Actor. Born in Chicago, Illinois (some sources state birth year as 1938), he overcame the effects of polio as a child. He attended Herzl Junior College (later Malcolm X College) and Woodrow Wilson Junior College (later Kennedy-King College) where he studied acting. He began an association with the Henry Street Settlement in New York and from his efforts the New Federal Theatre was established in 1970. After coming to the realization that he wanted to pursue a career in entertainment, Williams made his introduction to TV audiences in an episode of the series "Dragnet" (1968), followed by many guest roles on other programs. His most prolific and accomplished work happened on stage beginning with the off-Broadway production of "Big Time Buck White" (1968 to 1969, he also directed in addition to performing) which was followed by his directing effort in "The Pig Pen" (1970). Williams produced the acclaimed play "Black Girl" (1971 to 1972) which told the inspiring story of a young woman who in spite of her family's resentment towards her is able to pursue the dream of becoming a dancer. He experienced a string of successful Broadway performances beginning with "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death" (1971 to 1972), followed by "What the Wine-Sellers Buy" (1974, for which he earned a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance and a Tony Award nomination) and "Black Picture Show" (1975, which he received a second Tony Award nomination). He had a featured role playing Abe Davis in the TV series "Home-front" (1991 to 1993) and garnered supporting parts in the films "The Anderson Tapes" (1971), "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975), "The Jerk" (1979) and "Edward Scissorhands" (1990). He was married to actress Gloria Edwards.
Actor. Born in Chicago, Illinois (some sources state birth year as 1938), he overcame the effects of polio as a child. He attended Herzl Junior College (later Malcolm X College) and Woodrow Wilson Junior College (later Kennedy-King College) where he studied acting. He began an association with the Henry Street Settlement in New York and from his efforts the New Federal Theatre was established in 1970. After coming to the realization that he wanted to pursue a career in entertainment, Williams made his introduction to TV audiences in an episode of the series "Dragnet" (1968), followed by many guest roles on other programs. His most prolific and accomplished work happened on stage beginning with the off-Broadway production of "Big Time Buck White" (1968 to 1969, he also directed in addition to performing) which was followed by his directing effort in "The Pig Pen" (1970). Williams produced the acclaimed play "Black Girl" (1971 to 1972) which told the inspiring story of a young woman who in spite of her family's resentment towards her is able to pursue the dream of becoming a dancer. He experienced a string of successful Broadway performances beginning with "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death" (1971 to 1972), followed by "What the Wine-Sellers Buy" (1974, for which he earned a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance and a Tony Award nomination) and "Black Picture Show" (1975, which he received a second Tony Award nomination). He had a featured role playing Abe Davis in the TV series "Home-front" (1991 to 1993) and garnered supporting parts in the films "The Anderson Tapes" (1971), "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975), "The Jerk" (1979) and "Edward Scissorhands" (1990). He was married to actress Gloria Edwards.
Bio by: C.S.
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