William Jackson Harper was born on August 8, 1980, in Dallas, Texas. Growing up, he had a passion for acting and knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He attended a performing arts high school where he honed his craft and participated in various theater productions.
Harper made his screen debut in 2007 with a guest appearance on the popular television series Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He then went on to land a recurring role as Danny Rebus on the family comedy The Electric Company, which helped him gain recognition in the industry. His breakout role came when he was cast as Chidi Anagonye in the critically acclaimed comedy The Good Place, where he portrayed a highly ethical and intellectual character.
Aside from his television work, Harper has also made a name for himself in the world of film. He appeared in the horror film Midsommar, where he played the character Josh. In 2016, he starred in the feature film Paterson alongside Adam Driver and Golshifteh Farahani. Harper's talent and versatility as an actor have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan following.
In 2023, Harper joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a role in the movie Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, where he portrayed the character Quaz. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his talent on an even larger platform and further solidified his status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Harper is known for his close friendship with his co-star Kristen Bell, who plays Eleanor Shellstrop in The Good Place. The two share a special bond both on and off-screen, and their chemistry has captivated audiences around the world.
Throughout his career, William Jackson Harper has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor with a bright future ahead of him. His dedication to his craft and ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters have set him apart in the entertainment industry. With a growing list of credits to his name, Harper continues to impress audiences with his performances and remains a beloved figure in the world of television and film.