Biography

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Williams began acting in New York, studying under Stella Adler herself, while doing several plays at Joe Papp's Public Theatre -- with Fisher Stevens and Keith Gordon -- and also at the New York Theatre Ensemble with Daniel Stern and John Randolph. While in New York, Williams was also a playwright and had a one act, "No Title (Yet)" mounted at the Stella Adler Conservatory during his residence there.

After relocating to Los Angeles in 1983, Williams began acting in sitcoms and before long was writing sitcoms as well, his first sale being episode #12 of "The Tortellis" in 1987. As soon as The Tortellis was cancelled, Williams continued doing guest appearances on "Cheers" and began a two year stint as a staff writer on the Showtime series "Brothers," which was on the same lot. Williams later both wrote and acted for "Married People" as well. Williams has also written for kiddie series TV ("Salute Your Shorts"), cartoons series TV ("Bobby's World" and "Richie Rich") and has penned several movie tie-in novels ("Born To Be Wild" and "Running Free") for Warner Brothers. In addition, he is the ghost writer behind two cult classic novels: "My So-Called Career in Hollywood," the autobiography of 1960's failed sitcom writer E. Klass, and "I Am Not Lost in Space!" the fictionalized autobiography of iconic TV character Will Robinson. The latter novel was the first 'tie-in novelization' based on the 1960's series published in over 40 years. In 2021 Williams agreed to adapt his novel into a limited [six episode] animated series. Retitled "Lost in Space: Escape From Earth!" the animated series was completed in January of 2025.

Williams also has the distinction of winning the Governor's Screenwriting Competition twice. As a result of the second win, his screenplay "Nunley" was optioned by producer Bernard (Daredevil, Charlotte's Web) Williams. In 2013 his screenplay "Tell" was purchased by American Film Productions and released by Orion Pictures in 2014. In 2022 his screenplay "Way Out West" was optioned by director Stephen Campanelli, with Kathy Bates attached. In June of 2022 Williams' screenplay "Seeing Red" was one was of only 25 screenplays awarded as an 'Official Selection" to participate in the Beverly Hills Film Festival. In January 2025, director Stephen Campanelli put "Nunley" into active development, with actor John Ratzenberger attached to play the titular character.