Tyler James Williams (born October 9, 1992) is an American actor and rapper. He began his career as a child actor, appearing on shows like Saturday Night Live, Little Bill, and Sesame Street. He gained fame playing Chris Rock on the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009).
Williams also starred in Let It Shine (2012) and had a role in The Walking Dead (2014–15). Currently, he stars as Gregory Eddie on Abbott Elementary, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards, including a Golden Globe.
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Tyler James Williams Net Worth
Tyler James Williams has a net worth of $5 million. He is best known for playing young Chris Rock on “Everybody Hates Chris” (2005–2009) and Gregory Eddie on “Abbott Elementary” (2021–present), earning an Emmy nomination in 2022. Williams began acting as a child, appearing on “Saturday Night Live” and “Sesame Street.”
His film credits include “Unaccompanied Minors” (2006), “Dear White People” (2014), and “Detroit” (2017). He also voiced characters in “Little Bill” (2000–2002) and “The Ant Bully” (2006).
Early life
Tyler James Williams was born on October 9, 1992, in Westchester County, New York. He is the son of counselor Angela Williams and retired police sergeant/teacher Le’Roy Williams. Tyler grew up in Yonkers with his brothers, Tyrel and Tylen, who are also actors.
Tylen played James Phillips on Nick at Nite’s Instant Mom, while Tyrel starred as Leo Dooley on Disney XD’s Lab Rats. Tyler guest-starred on Lab Rats in 2012 and Instant Mom in 2015.
Career
Tyler James Williams began acting at age 4, voicing Bobby on Little Bill and playing himself on Sesame Street (2000–2005). He rose to fame as the title character in Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009) and won a Young Artist Award in 2007. Williams starred in Let It Shine (2012) and appeared in Go On (2012) and Dear White People (2014).
He was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2017 and later starred as Gregory Eddie in Abbott Elementary, earning an Emmy nomination in 2022.
Personal Life
Tyler James Williams was reportedly in a teenage relationship with actress Keke Palmer and later dated singer-songwriter Karina Pasian, appearing in her 2014 music video for “Solitaire.” In 2017, Williams was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease after experiencing symptoms for three years.
He has undergone multiple surgeries, including one where six inches of his small intestine were removed. Following that surgery, his intestine split, leading to a sepsis infection. Despite his health challenges, he has continued his successful acting career.
Is Tyler James Williams LGBTQ?
Tyler James Williams has addressed his sexuality, stating, “I’m not gay, but I think the culture of trying to ‘find’ some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closed person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous.” While he has expressed reluctance to discuss the matter, he believes the conversation about sexuality is larger than just himself.
Conclusion
Tyler James Williams’ journey from a child actor to a successful adult in the entertainment industry is a story of talent, perseverance, and adaptability. His impressive net worth is a reflection of his hard work and dedication to his craft.
FAQs about Tyler James Williams
- What notable awards has Tyler James Williams won?
- Williams has won an NAACP Image Award for his role in “Everybody Hates Chris” and received critical acclaim for other performances.
- What are some of Tyler James Williams’ significant film roles?
- Apart from “Everybody Hates Chris,” Williams has appeared in films like “Unaccompanied Minors,” “Dear White People,” and “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.”
- Has Tyler James Williams ventured into music?
- Yes, he has showcased his rapping skills, particularly in the TV movie “Let It Shine.”
- What is Tyler James Williams’ most recent work?
- As of 2021, he stars in the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” for which he has received critical acclaim.
- How has Tyler James Williams’ early career shaped his current success?
- His early start in television provided him with the experience and exposure necessary to take on diverse roles, contributing significantly to his current success in the industry.