Everything You Need to Know About Actor-Activist Jesse Williams

10. He’s a History Nerd

After graduating from Philadelphia’s Temple University with a double degree in African American Studies and Film and Media Arts, Williams didn’t immediately set out for stardom. First, he was a high school history teacher in the Philadelphia public school system for six years.

11. Keeping it in the Family

Williams isn’t the only person in the family who values a good education. Both his mother (who’s Swedish) and his father (who’s Black and Seminole) were high school teachers. His father actually put himself through Harvard while working at a factory.

12. Pre-Big Time Careers

As we’ve already discussed, Williams didn’t make the leap into acting until some time after he graduated from college. Like most of us, he didn’t really see himself on screen. So, in order to make ends meet before making it big, he worked as not only a teacher, but he spent a year at a law firm, plus he spent some time working as a bartender at New York’s Soho Grand Hotel. He was also, unsurprisingly, a model.