too close to it. He does like the quick money of it, though. [Laughs]

Define luxury.

Luxury to me is being comfortable with myself. My safe place is my home and always has been. It’s my sanctuary. We don’t have a lot of company over at the house. It’s a real luxury to have my alone time. I love it. Another luxury is being able to buy whatever I want at the Macy’s One-day sale. I’m able to go into certain stores and buy anything I want without looking at the price tag. I’ve worked so hard for so long that for a Jersey girl like me that just doesn’t happen.

What’s next for you, Wendy?

Maybe a line of home accessories. You know, I’m really a nester. I consider myself an interior designer and I’m very tasteful though—I don’t have claw foot couches, I’m tasteful. [Laughs] I also want a wig line, but that’s an obvious path for me.

So, working with your husband…

We’re friends, business partners and lovers. He’s not just my manager, but also an executive producer on the show. After I walk off the set of the show I quarterback to him. I take off my show drag and become Mrs. Wendy Hunter. Believe me, Richard, I am a good little woman at home.

Tell me who you would love to have on your talk show?

Eddie Murphy. There’s just something about Eddie Murphy I’m drawn to. Also, Heather Locklear. She’s my close friend in my head. She was pregnant at the same time as one of my miscarriages, so when I see Ava I can’t help but think what could’ve been.

After such a long career with many peaks and valleys, are you an optimist or the other shoe is going to fall person?

I’m very optimistic and I always tell myself I’ll be fine. However, I’m forever hoarding and thinking “what if?”

Are you a radio host doing TV or are you a TV host doing TV?

I always knew I wanted to be in radio and I do prefer to communicate via radio. If I die tomorrow the first line of my obituary will say I’m a radio host. I did it for 23 years and—trust me—I won’t do TV for 23 years. [Laughs] I consider myself a media personality, though. I’ve done radio and TV and I know I’m good at it. I’m a writer and I am good at that, too. Right now, I’m working on my sixth book.

What is the book about?

It’s an advice book called Ask Wendy.

Did you always have “It?” Did you know people were drawn to you?

When I was young I had a way of attracting people. I have always had different ages and races listen to my radio show. That’s a really good thing. So, yes, I guess I have always known I had that.

What did it feel like to be inducted to the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2009? Out of body experience?

It was an incredible honor. My mom and dad attended, my son was old enough to know what was happening. You know, I’m only the second black woman to be inducted—ever. I kept thinking during the ceremony that I got there on my own and not by piggybacking off a man. I am, actually, very proud of that.

You live in New Jersey and work in the city. Tell me what that’s like. Is a move to NYC in your future?

I love the overlap of New York City and New Jersey. We will move to Manhattan when my son graduates high school in precisely seven years. When I was younger New Jersey was safe for me and it remains so. Here’s the thing a lot of people don’t realize about the tri-state area: Just because our politics are liberal, it doesn’t mean racism is over; racism is still very much alive and well. Don’t believe me? Try being me and hail a taxi at night in Manhattan. Not going to happen. But we live in Jersey because with my career in high mode we need a backyard to go home to. I also wanted my son to go to public school. It’s funny, actually. In the grocery store I’m Wendy Hunter, hometown girl. In the grocery store in the town where I live when people see me once it’s a “Hi” and a conversation about the eggs we’re both buying, but by the second time they see me in there, a finger wave will do.

Are there any plans for more acting gigs down the road?

I would like to have a recurring role in a sitcom. Right now though my focus has to be my show. I have an entire staff counting on me—I love that.

What kind of boss are you? For people who don’t know you, I would think they imagine you being a complete “Devil Wears Prada” demanding mega diva.

I’m actually a levelheaded, relaxed boss. One of the hardest things for me to do, however, is letting go of the reins and letting other people handle important responsibilities. But I’m getting better at that, too.

Who were some of your very first early celebrity style icons?

Oh, definitely Bianca Jagger. I was too young to get in to [legendary Manhattan club] Studio 54, but I would flip through the magazines and see Bianca and I loved her style. Joan Collins from Dynasty was also a fantasy style icon. I knew I would never have the opportunity to dress like her in my career though. Look at me now! [Laughs]

Speaking of Studio 54, is that wild child Wendy Williams still in you?

I wear many hats and I am thankful that I can be my own best friend. Girls’ night out is definitely by the wayside for me now. I lived a fruitful life and am happy I survived it. Truly.

What are your thoughts on fellow Jersey girl, Kelly Ripa?

She’s kind of my hero. Can we stop for a second on this one? She’s the quintessential girl. If my life is most like anyone else’s it is most like Kelly Ripa’s from what we see on television and in magazines. When I see her in those commercials in her kitchen, I really believe that’s her life. That amazing career, those cute kids and sexy husband—you know they’re still hot for each other— and such a great personality. She is always sunny. Yes, I’m a Kelly Ripa fan. Oh, you know whom else? In ten years, I want to be just like [New York City iconic talk radio personality] Joan Hamburg. When I get back to doing radio, it will be “lady talk radio” just like my fairy godmother, Joan Hamburg.

Would you ever consider doing Dancing With The Stars again?

Absolutely. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it.

Finish this sentence for me: Wendy Williams is…

Fabulous. Just fabulous. [Laughs]

I needed daisies. Thousands of daisies. And I needed them now.

When Daisy Fuentes entered my consciousness nearly—could it be?—a quarter century ago, she was the impossibly beautiful host of MTV Internacional, a weekly syndicated Spanish-language program that featured videos and celebrity interviews and aired all over Latin America and the US. I had never made a point of watching Spanish TV, but this show was the exception. I just couldn’t take my eyes off of the charismatic presence on the small screen smiling back at me, and I knew this woman, this Daisy Fuentes, was going to be huge. Huge.

Shortly thereafter, as editor of a Spanish language luxury magazine, I asked Fuentes to be among the first stars to appear on our publication’s cover. By now, the Cuban-born beauty had crossed over to become MTV’s first Hispanic VJ as well as the host of the network’s wildly popular fashion program, House of Style all the while continuing her Spanish language hosting duties.

Back to the daisies.

My genius—and admittedly somewhat obvious—idea for the Fuentes cover story I was working on was to photograph her nude surrounded by thousands of daisies, revealing just enough of her impressive body. But before I could make this happen, I had to convince the star herself. When I first met Fuentes as she bounded into a Miami Beach photo studio all those years ago, she asked, with a wide smile on her face, “Where’s Richard? I need to see Richard!” and went on to give me the biggest hug I had ever received. Ever. Oh, yes, this was going to be a great day. And it was.

When I brought up this decades-old memory to Fuentes as we prepared for the HudsonMOD cover story, she jumped out of her chair and said, “Of course I remember that shoot! I loved that cover. Richard, you were the first person to ever shoot me with daisies. God, that was a long time ago.”

Daisy Fuentes was born in Havana, Cuba, 45 years ago to a Cuban father and a Spanish mother. At the age of three, Fuentes’ family fled Fidel Castro’s tyrannical dictatorship and moved to Madrid for a few years before settling in Harrison, NJ, where Fuentes spent her happy childhood, culminating in becoming Homecoming Queen at Harrison High School. At 17, she became a model and later enrolled in cosmetology school and soon thereafter was asked to become the weather person for New York City’s Spanish language Telemundo affiliate before moving to rival Univision as weather anchor and reporter.

It was from the Univision gig that Fuentes jumped to MTV and has never really looked back in a career that has included scores of high-profile hosting jobs—America’s Funniest Home Videos, Miss Universe Pageant, Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, World Music Awards—as well as massively lucrative business ventures, not the least of which is her current success at Kohl’s department stores selling her Daisy Fuentes-branded clothes and accessories. Her financial relationship with Kohl’s brings in revenue in the many, many millions of dollars.

On the relationship front, Fuentes has had a couple of long-term romances with high-voltage men, most notably Mexican superstar singer Luis Miguel—arguably the most famous Spanish speaking celebrity on the planet—whom she dated seriously more than a decade ago. Fuentes has also been engaged to Sinatra-esque singer Matt Goss, who’s currently headlining in Las Vegas to great critical fanfare.

But the Daisy Fuentes I speak to today is not the same Daisy Fuentes I knew from the MTV days. Secure in her skin, confident in her choices, happy in her life, the 2012 Fuentes has never been more beautiful, more fully realized. But how did she get here? And where is she going? I wanted to know: What’s driving this Daisy? This sexy television star/millionaire business mogul/potty-mouthed Jersey girl is clearly, buoyantly in full bloom. And, lucky us, she’s just getting started.

How would you describe Daisy Fuentes? What’s the elevator pitch?

She’s a fucking goddess! [Laughs]. That’s a funny question because some people do seem to have a hard time with that. But if I had to pinpoint it, it would be television personality. It’s because of television I have everything I have. TV is my home.

Tell me about New Jersey.

Jersey means everything that’s real to me. There’s a real grittiness to New Jersey. Jersey is a big part of who I am, even on Twitter, the first thing in my public bio says “Jersey girl.” I grew up on the streets of Jersey with a real strong sense of toughness. You become stronger in Jersey and you curse—a lot [Laughs]! Jersey represents the best of everything and the most real of everything. So, yeah, Jersey matters to me.

Whenever I see you on television or on a red carpet or even hanging out with friends, the term “effortless” always comes to mind, particularly in front of the camera. Are you just a natural born talent?

Maybe a little. But, I’ll tell you something, I had an executive producer at MTV who critiqued me something harsh and I got better.

Here’s what I always thought was incredible about your TV work: How completely fluent and at ease you equally are in both English and Spanish. Gloria Estefan—another Cuban-born star and our great mutual friend—is the only other person I know who has that same ability to fully inhabit both languages without a hitch on camera.

You’re right; it’s not something you see every day. Most bilingual people on television speak one language better than the other. I refer to my English/Spanish combo hosting abilities as “apple pie meets frijoles negros.” I love it. [Laughs].

If you could change one thing in your life, what would that be? 

Oh, God, I would’ve stopped aging externally at least ten years ago! I would definitely continue growing internally, but the external aging has got to stop [Laughs]!

When was the last time you cried?

Honestly, it was the last time I saw that ASPCA commercial about adopting those puppies and kittens. My God that’s sad. You know, the other day I saw a homeless woman who I speak to sometimes near my home and as I drove away I started to cry thinking about how hard her life is. Any kind of suffering makes me crazy. Abuse of the elderly, women, children or animals fills me with rage.

Who was your first love?

Oh, who remembers! I’ll tell you someone who I used to love, love, love, Richard—John Travolta. Oh my God! How dreamy was he? And still is. Vinnie Barbarino? Tony Manero? Danny Zuko? Are you kidding me? Sexy doesn’t begin to cover it [Laughs].

When did you first realize you were actually wealthy?

You know, I started modeling when I was 17 so I’ve always had my own money. I was always independent so the whole wealth thing happened slowly, organically for me. Money has never, ever been my driving force. Money doesn’t motivate me. I’ll tell you what real wealth means to me. The fact that I can take my entire family on a beautiful weeks-long vacation and I can cover everything so all we’re worrying about is creating lifelong memories; that’s having real wealth. Sharing times with the ones you love.

Tell me about being Cuban.

I definitely feel Cuban; Cuba is in my blood. But you know I also feel very Spanish because my mom is from Spain.

I feel so Cuban in every way even though I’ve never set foot in Cuba. Strange doesn’t begin to cover it.

Cuba is different for all of us who have been denied our homeland, our country. I’ve had a lifelong love affair with a country I can’t have.

Describe a defining crossroad.

I’ve had a few important crossroads in my life but the single most important decision I ever made was the day I decided to choose peace over anger. I became overtly spiritual and tamed my anger. Today, very few things can ruin my buzz. Being on this spiritual path and choosing peace, has helped me in immeasurable ways. Spirituality is always searching for answers and I need teachers in my life.

Describe a perfect day.

Today is always a perfect day.

What was your first luxury purchase?

My very first car I bought in Jersey, a Fiero GT. That was a sweet car until I spun out on an icy road because the car’s engine was in the back. I sometimes miss that car.

Are you in love now?

Yes, I’m always in love [Laughs]. You know me Richard; it’s always really nice to have a couple of men hanging around [Laughs].

 Define what luxury means to you.

The term “luxury” is relative to me. Yes, luxury literally means having the better things in life but I like the paradox luxury conjures up—wearing a couture dress and walking around barefoot or boarding a private jet in an old T-shirt. But true luxury is being able to do exactly what you want. That’s luxury.

What do you feel passionate about?

Well, I’m a Scorpio so there’s a lot of passion right there.

And you’re Cuban.

Right! But I feel passion for helping people; I really have passion for that. I think that’s a big part of who I am.

Do you think you’ll ever want children?

Not really. I chose not to have children. It’s not something I want right now, but the truth is, I don’t really know for sure. I’m very fulfilled in my life, and I don’t need to fill a void with children.

What’s something surprising about you no one knows?

I’ve never ever had a one-night stand.

Seriously?

Well, as of now [Laughs]! I mean, it’s not a rule or anything, but I can’t fake passion at all. I have to get to know someone well first. I believe that famous quote from Hunter S. Thompson: “Sex without love is as hollow and ridiculous as love without sex.” My sentiments exactly.

Where are the family gatherings?

Well, I live in Los Angeles and the majority of my family is in Miami so we usually take snow trips for Christmas and holidays. We love it.

What’s the single best business advice you followed? Andy Cohan, another close mutual friend of ours and the licensing genius behind your huge Kohl’s deal, is a big fan of yours, as you know.

Andy Cohan’s very, very good at what he does, that’s for sure. Someone once told me two things I’ve always tried to do: Know what your story is and surround yourself with the best people available. My goal was never to make it and go away. I want longevity and I think I’m on my way to achieving that.

Speaking of longevity, where are you in five years?

In five years, I’ll hopefully be on a yacht in St. Tropez surrounded by fabulous people [Laughs].

Am I there?

Sure. You can write all about it [Laughs]!

When was the last time you were genuinely surprised?

You know when you kind of know something’s going to happen, but when it actually does it still shocks you? That happens to me all the time.

What’s next for Daisy Fuentes?

Well, let’s see, my businesses are doing very well and I’m developing several television projects. There’s always a lot going on but I love it. Bring it on! I’m having a helluva good time [Laughs]!