William Jackson Harper, born on February 8, 1980, is a talented American actor and playwright renowned for his compelling performances on both stage and screen. He first captured the public's attention as a main cast member in the PBS Kids Go! series The Electric Company from 2009 to 2011, showcasing his versatility and charm.
Harper gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Chidi Anagonye in the NBC comedy series The Good Place, which aired from 2016 to 2020. His exceptional performance earned him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his television work, Harper is an accomplished playwright, having penned works such as We Live Here (2010) and Travisville (2018). His Broadway debut came in 2013 when he portrayed civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael in the play All the Way. His stage credits also include notable productions like Romeo & Juliet (2012), After the Blast (2017), and Primary Trust (2023).
Harper's film career includes supporting roles in critically acclaimed movies such as Paterson (2016), Midsommar (2019), and Dark Waters (2019). He also appeared in the Amazon limited series The Underground Railroad (2020) and the HBO Max comedy series Love Life (2021). Most recently, he portrayed Quaz in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), further expanding his impressive repertoire.
As of 2024, Harper is set to earn a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role as Astrov in the Lincoln Center Theatre revival of Uncle Vanya, demonstrating his continued excellence in the performing arts.