5 Shocking Updates On Jackson Avery's Actor, Jesse Williams: From New Series To Grey's Anatomy Return In 2025

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The actor behind the beloved Dr. Jackson Avery, Jesse Williams, has had a career resurgence that extends far beyond the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. As of the current date in late 2025, Williams is not only making a highly anticipated return to the medical drama but is also headlining a major new action series, solidifying his status as a versatile actor, director, and passionate activist.

Fans eager for the latest on the star will be thrilled by the recent announcements, which include a major Prime Video debut, a guest spot in the latest season of *Grey's Anatomy*, and significant updates regarding his personal life and ongoing social justice work. Williams continues to leverage his platform for global change while taking on challenging new roles.

Jesse Williams: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Jesse Wesley Williams is an American actor, director, producer, and dedicated activist. Best known globally for his long-running role as the plastic surgeon Dr. Jackson Avery on the ABC series *Grey's Anatomy*, his career spans television, film, and the Broadway stage. His work is consistently marked by a commitment to social justice and the arts.

  • Full Name: Jesse Wesley Williams
  • Date of Birth: August 5, 1981
  • Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Parents: Reginald Williams (African American) and Johanna Chase (Swedish)
  • Education: Temple University (Degrees in African American Studies and Film & Media Arts)
  • Early Career: High school teacher in the Philadelphia public school system for six years.
  • Major TV Role: Dr. Jackson Avery on *Grey's Anatomy* (2009–2021, with subsequent guest appearances)
  • Major Film Roles: *The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2* (2008), *The Cabin in the Woods* (2012), *The Butler* (2013), *Brooklyn's Finest* (2009)
  • Broadway Debut: Darren Lemming in the Tony Award-winning revival of Richard Greenberg's play *Take Me Out* (2022)
  • Children: Two (Sadie and Maceo) with ex-wife Aryn Drake-Lee
  • Key Award: BET Humanitarian Award (2016)
  • Net Worth (Estimated 2025): Between $12 million and $15 million

The Prime Video Action Series Everyone is Talking About: *Hotel Costiera*

The biggest news for Jesse Williams' career in 2025 is his leading role in the new Prime Video action-drama series, *Hotel Costiera*. This project marks a significant shift from the medical drama genre and highlights his versatility as a leading man in a high-stakes setting.

A Shift to the Amalfi Coast

The series, which premiered on September 24, 2025, sees Williams star as Daniel "DD" De Luca, a "fixer" at a luxurious and exclusive hotel located on the stunning Amalfi Coast. The role is demanding, requiring both intense action sequences and complex dramatic performance, moving him from the operating room to the world of international intrigue and wealth. The show's release was highly anticipated, with Williams expressing his excitement about the project at the 2025 Emmys.

This is a major career move for the actor, providing a fresh, long-term vehicle outside of the *Grey's Anatomy* universe. The six-episode season has quickly become a must-watch for fans of action and drama, showcasing a new side of the star.

Dr. Jackson Avery’s Triumphant Return to Grey Sloan and Behind the Camera

While Jesse Williams has moved on to new ventures, his ties to *Grey's Anatomy* remain strong. Fans of the iconic medical series are celebrating his announced return, not just as a guest star, but also in a directorial capacity, cementing his creative legacy on the show.

Guest Starring in Season 22

Jesse Williams is officially set to reprise his fan-favorite role as Dr. Jackson Avery in Season 22 of *Grey's Anatomy*. The highly anticipated guest appearance is scheduled for the episode airing on October 30, promising a dramatic and potentially emotional storyline for the character. This return follows his character's departure to Boston to run the Catherine Fox Foundation, leaving the door open for exciting updates on his life with April Kepner (Sarah Drew), or "Japril."

Expanding His Directorial Credits

Beyond his acting return, Williams has continued to work behind the camera for the show that made him a household name. He has returned to the set as a director, a role he first took on in Season 14. His directing credits on the series have been well-received, demonstrating his talent for storytelling from a different perspective. This dual role as both director and actor highlights his commitment to the creative process of television production.

Personal Life and Activism: Sole Custody and Social Justice Work

Williams is as well-known for his dedicated activism and social justice work as he is for his acting. In late 2025, updates on his personal life also made headlines, particularly concerning his children and his ongoing advocacy.

Updates on Co-Parenting and Custody

In May 2025, Jesse Williams was granted sole legal custody over his two children's healthcare decisions, Sadie and Maceo, following a legal dispute with his ex-wife, Aryn Drake-Lee. While he and Drake-Lee continue to share physical custody on an alternating week schedule, this ruling was a significant development in their co-parenting arrangement. Williams has also been seen running errands with his current girlfriend, Ciarra Pardo, in Los Angeles, maintaining a relatively private life outside of his professional commitments.

A Lifelong Commitment to Activism

Williams’ work as an activist and advocate for racial equality and social justice is a core part of his identity. His powerful and memorable acceptance speech for the BET Humanitarian Award in 2016 remains a landmark moment in his career, where he passionately spoke out against police brutality and systemic injustice. He continues to be actively involved in various organizations, including the Advancement Project, and has used his platform to advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement and the importance of learning true history.

The Broadway Triumph of *Take Me Out*

Further demonstrating his dedication to the arts, Williams' 2022 Broadway debut in the revival of *Take Me Out* was a critical and commercial success, earning him a Tony Award nomination. He played the role of Darren Lemming, a major league baseball player who comes out as gay, a performance that showcased his range and depth as a stage actor. The play itself won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, further cementing the artistic success of the production.

From the operating room of *Grey's Anatomy* to the high-stakes world of *Hotel Costiera* and the demanding stage of Broadway, Jesse Williams has successfully navigated a complex and multifaceted career. His returns to both acting and directing on the medical drama, coupled with his high-profile new series and his unwavering commitment to social change, ensure that he remains one of the most relevant and watched figures in Hollywood today.

jackson avery actor
jackson avery actor

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