Jesse Williams Biography: Age, Wife, Kids, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows, Grey’s Anatomy
Jesse Wesley Williams, professionally known as Jesse Williams, is a talented American actor, director, producer, model, and activist whose captivating performances have made him a prominent figure in television, film, and theatre.
He gained international recognition for portraying Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy and later earned a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway performance in Take Me Out. His career also includes The Cabin in the Woods, The Butler, Detroit: Become Human, and Hotel Costiera.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Jesse Wesley Vickers Williams |
| Stage Name: | Jesse Williams |
| Born: | August 5, 1981 (age 45 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | African American, Swedish, Polish |
| Height: | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Reginald Williams, Johanna Chase Williams |
| Siblings: | Matt Williams, Coire Williams |
| Spouse: | Aryn Drake-Lee, (m. 2012 div 2020) Alejandra Onieva (m. 2026) |
| Relationship: | Married to Alejandra Onieva |
| Children: | Sadie Williams, Maceo Williams |
| Occupation: | Actor, Director, Producer, Model, Activist |
| Net Worth: | $12 million |
Early life and education
Jesse Williams was born on August 5, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. He was born to Reginald Williams and Johanna Chase Williams and grew up alongside 2 younger brothers, Matt Williams and Coire Williams. both of whom work in visual arts. Williams has African American, Swedish, and Polish heritage and follows Christianity.
He graduated from Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1998 before earning a double major in African American Studies and Film and Media Arts from Temple University. Before acting, he spent six years teaching American Studies, African Studies, and English in Philadelphia public schools.
Career
Jesse Williams began his entertainment career as a model before moving into acting and theatre. He made his television debut in Law & Order in 2006 and subsequently appeared in productions including Greek and Beyond the Break.
His film career developed through The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and Brooklyn’s Finest before his breakthrough as Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy.
He remained part of the series for more than a decade, becoming one of its most recognizable cast members. Williams later appeared in The Cabin in the Woods, The Butler, Band Aid, and Jacob’s Ladder. He also provided voice and performance capture for Markus in Detroit: Become Human.
On Broadway, he starred in Take Me Out, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
His producing work includes the Oscar-winning short Two Distant Strangers. More recently, he starred in Hotel Costiera, Montmartre, and Shifting Gears.

Awards and nominations
- BET Humanitarian Award — 2016 — Won
- Young Hollywood Award, TV Actor of the Year — 2011 — Won
- Tony Award, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play — Take Me Out — 2022 — Nominated
Social media
- X: @ijessewilliams
Personal life
At 45 years old, Jesse Williams is married to Alejandra Onieva, whom he met while working on Hotel Costiera. The couple quietly married in 2026 and are expecting their first child together.
Jesse Williams was previously married to Aryn Drake-Lee from 2012 to 2020, and they have two children, Sadie Williams and Maceo Williams.
He was also romantically linked to Minka Kelly and Taylour Paige after his divorce. His third child with Onieva will make him a father of three. Jesse Williams stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
Net Worth
Jesse Williams’ net worth is $12 million USD. His wealth comes mainly from his acting career, television and film appearances, Broadway performances, directing, producing, modelling, endorsements, and entertainment ventures.
His long-running role on Grey’s Anatomy, major film appearances, Broadway work, and producing credits have formed important parts of his financial success.
Filmography
- Grey’s Anatomy
- The Cabin in the Woods
- The Butler
- Hotel Costiera
- Brooklyn’s Finest
What People Ask
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