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‘Wendy Williams: The Movie’ Full Cast List: Meet Ciera Payton, Morocco Omari and rest of the actors in the Lifetime biopic

Wondering who portrays the host in the Lifetime movie executive produced by Wendy Williams? Catch the full cast list here

Sassy and brassy, Wendy Williams has been known for her cheeky comments on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’. In her early years, she gained much popularity as a radio DJ and was known as a “shock jockette”. The talk show host now executive produces a biopic on her life, revealing the highs and lows she has experienced throughout the years.

The 56-year-old has made herself the go-to source for great celebrity dish on her hit talk show, but recently the spotlight has turned on her. The glossy Lifetime movie ‘Wendy Williams: The Movie’ provides a revealing look at Wendy’s journey — from her scrappy upstart days in urban radio to the success of her own syndicated talk show.

Despite all the naysayers and obstacles Wendy encountered throughout her life, her strength and determination have allowed her to thrive. Wondering who portrays the host in the movie? Catch the full cast list here. 

Ciera Payton as Wendy Williams

Can anyone portray Wendy Williams better than her? Well, Ciera Payton has taken the challenge and is all set to step into her shoes. The actress and writer graduated from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and then studied drama at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Back in 2006, she got her break when she portrayed CIA agent Jessica in the film ‘Flight of Fury’ and has been seen in films such as ‘Paradise’, ‘Oldboy’ and ‘A Madea Family Funeral’. In an interview with New York Post, Payton — who is known for her role in shows such as ‘General Hospital’, ‘Graceland’ and ‘NCIS’ — admitted that one of the “most challenging things” playing Wendy was getting the boobs right. She added in another interview, “In her early radio days, she was very girlie, there were some little bits of her that were very demure... And so I started to just piece together who I felt and thought this woman was.”

Morocco Omari as Kevin Hunter

Raised on the West Side, Chicago, Morocco Omari says of his early life, “Looking back, I had to be a storyteller...” The actor who has starred in TV shows like ‘Empire’, ‘Chicago Fire’, ‘Prison Break’, ‘Homeland’, ‘NCIS’ and ‘24’ will now be seen playing Wendy Williams' ex-husband Kevin Hunter in the movie.

Wendy exchanged vows with Hunter in 1997 and two are blessed with a son named Kevin Jr. In 2019, she filed for divorce, which was finalized in January 2020.

Liza Huget as Shirley Williams

Known for her work on ‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997) and ‘The Commish’ (1991), Liza D'Aguilar Huget stars as Shirley Williams in the Lifetime movie. Most recently, she was seen in ‘The Stand’ playing a small part. 

Shedding light on her role in the movie, she captioned an Instagram post, “#wendywilliamsthemovie premiering this Saturday on #lifetimetv check your local listings. Mama Shirley in the mix #vancouveractor,” and added, “Another day, another character. So thankful and ever in gratitude universe.”

Maika Quiashie as Young Wendy

Who was Wendy Williams before she became the talk show host everyone knows now? Sketching out her early life and childhood, Maika Quiashie plays Williams as a girl, who struggled with her weight and was lambasted by her close family and friends.

This is the first big project for Maika and all eyes will be on her as she steps into Wendy's shoes when she was a little girl.  

Devielle Johnson as Jeff Fox

Known for his stint in ‘Grimm’ (2011), ‘Monster Trucks’ (2016) and ‘The Crossing’ (2018), Devielle Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Theatre and Communications from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. He has earlier worked as a theater teacher.

Who are the other actors?

The other actors in the movie include:

Chelsea Brady as Wanda Williams

Rothaford Gray as Thomas Sr Williams

Nykeem Provo as Ricky Tony

Jamall Johnson as Eric B

Emy Aneke as DJ Red Alert

Rebecca Davis as HOT 97 Program Director

The movie has been produced by Front Street for Lifetime and executive produced by Wendy Williams, Will Packer and Sheila Ducksworth. Darren Grant will direct from a script written by ‘Run The World’ fame Leigh Davenport and ‘Magnum PI’ fame Scarlett Lacey. The documentary is produced by eOne and Creature Films for Lifetime.

Executive producers also include Tara Long, Mark Ford, Kevin Lopez, Sarah Girgis and Joie Jacoby. Brie Bryant and Gena McCarthy serve as executive producers for Lifetime. 

Get set to catch the movie once it premieres on Saturday, January 30, at 8 pm ET/PT.