Walter Williams' illustrious career is a testament to the power of innovation in comedy and technology, with a trajectory that spans four decades. His journey began with the creation of his first Mr. Bill short film, made on a shoestring budget of under $20, and has since evolved to incorporate cutting-edge digital tools and techniques.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Williams discovered his passion for filmmaking at the tender age of 17, when he stumbled upon Super-8 film. With no apparent aptitude for anything else, medical school was never an option, and he instead focused on crafting his own comedy movies. These early efforts caught the attention of local clubs and bars, leading to his own UHF-TV show in New Orleans.
The breakthrough came when "Saturday Night Live" put out a call for home movies in 1975, and Williams submitted his reel, launching Mr. Bill on national television. This led to a move to New York, where he continued to create films for SNL and honed his stand-up skills at the Improv and other clubs.
Williams' talents did not go unnoticed, and he was soon hired as a full-time staff writer by Lorne Michaels, responsible for creating over 20 Mr. Bill skits between 1978 and 1980. He also wrote and directed numerous other sketches and films, including the memorable "Elvis Presley's Coat." This period was marked by significant success, with Williams winning a WGA award for his writing and earning multiple Emmy nominations.
When Michaels and the original cast departed SNL in 1980, Williams left with them, going on to write screenplays and direct hundreds of shorts and shows for television, including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." He also directed the Fox show "TV," a project conceived by fellow SNL head writer Michael O'Donoghue, starring Rutger Hauer, Kelly Lynch, and Brian Keith.
In addition to his work in television, Williams has built a successful career as a commercial director, creating iconic campaigns for Pizza Hut, Mastercard, Subway, Lexus, Burger King, and Ramada Inn, among others. His "Pizza Head" character became a household name, and he directed 20 spots over four years.
However, Williams' creative pursuits extend far beyond comedy. He is a passionate advocate for coastal restoration and has created a range of documentaries and educational films focused on the issues facing New Orleans and South Louisiana. His Mr. Bill wetlands PSAs won several Telly awards, a testament to his commitment to using his talents for the greater good.
Throughout his career, Williams has remained steadfast in his belief that comedy and technology can be powerful tools for education. He recognizes that people will continue to watch television, and therefore it is the responsibility of storytellers to use these mediums to educate and inform, particularly children.
