Everything You Need to Know About Actor-Activist Jesse Williams

4. He Has the Respect of Samuel L.

Here’s something that speaks to Williams’ character. As soon as he delivered his speech at the BET Awards, Samuel L. Jackson (aka, the baddest mother … well, you know) was quoted saying, “Jesse’s the closest thing I’ve heard to a 1960s activist. This brother is right, and he is true.” You can’t beat that kind of praise. Not at all.

5. He’s Had Brushes with Real Celebrity

Yeah, yeah, he’s a regular on a highly rated show, but Jesse Williams has also — wait for it — been in a video with Rihanna. Now, that’s a brush with real celebrity. In the video for her lead track “Russian Roulette” off her Rated R album, Williams appeared as her love interest. That same year, he also broke through with a supporting role in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.

6. How He Got into the Public Eye

After just a handful of roles in small parts on both television and the silver screen, Williams broke through when he was cast as Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy. Of course, he may never have actually gotten that role if not for his wife introducing him to one of her favorite shows on television.