Jesse Williams Biography: Age, New Wife, Net Worth, Instagram, Height, Wikipedia, Movies

Jesse Wesley Williams is an American actor, director, producer, and activist. He is best known for portraying Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy (2009–2022).

Williams has starred in notable films such as The Cabin in the Woods (2012) and The Butler (2013). A passionate activist, he gained widespread recognition for his influential 2016 BET Humanitarian Award speech.

In addition to acting, Williams has produced acclaimed projects, including the Oscar-winning short film Two Distant Strangers (2020). His performance in the Broadway play Take Me Out earned him a Tony Award nomination in 2022.

Profile

• Full Name: Jesse Wesley Williams
• Stage Name: Jesse Williams
• Born: August 5 1981
• Age: 43 years old
• Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American actor, director, producer and activist.
• Height: 1.85 m
• Parents: Johanna Chase ,Reginald Williams
• Siblings: Coire Williams ,Matt Williams
• Spouse: Aryn Drake-Lee (m. 2012–2020)
• Children: Sadie Williams ,Maceo Williams
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $12 million and $15 million.

Early Life And Education

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

He grew up alongside his two younger brothers, Coire Williams and Matt Williams, who are both 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 dedicated six years to 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.

Career

Jesse Wesley Williams began his professional journey as a high school teacher in Philadelphia, focusing on American and African American history.

This foundation in education profoundly influenced his activism, as he has consistently advocated for social justice and addressed systemic inequalities.

Williams has been involved with organizations like the Advancement Project, using his platform to promote equity and empower marginalized communities.

In 2005, he shifted his career focus to acting, joining the New York Actors Showcase presented by ABC Television, where he was one of 14 actors selected from over 800 candidates.

Williams launched his acting career in 2006, appearing in various television series, films, and theatre productions.

His breakout role came in 2009 when he was cast as Dr. Jackson Avery on the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. By 2010, he became a series regular and worked on the show for 12 seasons before departing in May 2021.

He briefly reprised the role with guest appearances in 2022. During his time on Grey’s Anatomy, Williams gained a devoted fanbase and became one of the show’s standout characters, balancing his acting career with his activism.

In addition to television, Williams has appeared in notable films, including The Cabin in the Woods (2012) and The Butler (2013).

He expanded into voice acting and motion capture, notably portraying Markus in the acclaimed video game Detroit: Become Human (2018). As a producer, Williams contributed to the success of the Academy Award-winning short Two Distant Strangers (2020) and the Tony Award-winning revival of Take Me Out (2022), where he also starred, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

Beyond acting, Williams is a tech entrepreneur and a former model. He co-developed apps like Ebroji and BLeBRiTY, which celebrate Black culture and inclusivity in the digital space.

As a model, he worked with brands such as Kenneth Cole, Levi’s, and Tommy Hilfiger. Williams’ diverse career reflects his passion for storytelling, representation, and social change, making him a multifaceted figure in entertainment and advocacy.

Awards and Nominations

Jesse Williams has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.

• BET Awards: win (2016)
• NAACP Image Awards: win (2019) and nominations (2017, 2020)
• Young Hollywood Awards: 1 win (2011)
• Webby Awards: 1 win (2018)
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: Nominated in (2024)
• Teen Choice Awards: Nominated in (2017, 2018)
• Tony Awards: Nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play (2022)
• People’s Choice Awards: Nominated in (2015-2020)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @ijessewilliams
• Facebook handle: Jesse Williams
• Twitter handle: @iJesseWilliams

Personal Life

Jesse Williams was previously married to Aryn Drake-Lee from 2012 until their divorce in 2020.

The former couple shares two children: a daughter named Sadie and a son named Maceo. He is currently in a relationship with Ciarra Pardo, whom he has known since at least 2017.

Although they keep their relationship relatively private, they have been seen together several times, suggesting a close and enduring connection.

Filmography

• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008)
• Brooklyn’s Finest (2009)
• The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
• The Butler (2013)
• Snake and Mongoose (2013)
• They Die by Dawn (2013)
• Money (2016)
• Band Aid (2017)
• Selah and the Spades (2019)
• Jacob’s Ladder (2019)
• Random Acts of Violence (2019)
• Law & Order (2006)
• Beyond the Break (2006)
• Greek (2008)
• Grey’s Anatomy (2009–2024)
• Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
• Only Murders in the Building (2023)

Net Worth

Jesse Williams’s estimated net worth is between $12 million and $15 million.

His wealth is largely attributed to his acting career, particularly his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy, where he earned a substantial income.

However, after leaving the show, his earnings decreased, affecting his financial obligations, including child support payments.