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Long before he landed a standout role as Officer Dickson in Tyler Perry’s latest viral film Straw, Anthony E. Williams was already mastering the delicate dance between corporate strategy and creative pursuit. These days, he’s just as likely to be found in a boardroom as he is on set — toggling between deadlines and call times with the precision of someone who understands that dreams don’t fund themselves.

 Photo credit – Jonny Marlow

Straw marks the latest step in Williams’ rising acting career, but his story with Tyler Perry Studios started years earlier — and it wasn’t an easy door to open. It took 26 auditions before he landed his first role with the powerhouse brand. Twenty-six times showing up, reading lines, facing rejection, and coming back stronger. That kind of perseverance doesn’t just build careers — it builds character.

Now, back in uniform as Officer Dickson, Williams steps into a role that holds real-world weight. Portraying law enforcement in today’s social climate is layered, challenging, and deeply nuanced. But Williams doesn’t shy away from that complexity. He brings a thoughtful presence to the role — one that reflects not just the script, but the world we live in.

This isn’t Williams’ first time in blue, but it may be his most culturally relevant portrayal yet.

And still, through all the screen time, Williams keeps a foot firmly planted in another world — corporate America. While some actors fund their dreams through bartending or service jobs, Williams fuels his craft through a different hustle: spreadsheets, strategy decks, and the kind of professional consistency that’s helped him build a life while chasing the spotlight.

Photo credit – Leslie Hassler 


It’s not a contradiction — it’s a blueprint.

For Williams, success isn’t about picking one path and sticking to it. It’s about designing a life where both passions coexist. His journey is a reminder that the road to your dream isn’t always glamorous — but with grit, it can be yours.

Whether he’s delivering a line on set or leading a meeting in the office, Anthony E. Williams shows up with purpose, professionalism, and presence — and that’s exactly why you’ll keep seeing his name.

Photo Credits by: Jonny Marlow and Leslie Hassler