Wanda Smith, legendary host of the V-103 radio is dead as revealed in a statement a day after her birthday. The Atlanta broadcasting legend spent years in the spotlight as a radio star and comedian, kicking off her career as co-host of V-103’s Frank and Wanda in the Morning in 1998. Although she left the show in 2019 following a scandal, her years at V-103 remain her most notable.
Atlanta’s V-103 senior recognized her decades-long contribution to the radio station, bidding her a deserving farewell in a touching tribute. In the social media post, the radio station’s senior VP Rick Caffey confirmed Wanda Smith’s death, noting that the team continues to grieve her loss. He remembered her as “a big part of V-103 for years,” who always “made us smile.” He added,
“In her role at V-103, dating back to 2006, Wanda Smith brought so much joy and care 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.”
Rick also extended condolences to Wanda’s family as they braved the loss of the family matriarch. Wanda Smith was pronounced dead on Saturday, October 12, 2024. A day prior, the broadcasting legend celebrated her 58th birthday. Her cause of death remains unknown.
Wanda Smith Made an Impact Before Death
The star began hosting V-103’s Frank and Wanda In the Morning alongside co-host Frank Ski in 1998. Aside from her 6-year hiatus from 2012 to 2018, she remained a fixture on the show for two decades. Shortly after her return, the star became engulfed in a major controversy involving stand-up comedian and actor Katt Williams, who called out her interview style following their explosive sit-down. This allegedly led Wanda Smith’s husband LaMorris Sellers to threaten Katt with a gun. Although the Norbit star never pressed charges, Wanda was eventually forced out of her decades-long co-hosting gig on V-103.
Outside her radio-hosting persona, Wanda Smith, who marked her birthday this weekend, pursued careers as a writer, and comedian, lending her talents to TV series like Comicview, and Def Comedy Jam. She also tried her hands at acting, with movies like Madea’s Witness Protection, Madea Goes to Jail, and The Drone That Saved Christmas.
Since news broke that Wanda Smith is dead, several celebrities have turned to social media to share their touching tributes. In her tribute, comedian Loni Love described the late radio broadcaster as a “staple in the Atlanta area,” and the “ultimate entertainer.” Another wrote,
“I’m really sad about Wanda Smith. She was a legend in Atlanta Radio. She is way way way more than that Kat moment as you can see by how folks are devastated.”
Her former radio hosting station V-103 also honored Wanda Smith after her death, announcing they would take time out to remember her during Sunday Morning Praise with Larry Tinsley. The comedian and radio host is survived by her husband LaMorris Sellers, two sons, and granddaughter.
