According to Atlanta’s WSB-TV, beloved radio host, comedian, and actress Wanda Smith has passed away. According to Atlanta News First, Smith was 58 years old.
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Prior to WSB-TV’s report, posts on social media began circulating on Saturday (October 12), claiming Smith, a Miami, Florida native, had died. Smith’s cause of death is currently unknown, however, it was reported one day after her birthday on Friday (October 11).
Wanda Smith was mostly known for showcasing her vibrant personality, quick wit, and infectious laughter as she worked in comedy and radio as a comedian and personality in Atlanta, Georgia. Smith was a radio host on V-103, one of Atlanta’s top urban radio stations. On the platform, she co-hosted the show ‘Frank and Wanda in the Morning,’ alongside Frank Ski.
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The dynamic duo were co-hosts from 1998 to 2012. Wanda Smith also spent four years working with Ryan Cameron from 2014 through early 2018. She then joined Frank Ski again for another run at V-103. WSB-TV reported that in 2017, Wanda Smith underwent surgery to have an abscess removed from one of her ovaries. She reportedly learned of the medical issue when she began to feel pain while on her way to Mississippi.
In addition to her work in radio and comedy, Wanda Smith also worked as an actress. She appeared in films like ‘Madea Goes to Jail,’ ‘Madea’s Witness Protection,’ and ‘The Drone That Saved Christmas.’ She also wrote for ‘Def Comedy Jam,’ and appeared on ‘Comic View.’ Smith also shared a helping hand as she started the organization Girls Stand Together, Inc., which “empowers young girls to be amazing young women and is currently in its incubation and the greatness doesn’t stop there.”
Wanda Smith’s passing has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry and several celebrities like fellow comedians Loni Love and Michael Blackson, plus others like Tamar Braxton, Jacquees, and more shared their condolences and prayers.
Speaking on Wanda Smith’s passing, Loni Love said, “I am sad to hear about the passing of comedian and radio host Wanda Smith. She was a staple in the Atlanta area and we came up in comedy together. She was the ultimate entertainer. Rest now, sis. Condolences to The Smith Family.”
Love added, “Although she was more widely known for the Katt Williams radio incident, Wanda was one of the early ‘Comic View‘ comics that worked the Atlanta circuit. She put other comics on and loved being an entertainer. Rest in peace.”
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In an official post on the V-103 Instagram account, the station wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that we grieve the loss of one of our own, Wanda Smith. Tomorrow, during Sunday Morning Praise with Larry Tinsley, we will be taking time out to pay tribute to this V-103 icon. Please tune in then call in and share your stories and experiences as we pay homage to one of the best to ever hit the Atlanta airwaves. Rest easy Wanda. We love you, and we will miss you dearly..”
The station also shared an official message from V-103 SVP & Market Manager, Rick Caffey: “Our hearts are weighing heavier today as we grieve the loss of our beloved Wanda Smith, someone who always made us smile and who was a big part of V-103 for years. We extend our deepest prayers and condolences to her family. In her role at V-103, dating back to 2006, Wanda Smith brought so much joy and care [while] servicing the Atlanta community. Wanda’s impact touched lives beyond making us laugh… Many times she championed efforts behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of those who were without. Rest In Peace Wanda, as You take your place among the Stars. We will Miss You.”
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