Born and raised in Southern California, RJ Williams is a highly active angel investor in the digital ecosystem, boasting a portfolio of dozens of high-profile investments in companies over the years.
As the Founder and CEO of Young Hollywood, Williams has led the company since its inception in 2007, transforming it into one of the most innovative digital media brands and the leading celebrity and lifestyle network for millennials. Young Hollywood has rapidly grown to heavily influence today's pop culture by creating and establishing emerging trends within the industry and globally.
Williams' early life was deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, with a childhood acting career that began as a series regular on The Young and the Restless in 1973. He went on to star in several movies of the week, numerous television pilots, and guest-starred in over 30 television series, including a recurring role on the hit show Full House in 1987 and his portrayal as Rowdy on the daytime hit General Hospital in 1963.
His hosting career started with the syndicated children's series Wake, Rattle & Roll in 1990, after which he completed 130 episodes. R.J. then took a break from on-camera duties to hone his behind-the-scenes skills by attending the prestigious USC School of Cinema-Television. Upon completion of his studies, R.J. formed his own production company, Arjay Entertainment Group, a television production company, with a client roster that included ABC, FOX, CBS, TV Guide, and Showtime. Arjay Entertainment quickly developed a reputation for providing the most compelling celebrity programming, ultimately helping to create a new identity for the industry - Young Hollywood.
In 2015, Williams launched the OTT network Young Hollywood and went on to produce over a dozen series for the network, including Backstage Diaries, Food Feed, Pop Culture Underground, and Beyond The Athlete.
Williams also possesses extensive knowledge in the social-media and Influencer space, working with some of the most recognizable talent in the world. He works closely with well-respected brands in the marketing and advertising world, advising them on how to create innovative ways to touch consumers through one-of-a-kind brand integration and social media marketing campaigns. Clients have included Adidas, Subway, AT&T, H&M, Unilever, Electronic Arts, Samsung, and Coca-Cola.
Williams attended Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences and the prestigious USC Film School, becoming one of the country's leading authorities on marketing to today's youth, trend spotting, and shaping the culture of Hollywood.
He has been profiled in media such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, AdWeek, AdAge, Fast Company, BBC World News, and chosen for The Hollywood Reporter's Digital Power 50 List, which said, "Everything Young Hollywood CEO and founder R.J. Williams does is counter-intuitive - and effective."
