Wanda Sykes has spent decades making us howl with her sharp, no-nonsense takes on politics and life. But for a long time, the person standing right next to her was a bit of a mystery to the general public. That changed in 2008.
Alex Niedbalski, now Alex Sykes, isn't just a "plus one" on red carpets. She’s a French powerhouse who basically flipped Wanda’s world upside down. Before they met, Wanda was a successful comic who had already been through one marriage to record producer Dave Hall. Back then, she wasn't out. She wasn't even sure if she wanted the whole "family life" thing.
Then came a ferry ride to Fire Island in 2006.
How a Kitchen Remodel Led to Wanda Sykes Wife
Most people meet their soulmates at a bar or through friends. Wanda met hers because she was obsessed with granite. Honestly, it’s a great story. Wanda was on a ferry when she spotted a woman with a computer bag and a baby. She didn’t talk to her then, but she felt a weird, internal "pull."
Later that weekend, Wanda was complaining to friends about her endless kitchen renovation. They told her to shut up about the countertops and actually flirt with someone. To spite them, Wanda walked up to the next person she saw and started—you guessed it—talking about her kitchen.
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That person just happened to know a woman who sold granite countertops.
Enter Alex.
The two hit it off immediately. Alex was a French interior design professional, specifically working in the countertop industry at the time. It wasn't just a casual fling; it was the kind of connection that made Wanda realize she wanted a completely different life. They dated for about two years before getting married in a private ceremony on October 25, 2008.
The Public Reveal and "Prop 8"
Timing is everything. Just one month after their secret wedding, Wanda stood on a stage in Las Vegas. She was at a rally protesting Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that banned same-sex marriage.
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She didn't just give a speech. She came out to the world.
She told the crowd she was proud to be gay and proud to be married. It was a massive moment for representation. Here was a legendary Black female comedian, known for her "tough" persona, showing a deeply vulnerable and personal side. Alex Niedbalski was the catalyst for that openness. Wanda has often said that once she found the right person, she just couldn't hide it anymore.
Raising Twins in a Bilingual House
If you watch Wanda's stand-up specials today, you'll hear plenty of jokes about her wife and kids. Alex gave birth to their fraternal twins, Olivia Lou and Lucas Claude, in April 2009.
Life at home is apparently a bit of a linguistic minefield for Wanda. Alex is French, and she has raised the kids to be fluent in the language. Wanda? Not so much. She often jokes that her wife and children conspire against her in French right in front of her face.
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- The Language Gap: Wanda admits she catches "little words" here and there, but she usually knows they’re up to something when the volume drops and the speed picks up.
- The "Six Month" Deal: Before they got serious, Wanda told Alex she wasn't sure about kids. Alex was firm: she wanted a family. Wanda asked for six months to think about it. She didn't even need that long; she realized within weeks that she wanted a future with Alex, whatever that looked like.
- A French Influence: From trying to pronounce "sauvignon blanc" correctly to restoring an old 1980 Citroën together, the French influence on Wanda's life is everywhere.
Why Their Relationship Still Matters
In an industry where marriages often last about as long as a Netflix series, Wanda and Alex have been together for nearly 20 years. They are a staple at events like the Academy Awards (which Wanda co-hosted in 2022) and the Golden Globes.
What makes them work? It seems to be a mix of Alex’s grounding presence and Wanda’s ability to find the humor in the mundane parts of marriage. Alex isn't in show business, but she’s clearly comfortable in it. She’s often seen on Instagram supporting Wanda’s tours or sharing snippets of their travels to places like Japan.
They’ve also navigated some heavy stuff. When Wanda was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 2011 and chose to have a double mastectomy, Alex was her rock. That kind of shared history creates a bond that goes way beyond Hollywood glamour.
Moving Forward
If you’re looking for a blueprint on how to balance a high-profile career with a stable, private family life, look no further than this duo. They prove that you don’t have to sacrifice your identity to find a partner who challenges you.
For those following Wanda's career, pay attention to the small details she shares in her sets. They aren't just jokes; they are a window into a partnership built on mutual respect and a lot of French-induced confusion.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Wanda’s Netflix specials like Not Normal or I'm An Entertainer for more hilarious (and surprisingly sweet) anecdotes about her life with Alex.
- Follow Alex on Instagram (@iamalexsykes) for a more behind-the-scenes look at their travels and home life.
- Support LGBTQ+ organizations like GLAAD, which the couple has championed for years.