Wendy Orlean Williams (May 28, 1949 – April 6, 1998), better known as
Wendy O. Williams, was an American singer, songwriter and actress. Born in
Webster, New York, she first came to prominence as the lead singer of the
punk rock band
Plasmatics. Her infamous stage theatrics included blowing up equipment, near nudity and
chain-sawing guitars. After she left home at the age of 16, Williams
hitchhiked her way to
Colorado, earning money by
crocheting string bikinis. She later traveled to
Florida and
Europe landing various jobs such as
lifeguard,
stripper and server at
Dunkin' Donuts. When she returned to
California in 1978, she began performing in live
sex shows and later appeared in the adult film,
Candy Goes to Hollywood (1979). That same year, she was approached by the manager Rod Swenson, who recruited her to join his newly formed punk rock band, Plasmatics. The band shortly became known on the
New York City underground scene, performing at clubs such as
CBGB.