Inside Wanda Sykes’ Long-Term Relationship With Alex Niedbalski

Wanda Sykes did not immediately reveal to the world that she was a lesbian. The “Other Two” star was married to music producer Dave Hall from 1991 until they divorced in 1998. However, Wanda still kept her sexual orientation private. In fact, it wasn’t until a month after her wedding to Alex Sykes that the comedian decided to come out publicly. Notably, it was during a November 2008 gay rights rally in Las Vegas.

“It just came out, you know. Because I just got married, and so instead of speaking as a supporter, I was speaking as one of the, I guess, victims,” Sykes joked to talk show host Meredith Vieira in 2015 (via YouTube). Fortunately, the public fully embraced Wanda and Alex even though the comedian’s parents had a much harder time accepting the news. 

Before telling the world she was gay, the “Upshaws” star informed her parents. Wanda’s mother requested that she remain closeted, and once her daughter revealed she was planning to marry Alex, Wanda’s parents refused to attend their wedding. Thankfully, other relatives intervened, and Wanda’s family now fully supports her relationship. As the actor explained to The Guardian, “They really embrace what it is to be a Christian.”