Tyler James Williams is an American actor, songwriter, martial artist, and musician, best known for his roles in the Chris Rock-inspired sitcom Everybody Hates Chris and the Disney Channel movie Let It Shine.
Born on October 9, 1992, in Westchester County, New York, Williams was raised in Yonkers by his father, police sergeant Le'Roy Williams, and his mother, singer and songwriter Angela Williams. He has two younger brothers, actors Tyrel Jackson Williams and Tylen Jacob Williams.
Williams began his acting career at the age of four, voicing Bobby on the children's show Little Bill and playing himself on Sesame Street from 2000 to 2005. He rose to fame in 2005 by playing the title character in the hit series Everybody Hates Chris, which finished in 2009. He won a Young Artist Award in 2007 for his work on the show.
In addition to his work on Everybody Hates Chris, Williams has appeared in several other TV shows and movies, including True Jackson, VP, Go On, Lab Rats, Instant Mom, and The Walking Dead. He has also been a guest star on Two for the Money, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Hi-Jinks.
In 2012, Williams starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie Let It Shine, alongside Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson, and Brandon Mychal Smith. He also featured on nine songs on the film's soundtrack, showcasing his rapping skills. The movie premiered on June 15, 2012, and his songs received airplay on Radio Disney.
Williams has also appeared in several independent films, including Dear White People and Tyler Perry Presents Peeples. He has won several awards for his work, including a Young Artist Award for his work on Everybody Hates Chris.
In his free time, Williams enjoys playing sports and other games with his brothers and friends. His father is a sergeant in the NYPD with nearly 20 years on the force.
