Person Biography:
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Jeff Williams started his acting career in New York, studying under the guidance of renowned acting coach Stella Adler. During his time in New York, he was part of several plays at the Public Theatre, alongside notable actors such as Fisher Stevens and Keith Gordon, and also performed with the New York Theatre Ensemble, featuring Daniel Stern and John Randolph. While in New York, Williams was not only an actor but also a playwright, with his one-act play "No Title (Yet)" being mounted at the Stella Adler Conservatory during his residence there.
After relocating to Los Angeles in 1983, Williams began acting in sitcoms and soon transitioned to writing sitcoms as well. His first sale was episode #12 of "The Tortellis" in 1987. Following the cancellation of "The Tortellis," Williams continued to make guest appearances on "Cheers" and worked as a staff writer on the Showtime series "Brothers" for two years. He also wrote and acted for "Married People" and has written for various kiddie and cartoon TV series, including "Salute Your Shorts," "Bobby's World," and "Richie Rich." In addition, Williams has penned several movie tie-in novels for Warner Brothers, such as "Born To Be Wild" and "Running Free." He is also 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!" which was completed in January 2025. Williams 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 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 2022, Williams' screenplay "Seeing Red" was selected as one of the 25 screenplays 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.
