Jesse Williams
Biography
Jesse Wesley Williams is a multifaceted American actor, director, producer, and activist renowned for his impactful contributions to entertainment and social justice. He is best known for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on the long-running ABC medical series Grey's Anatomy, where he captured audiences from 2009 to 2022. In addition to his television success, Williams showcased his talent in films, including notable performances in The Cabin in the Woods (2012) and The Butler (2013).
Beyond live-action roles, Williams lent his voice and motion capture skills to the character Markus in the critically acclaimed video game Detroit: Become Human (2018), further expanding his artistic repertoire. His commitment to meaningful storytelling is evident in his work as an executive producer on the Academy Award-winning short film Two Distant Strangers (2020), which addresses pressing social issues.
In the realm of theater, he played a significant role in the Tony Award-winning revival of Take Me Out (2022), where he not only served as an executive producer but also earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play. Through his diverse achievements, Jesse Williams continues to be a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and advocacy for social change.
Filmography
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Random Acts of Violence
2019 • Todd Walkley
Band Aid
2017
With Drawn Arms
2020 • Self
Money
2016 • Sean
Selah and the Spades
2019 • Headmaster Banton
Your Place or Mine
2023 • Theo
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
2008
Snake & Mongoose
2013 • Don "The Snake" Prudomme
The Cabin in the Woods
2012 • Holden McCrea
Survivor's Guide to Prison
2018 • Self
The Great Lillian Hall
2024 • David Flemming
Jacob's Ladder (2019)
2019 • Isaac 'Ike' Singer
Secret Headquarters
2022 • Irons
Hotel Costiera
2025 • Daniel De Luca
Black Hollywood: 'They've Gotta Have Us'
2018
Grey's Anatomy
2005 • Jackson Avery