From Behind-the-Scenes to Leaning Into Leadership, with Actor/Producer Cress Williams

February 1, 2022

META PERFORMANCE SHOW

| Actor/Producer Cress Williams gives us a candid glimpse into life on set, playing the first African-American superhero on network TV and titular character in Black Lightning (The CW) and making his mark in numerous other hits: Friday Night Lights, ER, Veronica Mars, The West Wing, Hart of Dixie and Grey’s Anatomy, among others. Cress tells Jason about the nuances of onscreen kissing etiquette–as learned from Queen Latifah on Living Single–and how he was impacted by Drew Barrymore’s leadership style on set of ’90s classic Never Been Kissed.

A one time “reluctant leader,” Cress reveals the experiences and desired outcomes that cataylzed his transition from backstage work to performing onscreen and, more recently, stepping into leadership as a producer. Cress shares personal perspectives on balancing a demanding job with being present with his family and repairing his fraught relationship with his father in the last year of his life. Cress leaves us with a sneak peek into some of his upcoming projects.

Learn more about Cress: IG @cress_williams

Guest info

Born in Heidelberg Germany, Cress Williams is best known for starring as DC’s title-character in The CW’s critically acclaimed Greg Berlanti drama series Black Lightning from producers Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil. The first season scored a thunderous debut drawing the best series premiere ratings launch numbers for The CW at the time which also marked the network’s first show with a black actor in the lead role.

Next up, it has been announced that Williams will star alongside Twilight actor Kellan Lutz in the upcoming murder-mystery film What Remains. Anne Heche also rounds out the cast.

On the theatre side, Williams has performed in over 20+ plays including Othello, Elephant Man, Extremities and Red Noses.

Williams’ extensive acting resume also includes the classic films Two Days in the Valley opposite an all-star cast including James Spader, Jeff Daniels, Teri Hatcher, Keith Carradine, Eric Stoltz and Charlize Theron, as well as the still ever popular Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore, Michael Vartan, David Arquette, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Gary Marshall and Octavia Spencer.

In television, Williams has had roles on some of the most iconic, critically acclaimed and #1 shows of their time including E.R., NYPD BLUE, The West Wing, Grey’s Anatomy and Friday Night Lights. Other TV credits include four successful seasons as a series regular on Hart of Dixie starring alongside Rachel Bilson as well as other stints on Prison Break, Living Single, Nash Bridges, Close to Home, Code Black, Cold Case and Beverly Hills 90210.

Williams currently resides with his family in Arcadia, CA.