Beloved comedian and radio personality, Wanda Smith, dies at 58

Comedienne and radio personality, Wanda Smith, has passed away. She was 58. A cause of death is not yet known.

Smith, a Miami native, was best known in Atlanta for hosting Frank and Wanda in the Morning, on V-103 (WVEE-FM). Smith hosted the morning show from 1998-2012. She spent four years with Ryan Cameron from 2014 through early 2018. Smith would re-join Frank Ski again for another stint at V-103. 

Smith also received writing credits for Def Comedy Jam. She also made appearances in the films Madea Goes to Jail, Madea’s Witness Protection, and The Drone That Saved Christmas.

V-103’s Instagram account memorialized Smith: “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.”

Condolences poured in from around the entertainment industry. Actress and Comedienne Loni Love shared her heart on social media:

“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. 

Although she was more widely known for the Katt Williams radio incident .. Wanda was one of the early comicview comics that worked the Atlanta circuit.. she put other comics on and loved being an entertainer. Rest in peace.”

Elle Duncan, a former colleague of Smith’s at V-103 and a current ESPN host, offered condolences on social media:

“But I’ll mostly remember how she loved people back,” Duncan said. “How she’d pull them in w/ a Wanda hug and show compassion and kindness to strangers pouring their heart out b/c it felt natural to share. She truly embraced the responsibility of being a “community mom” and her role in helping people, thru laughter or financial support.”

Rashan Ali, a colleague of Smith, penned her thoughts on Facebook:

“I will remain indebted to her and the impact she made in the often beautiful, yet complex world of entertainment,” said Ali in a statement. “While Atlanta mourns her loss, I am thinking of her sons – who many of us were able to watch grow up and thrive.”

Smith is survived by her husband, LaMorris Sellers, and their three children.

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