Tyler James Williams on Directing and the Success of ‘Abbott Elementary’

After five seasons playing Gregory on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, Tyler James Williams is adding a new title to his job: director. “I think for a while, I have been wanting to get my hands dirty in another aspect of the process.” The actor learned that he approaches directing differently because of his acting background. “My brain thinks in act breaks and pacing, and I guess finding the funniest way to see something and show something.” This evolution for Williams is just another notch in an already impressive career that introduced characters like his breakout lead role as a child actor on Everybody Hates Chris and Lionel in the film Dear White People. “There's definitely a consistent thread that runs through all of them. That is a guy who's trying to find his way ultimately, who may be a bit more awkward and outside of the norm than most people, but who's sincerely trying.” And because his work on Abbott Elementary has resulted in multiple Emmy nominations, that's inspired impressive red-carpet moments with co-star Chris Perfetti. “We understood that we may have a little bit more hill to climb. So with that being the case, we're gonna have fun with it.” Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.