Wendy O. Williams
| Wendy O. Williams | |
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Williams in 1984
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| Born |
Wendy Orlean Williams May 28, 1949 Webster, New York, United States |
| Died | April 6, 1998 (aged 48) Storrs, Connecticut, United States |
| Cause of death | Self-inflicted gunshot |
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| Website | wendyowilliams |
| Musical career | |
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| Years active | 1978–1990 |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts | Plasmatics, Motörhead |
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Wendy Orlean Williams (May 28, 1949 – April 6, 1998), better known as Wendy O. Williams, was an American singer, songwriter and actress. Born in Webster, New York, she first came to prominence as the lead singer of the punk rock band Plasmatics. Her infamous stage theatrics included near-nudity, blowing up equipment, and chain-sawing guitars.
After she left home at the age of sixteen, Williams hitchhiked her way to Colorado, earning money by crocheting string bikinis. She later traveled to Florida and Europe landing various jobs such as lifeguard, stripper and server at Dunkin' Donuts. When she arrived in New York City in 1976, she began performing in live sex shows, and appeared in the 1979 adult film Candy Goes to Hollywood. That same year, she was approached by manager Rod Swenson, who recruited her to join his newly formed punk rock band, the Plasmatics. The band shortly became known on the New York City underground scene, performing at clubs such as CBGB.
After releasing three albums with Plasmatics, Williams embarked on a solo career and in 1984 released her debut album, WOW. She followed with the albums Kommander of Kaos (1986) and Deffest! and Baddest! (1988), before she retired from the music industry. Williams made her screen debut in Tom DeSimone's film Reform School Girls (1986), for which she recorded the title song. She also appeared in the 1989 comedy Pucker Up and Bark Like a Dog, and television series The New Adventures of Beans Baxter and MacGyver. On April 6, 1998, Williams committed suicide near her home in Storrs, Connecticut.
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