‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Jesse Williams Explains His Social Media Strategy

Jesse Williams is a fan favorite on “Grey’s Anatomy” – for many reasons.

Viewers connect with his portrayal of the ambitious, yet likeable Dr. Jackson Avery; but let’s be honest, the Chicago-born actor’s amazingly good looks and piercing blue-green eyes are also part of why many viewers look forward to seeing him on the show every Thursday.

Williams has amassed a social media following of close to 2 million fans between Twitter and Instagram, but where many celebrities primarily use their platforms for self-promotion, he has decided to take things in a different direction.

“It’s important for me to be present as a citizen of this planet, and social media acts as an extension [of that],” Williams told Access Hollywood on the red carpet of a #TGIT event in West Hollywood over the weekend. “I use it as part of a representation of who I am.”

Many celebrities shy away from broaching controversial issues – like police brutality and race relations – on social media, but the “Grey’s Anatomy” star embraces using his voice for such causes.

“I’m not going to do less because I have a platform. That might even motivate me to do more,” he added.

And more he has done. Last October, Williams joined thousands of protesters in Ferguson, Mo., after the police shooting of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown; and Williams’ activism has subsequently continued.

A former high school teacher, Williams sees social media as a means to encourage dialogue and personal growth.

“There’s an incredible opportunity for education, opportunities for sharing, and kind of collective reasoning to be had and used,” the actor told us, adding, “For me, this is not a tool for vanity or selfies alone.”

Of course, the star’s activism doesn’t mean he completely avoids posting selfies, or that he’s shy about acknowledging that he makes ladies swoon, as evidenced by the plenty of pictures of Williams’ dreamy eyes and defined jawline on his Instagram page – he just doesn’t limit himself to the typical social snaps.

“We can chew gum and walk at the same time,” Williams told Access about his social media philosophy. “We can be intelligent and attempt to be attractive also. You don’t have to be one or the other.”

— Evan Seymour