Mykelti Williamson | |
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Williamson at the Astoria Hotel in May 2003
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Born |
Michael T. Williamson March 4, 1957 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Other names | Mykel T. Williamson |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1978–present |
Known for | Forrest Gump 24 Justified Free Willy Three Kings Black Dynamite Heat Boomtown |
Spouse(s) | Sondra Spriggs (1997–present) Cheryl Chisholm (1989–1991) Olivia Brown (1983–1985) |
Michael T. "Mykelti" Williamson (born March 4, 1957) is an American actor best known for his roles in the films Forrest Gump and Con Air, and the television shows Boomtown, 24, and Justified. In 2016, he portrayed Gabriel Maxson in Denzel Washington's acclaimed film adaptation of August Wilson's play Fences, reprising his role from the 2010 Broadway revival.
His other notable roles include Free Willy, Heat, Lucky Number Slevin, Three Kings, Black Dynamite, and The Final Destination.
Williamson was born on March 4, 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the son of Elaine, a certified public accountant, and a father who was an Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer.
Williamson began performing at the age of nine. Along with acting, he also danced as an alternate member of The Lockers troupe on Soul Train along with Fred Berry (star of TV sitcom What's Happening!!). At age nine, Williamson relocated to Los Angeles with his family. While in high school he excelled in athletics, particularly football and basketball. However, acting was his first love and he pursued sports no farther than high school.
Williamson studied television/film at Los Angeles City College. He audited acting classes at USC under the tutelage of Dr. Frank X. Ford. Williamson later transferred to Gene Evans Motion Picture School in San Jose and earned his certificate in Cinematography/ Film Production.