JESSE WILLIAMS

Name, Age & Origins

Jesse Wesley Williams was born on August 5, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, making him 43 years old . Raised in a culturally rich household, his mother Johanna Chase is a professional potter of Swedish‑Polish descent, and his father Reginald Williams is African American from Georgia; Jesse is also partly Seminole .

Education & Early Career

Williams graduated from Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1998, before earning dual degrees in African American Studies and Film & Media Arts from Temple University . He then spent six years as a high school teacher in Philadelphia, instructing in American Studies, African Studies, and English . During college, he also modeled for brands like Kenneth Cole, Levi’s, and Tommy Hilfiger .

Transition to Entertainment

Williams entered show business in the mid‑2000s with guest roles on Law & Order (2006) and Greek (2006), and a recurring part on Beyond the Break . He made his film debut as Leo in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008), and went on to supporting roles in Brooklyn’s Finest (2009), The Cabin in the Woods (2012), and The Butler (2013) . He also starred as Markus in the critically acclaimed video game Detroit: Become Human (2018), providing both voice work and motion capture .

Grey’s Anatomy & Mainstream Success

In 2009, Jesse joined Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Jackson Avery during its sixth season and became a series regular from season seven onward, remaining for 12 seasons until 2021, with guest returns in 2022 and 2024 . His character's evolution—from surgical resident to influential surgeon and mentor—made him one of the show’s most enduring figures.

Theatre & Critical Acclaim

Williams made his Broadway debut in the acclaimed revival of Richard Greenberg’s Take Me Out in 2022, portraying Darren Lemming. His performance earned him a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor and earned him Broadway.com Awards for Favorite Featured Actor and Breakthrough Performance . He described the shift from TV to live theatre as transformative, noting it felt like “starting his career” anew .

Producer, Director & Activist

In 2016, Williams accepted the BET Humanitarian Award, delivering a widely praised speech on racial justice and systemic inequality . He executive produced the Oscar-winning short Two Distant Strangers (2020), and served as board director for The Advancement Project . Other notable projects include Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement (2016) and the docuseries Distilled (2024), which highlights Black-owned spirits brands .

Personal Life & Broader Impact

A doting father of two, Williams is known not just for his family life, but also his advocacy for education, equality, and cultural heritage. He’s used platforms ranging from music videos and modeling to directing TV episodes (Grey’s Anatomy, Rebel) and producing socially impactful films and series, showing a profound commitment to storytelling and activism .

Jesse Williams’ multifaceted career—spanning acting, teaching, theatre, directing, producing, and activism—showcases his dedication to creative excellence and social change. His journey reflects a dynamic storyteller with deep cultural roots and a relentless drive to influence both art and society.