News June 18, 2021
Jesse Williams Will Get NAKED for Broadway Debut!
Instagram
Jesse Williams plans to go au naturel in his Broadway debut!
This week on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” the actor spoke to tWitch about his exciting new role in the revival of “Take Me Out,” a play by Richard Greenberg.
In the project, which is set to open in spring 2022 at the Helen Hayes Theater, the 40-year-old will play Darren Lemming, a baseball star who must overcome prejudice from teammates and friends after he reveals he’s gay.
During his sit-down, the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum confirms that his portrayal of the athlete requires full frontal nudity.
“What?!” Williams joked, while pretending to be surprised when tWitch asked if he was prepared for the scene. “Yeah, that’s true. I got the memo.”
“The character does call for a little bit of nudity, so what I will say about that is it’s terrifying in all the right ways,” he continued. “I’m looking to be challenged in new ways. To be scared and excited, to be pushed. One of the beautiful things about the job that I’ve had for so long is the comfort it creates. So, I’m excited to do something new.”
Though Williams began rehearsals last year, production was forced to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So we had to abandon ship there,” he said, adding that he and the rest of the crew were “incredibly lucky” to be able to return and “get another shot at this thing.”
Last month, it was announced that Williams will be leaving “Grey’s” after 12 seasons.
“I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda, the network, studio, fellow cast mates, our incredible crew, Krista, Ellen and Debbie,” Williams — who portrayed Dr. Jackson Avery — said in a statement, expressing gratitude to show creator Shonda Rhimes, showrunner Krista Vernoff, co-star Ellen Pompeo, and director Debbie Allen.
“As an actor, director and person, I have been obscenely lucky to learn so much from so many and I thank our beautiful fans, who breathe so much energy and appreciation into our shared worlds,” he continued.
“The experience and endurance born of creating nearly 300 hours of leading global television is a gift I’ll carry always. I am immensely proud of our work, our impact and to be moving forward with so many tools, opportunities, allies and dear friends.”
