Star of TV's "The Good Place" and films like "Midsommar", playing quirky and lovable characters with ease.
William Jackson Harper is renowned for his brilliant portrayal of Chidi Anagonye in the critically acclaimed NBC comedy series The Good Place, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. With a career spanning over a decade, Harper has proven his versatility as an actor, playwright, and civil rights activist, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
William Fitzgerald Harper was born on February 8, 1980, in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Garland, Texas. He attended Lakeview Centennial High School and later graduated from the College of Santa Fe in 2003. It was during his college days that Harper developed a passion for acting, which led him to adopt the stage name William Jackson Harper, honoring his mother by using her maiden name, Jackson, as his middle name.
Harper's breakthrough role came when he joined the main cast of The Electric Company from 2009 to 2011. This exposure paved the way for his Broadway debut as Stokely Carmichael in the play All the Way in 2013. His impressive performance earned him recognition in the theater circuit, leading to roles in Romeo and Juliet (2012), After the Blast (2017), and Primary Trust (2023).
In addition to his success in The Good Place, Harper has appeared in notable television shows such as The Underground Railroad (2020), Love Life (2021), and The Resort (2022). On the big screen, he has played supporting roles in films like Paterson (2016), Midsommar (2019), and Dark Waters (2019). Most recently, he portrayed Quaz in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).
Harper's outstanding performance in The Good Place earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He also received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play for his role as Astrov in the Lincoln Center Theatre revival of Uncle Vanya (2024).
In addition to his acting career, Harper is a talented playwright. He wrote We Live Here in 2010 and Travisville in 2018, showcasing his skills as a storyteller and writer.
William Jackson Harper's impressive body of work has cemented his position as a versatile and talented artist in the entertainment industry. His commitment to his craft, combined with his passion for social justice, has inspired a new generation of actors, writers, and activists. As he continues to take on new roles and projects, Harper is sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of theater, television, and film.
40 Years Old
An actress, singer, and dancer who originated the role of Kitty Wilde on the TV series Glee, and has appeared in various Broadway productions.
