Mykelti Williamson is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, having started his acting career professionally at the age of 18. He is best remembered for his touching performance as "Bubba" opposite Tom Hanks in the Academy Award-winning Forrest Gump (1994).
Williamson was born in St. Louis, MO, to an Air Force Staff Sergeant father and a certified public accountant mother. He began performing on the stage at the age of 9 and was instantly hooked after realizing that the people on television were performing.
After settling in Los Angeles with his family at the age of 15, Williamson excelled at both football and basketball but quit sports to focus on acting. He made his film debut in the Walter Hill-directed feature Streets of Fire (1984) and went on to appear in several films and television shows, including The Fugitive (2000),Forrest Gump (1994),Waiting to Exhale (1995),Heat (1995),Free Willy (1993),and Con Air (1997).
Williamson has also starred in several television shows and telefilms, including Soul of the Game (1996),Buffalo Soldiers (1997),12 Angry Men (1997),and The Hoop Life (1999). He has received rave reviews for his performances, including his critically acclaimed portrayal of legendary Negro League baseball legend Josh Gibson in Soul of the Game.
On stage, Williamson has starred in ensemble dramas such as "Distant Fires" (1995),which earned the cast a prestigious L.A. Theatre Award. He is an avid sports fan and devoted family man who enjoys restoring classic cars and rodeoing in his free time.
Williamson has been named by his grandfather for 'Spirit' or 'Silent Friend' in the language of Blackfeet Indians, reflecting his quiet and humble nature. He has built a reputation in Hollywood as one of the most consistently proven actors in the business, delivering stirring and honest performances that always capture audiences.
