 In
1988, Montel began conducting informal counseling for the wives and families of the
servicemen in his command. He was later asked to speak to a local group of kids in Kansas
City, MO about the importance of leadership and how to overcome obstacles on the road to
success -- thus beginning a three-year career in motivational speaking.Williams began his professional career in the U.S. Marine Corps in
1974, when he enlisted after graduating high school in his hometown of Baltimore, MD.
After six months, he was meritoriously promoted twice and in 1975, became the first black
Marine selected to the Naval Academy Prep School to go on and graduate from the Naval
Academy. Upon graduation, he received a presidential appointment to the United States
Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. While at Annapolis, Williams studied Mandarin
Chinese and graduated with a degree in general engineering and a minor in International
Security Affairs. He was then selected as special duty intelligence officer, specializing
in cryptology.
After receiving his commission in 1980, Williams was
stationed in Guam. From 1982-83, he studied and obtained a degree in Russian from the
Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA.
In the years that followed, Williams served on board the
USS Sampson during the U.S. invasion of Grenada and also served as Direct Support Officer
aboard four surface ships and three fast-attack submarines of The Atlantic Fleet.
Williams has received numerous awards and distinctions
throughout his varied naval career. He has been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary
Medal, two Navy Expeditionary Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, a Navy Achievement
Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals and two Meritorious Service Awards -- the latter of
which is rarely awarded to the same person twice.
Williams traveled the country talking to more than three
million teenagers nationwide and gave up his naval commission to pursue speaking
full-time. In addition, he reached out to thousands of parents, educators and business
leaders, encouraging them to work together to address youth issues, trends and to inspire
youngsters to reach their highest potential.
Montel's concern for the welfare of his guests is evidenced
by his dedication to the show's After-Care Program. Since its inception in 1992, the
program has arranged for guests to attend psychological counseling sessions and/or
weight-loss programs, drug rehabilitation centers, motivational camps and treatment for
eating disorders.
Williams starred in the action adventure film "The
Peacekeeper." He also developed and starred in "Matt Waters," a one-hour
drama series that aired on CBS. In the series, Williams played a former naval officer who
pursues a teaching career after the tragic death of his brother. Williams also appeared on
the CBS series "Touched by an Angel" and twice on "JAG," as well as
TNT's "The New Adventures of Robin Hood."
Williams is the author of the New York Times bestseller
Mountain, Get Out Of My Way, an autobiographical/motivational book which discusses his
version of the "Three R's: Respect, Restraint and Responsibility." In the book,
Williams discusses such topics as racism, affirmative action, mentoring and the importance
of family.
As part of his ongoing commitment to increase awareness and
reduce the spread of adolescent drug use, Williams joined forces with the Office of
National Drug Control Policy, in the Executive Office of the President, to produce and
direct two anti-drug Public Service Announcements.
Montel was recognized in 1988 by the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce with a Special Services Award, joining past recipients Ronald and Nancy Reagan
and George and Barbara Bush. The same year, he was nominated as Esquire Magazine's Man of
the Year.
In 1996, Williams won the Daytime Emmy Award for
Outstanding Talk Show Host. That same year, Williams received two other prestigious
awards: The Crystal Apple Award presented by the New York City Mayor's Office of Film,
Theater and Broadcasting for his outstanding contribution to the city's entertainment
community and the American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) Silver Satellite Award,
which is the organization's highest honor for outstanding accomplishments and
contributions to the field of electronic communications. As a recipient, Williams joined a
stellar list of industry notables such as Bob Hope, Walter Cronkite, Grant Tinker, Phil
Donahue, Barbara Walters, Ted Turner and Jean Stapleton.
In June 1999, Williams received the 1999 Tipper Gore
Remember the Children Volunteer Award from the National Mental Health Association. The
award is presented annually "to a person who shows outstanding volunteer work in
improving the mental health of America's children through outspoken advocacy and public
education." Additionally, the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
(MHANYS) presented its President's Award to the show in November 1998 in recognition of
its After-Care Program.
Williams was also honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. Governor's Humanitarian Award on March 5, 1999 which was presented to him by New York
Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue in a special ceremony in Albany. The award recognized
Williams' tireless efforts and support of positive initiatives affecting youth, especially
for creating a greater national awareness on the need for the prevention of school
violence.
Also in 1999, Williams was presented with a PRISM Award
when he received the Larry Stewart Leadership and Inspiration Award from the Entertainment
Industries Council for serving as a role model to the entertainment industry.
Most Importantly Montel is a family man. He is the proud
father of four children. |
