Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams is an actor, director, producer, and activist whose career encompasses television, film, theater, and social justice advocacy. Williams earned a double major in African American studies and film and media arts from Temple University and taught high school before transitioning to the entertainment industry, a background that informs his ongoing commitment to education and equity. In New York, Williams appeared Off-Broadway in "The American Dream" and "The Sandbox," two one-act plays written and directed by Edward Albee.

Williams gained widespread recognition for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on "Grey's Anatomy," remaining with the series for 13 seasons. His film credits include "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2," "Brooklyn's Finest," "The Cabin in the Woods," and "The Butler." In the video game industry, Williams provided voice acting and motion capture for Markus in "Detroit: Become Human."

On Broadway, Williams made his debut portraying Darren Lemming at Second Stage, earning a Tony nomination, a Drama League nomination, and two Broadway.com Awards for Favorite Featured Actor and Favorite Breakthrough Performance. As a producer, Williams served as executive producer for the Academy Award-winning short "Two Distant Strangers" and the Tony Award-winning revival of "Take Me Out."

Williams founded the production company farWord Inc. and executive produced "Question Bridge: Black Males," a transmedia art installation, film, curriculum, and website that is part of the permanent collection at the National Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture and the Brooklyn Museum. He also executive produced the documentary "Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement" and served as senior producer and correspondent for the EPIX docuseries "America Divided" with Norman Lear.

Williams is recognized for his BET Humanitarian Award acceptance speech, where he addressed a range of sociopolitical issues. He is involved with the Advancement Project, a civil rights think tank and advocacy group, serving as the youngest member of its board of directors. Williams has contributed articles on social justice to CNN and The Huffington Post and has appeared on Wolf Blitzer's "The Situation Room." Through his work in acting, production, and activism, Williams leverages his platform to amplify underrepresented perspectives and foster dialogue on equity and civil rights.