Grey's Anatomy Actor CW's Second Guest Artist

By WYDaily Staff Wednesday, July 28, 2010

For a history teacher-turned-actor, performing in Colonial Williamsburg might be the best of both worlds.

Jesse Williams has been chosen to perform as Colonial Williamsburg’s second guest artist in its new Guest Artist program (previously called the Artist-in-Residence program) that invites theater, television and film actors to perform alongside CW interpreters. The actor, best known for his performance as Dr. Jackson Avery on “Grey’s Anatomy,” will return to his history roots when he performs two shows in the historic area at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Prior to his career on the stage and screen, Williams taught American studies, African studies and English at a public high school in Philadelphia. Williams earned bachelor’s degrees in African American studies and film and media arts from Temple University. He noted in a press release that performing in Williamsburg will allow him to blend his love of history and theater.

“I am looking forward to participating in Colonial Williamsburg’s Guest Artist program. It’s a rare opportunity to be part of a theatrical performance that tells a riveting story of the early days of the American experience,” he said. “It doesn’t get much better for a former history teacher.”

Williams will portray James, a bold and brash slave working at the Governor’s Palace during the term of John Murray, the fourth Earl of Dunmore and the last royal governor of the colony. In May, actress Mamie Gummer portrayed Murray’s wife, Lady Charlotte Murray, on a stage outside the gardens of the palace. Williams will perform there again, dressed in a costume authentic to the period.

Williams’ character will appear in an emotionally charged scene depicting the worries and concerns of slaves as the property hits the auction block. The slaves are concerned about the fates of their children and their efforts to gain freedom. In all, several dozen slaves and indentured servants were affected in the auction of the property in 1776.

In addition to his work on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Williams has appeared in the film “Brooklyn’s Finest,” opposite Don Cheadle and Richard Gere. He will next appear in a horror film called “The Cabin in the Woods,” due for release in January. The film, written by “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” producer Joss Whedon, also stars Academy Award-nominee Richard Jenkins and “The West Wing” star Bradley Whitford. On the off-Broadway stage, Williams has performed in Edward Albee’s “The American Dream” and “The Sandbox.”

For more information about Williams’ Guest Artist performances or to reserve tickets, click here.