Jesse Williams is best known for his standout role as Dr. Jackson Avery on the award-winning, hospital-centered primetime drama Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 2005–present), a show that has become a cultural phenomenon over the years. Before stepping into the world of acting, Jesse Williams actually spent some time working as a high school teacher in Philadelphia—a city where he had also attended Temple University and briefly explored professional modeling. It was during this period that Jesse began to seriously consider a career in entertainment, eventually making the leap into acting with his first television appearance in 2006.
That debut came on the long-running crime series Law & Order (NBC, 1990–2010), where Jesse appeared in a single episode, marking the beginning of what would become a dynamic career. While living in New York, Jesse Williams expanded his craft through theater, earning roles in two Off-Broadway productions—The American Dream and The Sandbox—both written and directed by the acclaimed playwright Edward Albee. These early experiences helped solidify Jesse’s presence in the performing arts scene.
In 2008, Jesse made his film debut with a supporting role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, a coming-of-age story centered around friendship. The film served as a turning point, opening doors for more opportunities. He followed it up with a role in the intense police drama Brooklyn’s Finest (2009), further showcasing his range. Around the same time, Jesse was building momentum on television, landing recurring roles in the beach-themed series Beyond the Break (The N, 2006–09) and, most notably, Grey’s Anatomy. After a dramatic season finale that left fans buzzing, Dr. Jackson Avery was promoted from a recurring character to a full series regular—cementing Jesse Williams’ place in the core cast.
Even while busy filming Grey’s Anatomy, Jesse continued to take on diverse film projects. In 2012, he stepped into the horror-thriller genre, co-starring alongside Chris Hemsworth in The Cabin in the Woods, a film written by Joss Whedon that blended satire and suspense. This was followed by powerful performances in The Butler (2013) and the lead role in the drag racing drama Snake and Mongoose (2013), proving Jesse Williams could carry a film with depth and charisma.
Beyond his acting career, Jesse Williams became increasingly recognized for his activism, particularly in response to the national crisis surrounding police violence against young Black men. His impassioned speech upon receiving a humanitarian award at the 2016 BET Awards sparked widespread conversation—drawing both praise and criticism across the political spectrum. That same year, Jesse co-starred in the financial thriller Money (2016) and later appeared in Zoe Lister Jones’ indie comedy Band Aid (2017), further demonstrating his versatility.
Throughout his journey, Jesse Williams has remained a compelling figure—not only for his work as Dr. Jackson Avery but for his dedication to storytelling, social justice, and artistic growth. With each role, Jesse continues to evolve, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the screen.
When it comes to Jesse Williams’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical reception is Survivors Guide to Prison from 2018, which happens to be his highest rated movie. Fans and critics alike have shown a strong appreciation for the documentary, highlighting Jesse Williams’s impactful contribution. On the other end of the spectrum, Jacob’s Ladder (2019) received notably lower ratings, making it Jesse Williams’s lowest rated film to date. While Jesse Williams brought his usual dedication to the role, the overall response was more mixed. Still, Jesse Williams continues to be a compelling presence on screen, whether in thought-provoking documentaries or intense psychological thrillers.