Jesse Williams has come a long way since first captivating fans as Dr. Jackson Avery. See photos from his career and life through the years.
Jesse Williams has become one of television’s most recognizable actors thanks to his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy. Born on August 5, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, he began his career as a high school teacher before transitioning into acting, landing early roles in projects like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and The Cabin in the Woods.
After joining Grey’s Anatomy in 2009, Williams spent more than a decade on the hit ABC medical drama, earning widespread recognition for his portrayal of the fan-favorite plastic surgeon. Beyond television, he has built a successful career in film and theater, earning a Tony Award as a producer of the 2022 Best Revival of Take Me Out and returning to Broadway in the play’s acclaimed revival. He’s also appeared in films including The Butler, Brooklyn’s Finest and Your Place or Mine, while continuing his work as a producer and activist.
Williams has been an outspoken advocate for racial justice and social issues, delivering a widely praised speech after receiving the Humanitarian Award at the 2016 BET Awards. In 2026, he made personal headlines after quietly marrying Spanish actress Alejandra Onieva, whom he met while filming the series Hotel Costiera. The couple later announced they were expecting their first child together, while Williams also shares two children from his previous marriage to Aryn Drake-Lee.
See photos of Jesse through the years in our gallery here.
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Jesse Williams, Sara Ramirez, and Sandra Oh in a scene for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
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Jesse Williams at the opening for ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’
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Jesse Williams and His Ex-Girlfriend
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Jesse Williams With His Kids
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Jesse Williams With His Babies
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Jesse Williams and Taylour Paige in Italy
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Jesse Williams and Ellen Pompeo pose for a photo
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Jesse Williams at the GQ Men of the Year Awards
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Jesse Williams and Debbie Allen at the ‘Turn Me Loose’ play
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Jesse Williams at Paris Fashion Week
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Jesse Williams, Ellen Pompeo and Justin Chambers on set of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
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Jesse Williams, Sarah Drew, and Jessica Capshaw at Paleyfest
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