Jessica Williams Reflects on Life as a Millennial, Tokyo Trip, and Emmy Nomination

Jessica Williams, an acclaimed actor and millennial icon, recently turned 37 and marked the occasion with a trip to Tokyo, a destination often featured on millennial bucket lists. The journey, however, took an unexpected turn when she discovered that she had forgotten her SSRI, Lexapro, at home. Fortunately, she was able to obtain a quick refill in Tokyo, sharing with a laugh, “It was weird to be in a place where they wanted me to have my antidepressant.”

Upon returning to work on the fourth season of Apple TV’s Shrinking, Williams received the exciting news of her third consecutive Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This nomination underscores her successful career trajectory, as she acknowledged, “We have the dream as millennials to have some sort of monetary gain from the art that we make, something that we love doing,” expressing gratitude for financial independence and union-provided healthcare.

Williams, known for her breakout role on The Daily Show at 22, co-founded the widely popular podcast 2 Dope Queens with friend Phoebe Robinson. She has also appeared in projects like Girls and the indie film The Incredible Jessica James, as well as the anthology series Love Life, which she describes as having the “Black season.”

Discussing her role as Gaby on Shrinking, Williams is optimistic about her character’s development. She enjoys showcasing a blend of comedy and emotion, stating, “The Emmys are really cool because it’s your peers and it’s people that are doing the same job you are.” Her character Gaby experiences significant growth in the upcoming season, including a deeper commitment to her romantic relationship with Derrick 2, played by Damon Wayans Jr., and plans to open her own trauma center.

Reflecting on her collaboration with Harrison Ford, she remarked on the unique dynamic between their characters, appreciating the depth and subtleties of their performances. Williams credits Ford’s mentorship role as contributing positively to her experience on set, explaining, “There’s a respect there that I haven’t often gotten as a Black woman in this business.”

Williams has also been vocal about the importance of having allies in the entertainment industry, specifically referring to her experiences on an Apple TV panel, where she discussed the need for white male representation in decision-making roles. She praised Shrinking creator Bill Lawrence for his commitment to diversity within the writers’ room and for empowering her in her character’s evolution.

As Williams wraps up season four, she looks forward to introducing new guest stars, including Michael J. Fox and Christian Slater, teasing her completion of an undisclosed rom-com project with Jake Johnson. She expresses a desire for more authentic representations of love, stating, “I like to see people being sexy on TV. I want to see more yearning.” In her pursuit to contribute to the rom-com genre, she aims to present diverse love stories involving all kinds of relationships.

With insight into her personal life, Williams shared how engaging in hobbies like sewing has helped her navigate the industry’s highs and lows. She emphasized the importance of balancing fulfilling activities outside of work to stay grounded amid the pressures of fame, stating, “You are this person who was born in 1989…you’re not just this person in this business. You’re more than that.”