Jesse Williams reveals the impact of Harry Belafonte’s support on his career

Grey’s Anatomy actor Jesse Williams has spoken about the support he received from late civil rights activist Harry Belafonte after facing professional setbacks over his activism against racism and inequality.

In the documentary Following Harry, Williams recalls how Belafonte helped him navigate a difficult period in his life and career. The film, directed by Susanne Rostock, examines the final 12 years of Belafonte’s life and his lasting influence on civil rights activism in the United States.

Williams, who received the BET Humanitarian Award in 2016, became widely recognised for his speech addressing racial inequality and systemic injustice. However, he says the speech also brought backlash, including threats against him and his family.

“I was offered movies and was told I had the role. And then a top-level executive said, ‘No, I don’t like his politics,’” Williams recalls in the documentary.

The actor said he later visited Belafonte at his home after receiving a message from the activist warning him about the potential backlash. Williams described the meeting as a source of comfort during a chaotic time in his life.

He said Belafonte made him feel “held” and that the support meant a great deal to him. Williams added that much of what he has done since has been shaped by that experience.

Belafonte, who died in 2023 at the age of 96, was known for both his entertainment career and his decades of civil rights work. His achievements included the landmark 1956 album Calypso and film roles in Carmen Jones and Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman. He also worked alongside prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr.

Williams continued acting after the controversy, appearing in Grey’s Anatomy until 2025 and taking roles in Only Murders in the Building and The Morning Show. He also earned a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway performance in Take Me Out.

Following Harry is available to stream on video-on-demand platforms, including Apple TV and Prime Video.