Meet Jesse Williams’ Parents, Johanna Chase and Reginald Williams.

Jesse Wesley Williams is an American actor, director, producer, and activist. He is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy, a role he held from 2009 to 2022.

Williams has also appeared in notable films, including The Cabin in the Woods (2012) and The Butler (2013).

Beyond acting, he has been an outspoken activist, notably recognized for his influential 2016 BET Humanitarian Award speech.

Williams has produced several impactful projects, including the Oscar-winning short film Two Distant Strangers (2020), and earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Take Me Out (2022).

Jesse Wesley Williams was born on August 5, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, to Johanna Chase and Reginald Williams.

He grew up with two younger brothers, Coire Williams and Matt Williams, who are involved in the visual arts. Williams attended Temple University, earning a double major in African American Studies and Film and Media Arts.

After graduating, he spent six years teaching English and history at public high schools in Philadelphia. In 2005, Williams transitioned from teaching to acting, pursuing his passion for storytelling.

His mother is of Swedish descent, while his father is African American with Seminole ancestry, making Jesse biracial. He is identified as a Christian.

Reginald Williams

Reginald Williams, the father of Jesse Williams, was born in the early 1950s in the United States, though his exact date of birth is not publicly known.

He was raised by his parents, whose names are unknown and can be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Williams.

While he may have grown up with siblings, their names are not disclosed. Information about his educational background is also unavailable.

Williams is of African American descent with Seminole ancestry and practices Christianity.

Johanna Chase

Johanna Chase, the mother of Jesse Williams, was born in the late 1950s in the United States, though her exact date of birth is unknown.

She was born by her parents, whose names are not publicly known and can be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Chase.

Although she may have grown up with siblings, their names are not disclosed in the media. Limited information about her family or personal life is available, and her educational background is also not publicly known. She is of Swedish descent and practices Christianity.

Reginald Williams and Johanna Chase have been married for over 30 years. Together, they have three children: Jesse Williams, an American actor, director, producer, and activist; Coire Williams, a landscape designer residing in East Orange, New Jersey, who runs his own landscaping company; and Matt Williams, an illustrator known by the nickname “Uberkraaft,” recognized for his unique artistic style and a father of two.

Both Reginald and Johanna have had a significant impact on their children’s lives and careers.