Jessica Williams is a powerhouse storyteller who blends comedy, insight, and charm to spark meaningful conversations. You may know her from Apple TV+'s hit series Shrinking, where she stars alongside Jason Segel and Harrison Ford as the irresistibly witty therapist Gaby. This role earned her both Emmy and Critics Choice nominations. She's also stood out in films like Booksmart , The Incredible Jessica James , and Amazon MGM's record- breaking Road House reboot. But before she graced the big screen, Williams made history as the youngest—and first Black woman—correspondent on The Daily Show , where she tackled race, politics, and culture with sharp humor and fearless candor.
On stage, Williams is equally thought-provoking and hilarious, drawing from her experiences as a woman of color navigating Hollywood, media, and comedy. Whether unpacking the power of storytelling in social change, the role of humor in addressing complex topics like politics, or the importance of representation in entertainment and leadership, she delivers sharp insights with warmth and authenticity. Her keynotes inspire audiences, offering fresh perspectives on resilience, self-advocacy, and the intersection of comedy and activism.
Williams recently lent her voice to the character 'Meadow' in Netflix’s visually stunning adult-animated series Entergalactic, created by Kid Cudi. She also starred in the critically acclaimed HBO Max anthology series Love Life and reprised her role as the charming and whip-smart 'Lally' in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Over the years, she’s showcased her comedic chops in Patrick Brice’s indie comedy Corporate Animals and brought fresh energy to CBS All Access’s reboot of The Twilight Zone. Beyond the screen, Williams made waves in the podcast world with 2 Dope Queens, which she co-created with fellow comedian Phoebe Robinson. Born from their beloved Brooklyn live show, the podcast became a cultural phenomenon, celebrating diverse voices in comedy while tackling everything from romance to race with humor and heart. Its success led to a four-episode HBO special in 2018, further cementing Williams as a force in entertainment.
Her rise to prominence began in 2012 when she joined The Daily Show , making history as the youngest and first Black woman correspondent. Over four years, she delivered sharp, thought- provoking segments on race, gender, and politics — fearlessly taking on issues like police brutality, transgender rights, and sexism in government. With her signature wit and candor, she reshaped satirical news, earning a reputation as a fresh and necessary voice in comedy.
Before The Daily Show, Williams honed her craft in improv and stand-up with the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, eventually landing on Variety’s prestigious “Top 10 Comics to Watch” list in 2012. A proud California State University, Long Beach graduate, she remains deeply connected to her roots in Los Angeles, where she continues to create, perform, and inspire.
