Melissa L. Williams
Melissa L. Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actress and singer |
| Years active | 2011–present |
Melissa L. Williams is a Jamaican-American actress and singer, widely recognized for her standout performances in Tyler Perry's hit series The Oval, where she portrays both Denise and Ruth. She also stars in the spin-off series Ruthless, further solidifying her place as a rising star in television.
Life and career
Williams was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is the oldest of seven children.[1] Williams moved to Atlanta and attended Clark Atlanta University.[2][3] She began her career appearing in several musicals at the local theater before moving to Los Angeles.[2] On television, she guest starred on The Game, If Loving You Is Wrong and Rosewood. She received Indie Series Awards nomination for her performance in Poz Roz.[4]
In 2019, Tyler Perry cast Williams in a dual role as twin sisters in his BET prime time soap opera The Oval.[5] She later went to star in its spinoff Ruthless for streaming service BET+.[6][7]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | The First Stone | Reigh | |
| Escape Artist | Beatrice Evans | ||
| 2021 | Dutch | Nina | |
| 2023 | Game of Deceit | Elle | |
| 2024 | Dutch II: Angel's Revenge | Nina | |
| 2025 | Never Alone 4 Christmas
Memphis |
Monica |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | The Game | Jasmine | Episode: "Get Up, Stand Up" |
| 2016 | If Loving You Is Wrong | Grace | Episodes: "An Evil Alliance" & "For Pete" |
| 2017 | Rosewood | Woman #1 | Episode: "Mummies and Meltdowns" |
| Hand of God | Nurse | Episode: "Not Writing a Love Letter" | |
| 2017-18 | Wade's World | Vanessa | Episodes: "AfterMath" & "Chess Not Checkers" |
| 2018 | Me, Myself & I | Beyonce Impersonator | Episode: "The Breakup" |
| 2019 | Hello Cupid 3.0 | Zaya | Main cast |
| Poz Roz | Amber | Recurring cast | |
| 2019–21 | The Oval | Denise Truesdale/Ruth Truesdale | Recurring cast: season 1-2 |
| 2020– | Ruthless | Ruth Truesdale | Main cast |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Awards | Category | Recipient | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Indie Series Awards | Indie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress - Drama | "Poz Roz" | Nominated |
References
- ^ "5 Things To Know About Melissa L. Williams, Star of Tyler Perry's 'Ruthless'". BET.com.
- ^ a b "BET Press | Tyler Perry's Ruthless - Biography - Melissa L. Williams". www.betpressroom.com.
- ^ Vo, Thao (October 4, 2019). "Melissa L. Williams Weighs In on Her Role on BET's 'The Oval'".
- ^ "11th Annual Indie Series Awards Nominations".
- ^ Swift, Andy (November 7, 2019). "Tyler Perry's The Oval Scores Spinoff About Religious Sex Cult on BET+".
- ^ Petski, Denise (February 21, 2020). "'Tyler Perry's Ruthless' Gets Premiere Date On BET+".
- ^ "The Quarantined Talent: Breakout Star Melissa L. Williams". www.goldenglobes.com. 31 March 2020.