From 'Grey's Anatomy' to 'Only Murders in the Building': Jesse Williams' Career and Net Worth

Williams made $1,668 weekly for his appearance in "Take Me Out."

PUBLISHED DEC 7, 2023

Cover Image Source: Jesse Williams attends the Premiere of Netflix's "The Irishman." Getty Images | Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Name	Jesse Williams
Net Worth	$12 Million
Sources of Income	Acting and endorsements
Date of Birth	August 5, 1981
Age	42 years
Gender	Female
Nationality	American
Profession	Actor, model, activist, producer

What is Jesse Williams' net worth?

Popular for his groundbreaking work in the hit TV show "Grey's Anatomy," Jesse Williams has earned a net worth of $20 million. Before pursuing his acting career, the TV star enrolled in the Philadelphia public school system and taught English, American studies, and African studies for six years. He has also appeared in many music videos, including Demi Lovato's "Tell Me You Love Me," and Jay-Z's "Legacy." Some of his best work in showbiz was visible in "The Cabin in the Woods," "Your Place or Mine," "Only Murders in the Building," "Secret Headquarters," "Station 19," and more.

Honorees Jesse Williams (L) and Samuel L. Jackson attend the 2016 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.|Getty Images|Photo by Paras Griffin — Honorees Jesse Williams (L) and Samuel L. Jackson attend the 2016 BET Awards.| Getty Images | Photo by Paras Griffin

What are Jesse Williams' sources of income?

William made most of his money from acting ever since his debut with the television series, "Law & Order." Following that, his role as Jackson Avery in "Grey's Anatomy" earned him more fame and a $6.2 million paycheck. He has worked alongside top actors, including Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, and Jane Fonda.

Beyond acting, he directed and produced the ABC series "Rebel," the documentary "Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement," and the short film "Two Distant Strangers." He was also seen promoting brands like Adidas, Boswell, Doughnut Plant, and Givenchy.

(L-R) Actors Kevin McKidd, Sarah Drew and Jesse Williams attend SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Conversations with — (L-R) Actors Kevin McKidd, Sarah Drew, and Jesse Williams.| Getty Images | Photo by Vincent Sandoval

Besides acting, he serves on the board of directors of the Advancement Project, and executive producer of Question Bridge: Black Males. The latter is a media project focusing on the black male identity within the nation. Williams has also written several articles and posts for CNN, and The Huffington Post.

(L-R) Ciarra Pardo, actor Jesse Williams, and Olivia Fischa attend Moet & Chandon's Beats and Bites dinner series at The Nice Guy on May 21, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.|Getty Images|Photo by Michael Kovac — (L-R) Ciarra Pardo, actor Jesse Williams, and Olivia Fischa | Getty Images | Photo by Michael Kovac

Instagram	7.8 Million Followers
Twitter	2.2 Million Followers
Facebook	1.2 Million Followers

(L-R) Moderator Henry Goldblatt and actors Giacomo Gianniotti, Martin Henderson, Sarah Drew, Jesse Williams, Jessica Capshaw, James Pickens Jr., Debbie Allen, Ellen Pompeo, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson, Jason George, Kelly McCreary, Kevin McKidd, Caterina Scorsone and Jerrika Hinton appear on stage at The Paley Center for Media's 34th Annual PaleyFest Los Angeles presentation of — Moderator Henry Goldblatt, Jesse Williams, and actors | Getty Images | Photo by David Livingston

Personal life

In 2012, Williams married Aryn Drake-Lee after five years of dating. They have two children: Maceo and Sadie. The couple filed for divorce in 2017. After their divorce, the actor had to pay more than $100,000 for child and ex-spouse support. Later, Aryn demanded $200,000, which included her court and lawyer fees.

Since 2022, Williams has been seen attending parties and making public appearances with his girlfriend and art director, Ciarra Pardo.