IN CONVERSATION WITH TYLER JAMES WILLIAMS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Tyler James Williams has spent nearly two decades evolving in front of the world’s eyes, first as the unforgettable lead of ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, and now as a critically acclaimed pillar of ‘Abbott Elementary’. His portrayal of Gregory Eddie has earned him a Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, SAG Award, and three Primetime Emmy nominations, cementing him as one of television’s most nuanced comedic actors. With ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5 airing through April 2026, Tyler continues to expand his creative footprint, stepping behind the camera to direct episodes and further shape the series’ storytelling. Beyond the screen, he’s emerging as a fashion force and using his voice to advocate for Crohn’s awareness. 

full look LAQUAN SMITH
lapel pin LILLIAN SHALOM

You’ve grown alongside Gregory Eddie on ‘Abbott Elementary’ for five seasons now. What

part of him still surprises or challenges you?

His inability to feel comfortable in situations that most people wouldn’t think twice about continues to delight, surprise and challenge my performance of him. Finding different places to put his discomfort in my body has been really fun to continually explore.                       

full look JAGNE
hat SARAH SOKOL
boots CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Season 5 has been highly anticipated. What do you think makes ‘Abbott Elementary’

resonate so deeply with audiences worldwide?

I think ‘Abbott Elementary’ does what every good TV show should, introduce you to characters that are compelling and that you can fall in love with, and finding any and every interesting situation to put those characters in. I think people initially started watching our show for the laughs and the inner working of teachers and their work lives. I think people keep returning for the story of these characters and the journey of their growth.

full look AMIRI

Last season you directed “The Science Fair,” and you’re directing again this year. What

drew you to that creative leap behind the camera?

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I think growing up in the industry the way I did made the making of television second nature to me. But the opportunity to find new ways to get creative in a long running show is how you keep your creative engine fed. You have to keep trying new things, taking risks and forcing yourself to stretch and grow as an artist. That’s exactly what this opportunity allowed me to do.

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rings MATEO NEW YORK
shoes PDF

How does your process shift when you’re directing your castmates, many of whom you’ve

built such strong chemistry with as an actor?

I’ve worked with my castmates for 5 years now. I’ve seen them perform in so many incredible ways that sometimes never get seen because of editing or there simply being not enough time in an episode. Surprisingly, they’re capable of even more than what the audience sees. All I have to do as a director is put them in positions to do the thing I’ve watched them do for years. It’s a beautiful relationship of trust.

full look DOLCE & GABBANA
brooch RINALDY YUNARDI

You’ve played everything from comedy to horror to social dramas. What do you look for in

a role at this stage of your career?

Something I haven’t seen or heard of before. The best role is the one that makes you ask “How have I never heard of this or considered this perspective?” Actors should be naturally curious and inquisitive. I’m looking for something that triggers that instinct in me. 

full look THE MANNEI
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Having navigated fame at such a young age, how do you protect your craft, your curiosity,

and your sense of self?

I surround myself with other artist with the same goals. It took me a long time to find my people, but it was the most important work I did to keep myself creatively healthy. A lot of people are in this business for different reasons. If you surround yourself with people whose goals are very different from yours, it can be hard to remember why you decided to do this in the first place. I found people walking in the same direction as I was.

full look LAQUAN SMITH
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
necklace FOPE

You’ve become a fashion favorite, especially after debuting your partnership with Law

Roach. How did that collaboration come together?

I’ve always been a fan of Law’s. The work speaks for itself. We briefly crossed paths at an event in NY and exchanged a few DMs after. At the time, I thought Law was still retired. Thankfully, I was wrong. I’m a storyteller at heart. Fashion has always been another way to tell a story for me. Every storyteller wants to work with a good director. Law is one of the best directors in this medium of story telling.

full look GCDS
brooch ALEXIS BITTAR
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
bag DOLCE & GABBANA

You’ve been open about living with Crohn’s disease. What made you decide to share that

part of your life publicly?

Part of being a storyteller is telling your own story and no story is all highlights. It’s the lows and the challenges that make the story have meaning. Everyone has their own trials that make the story that is them worth telling. Crohn’s is one of mine. And hopefully that helps people who are going through the challenging part of their own story.

full look THE MANNEI
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

How has navigating Crohn’s shaped your relationship with work, wellness, and balance?

I’m not superman. I didn’t know that before Crohn’s. I’m very grateful to it for making me sit with that reality, for forcing me to take my health and well being seriously and not put my body last in the priority list. It informs every decision I make. How much I sleep, when I eat, what events I do and do not go to, when I turn off my phone, what outside opinions I listen to, who I choose to keep around me, etc. Crohn’s is my bumper guard. Keeps me from the gutter.

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brooch ALEXIS BITTAR
jewellery MATEO NEW YORK
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

What’s something in your everyday life, big or small, that keeps you grounded?

My brothers. We all had very similar trajectories coming up. We know what can come with that and we’ve seen a lot. We’re committed to not letting each other go over any of the dangerous edges. At the end of the day, we’re the last line of defense for each other. Come hell or high water, we’re going to take care of each other.

full look GCDS
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Now that you’re directing, writing, acting, and shaping stories in new ways, what’s the

next chapter you’re excited to explore?

Putting all of those skills together and developing stories and projects from the ground up.

jacket GAURUV GUPTA
shirt and tie ANAMIKA KHANNA
ring middle finger MATEO NEW YORK
ring index LE VIAN

coat MAXIMILIAN GEDRA
trousers NAMILIA
boots PDF
jewellery MATEO NEW YORK

full look JAGNE
hat SARAH SOKOL
boots CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

TEAM CREDITS:

talent TYLER JAMES WILLIAMS
photography TYLER PATRICK KENNY
styling MIKE ADLER AT Monday Artists
groomer CONSTANCE FOE
barber WILLIAM JAMES
styling assistance NIKKI STOKMAN
studio THE DREAM FACTORY
studio host EVAN DUNING
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN