This fall, Mykelti Williamson is set to reprise his role as the cunning and ambitious businessman Preston Webb on Law & Order: Organized Crime. “Preston has dreams of building an empire that rivals Walmart or Amazon,” Mykelti shares with Closer. “What fascinates me about this character is his desire to make amends for his past mistakes. Even villains have a human side, and that’s what I aim to bring to life on screen. No one is purely good or evil—it’s the gray areas that make a character compelling.”
At 65, Mykelti has spent decades exploring the complexities of human nature as an actor. Starting his career as a teenager, he appeared in guest roles on iconic shows like Starsky and Hutch, The White Shadow, and Father Murphy. Known for his versatility both in front of and behind the camera, Mykelti gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Bubba, Tom Hanks’ unforgettable Army buddy in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. “That role was a turning point,” he reflects. “It pushed me to prove that I wasn’t just some quirky guy with a distinctive look. It was an actor doing character work, and it changed my life forever.”
A Conversation with Mykelti Williamson
What Sparked Your Passion for Acting?
“It all started at church when I was around 7 or 8 years old. A stage mom pulled her son out of a play on a Friday night, and my aunt called me in as a last-minute replacement. I watched the other kids perform with a script in hand, and by Sunday, I went live—completely off-book—and earned a standing ovation. That moment left a lasting impression on me. I realized how powerful storytelling could be, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
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Was Your Family Supportive of Your Acting Career?
“My family was cautiously supportive. They wanted me to chase my dreams but also worried about the challenges of the entertainment industry. Growing up in a household unfamiliar with Hollywood, they had heard stories—some inspiring, others cautionary. It took time for them to fully embrace my path, but their love and encouragement have always been there.”
Your Big Break: A Journey to Success
“One of my earliest breakthroughs came with The Righteous Apples, the first half-hour sitcom on PBS. Directed by the legendary Stan Lathan, this show gave me my first regular television role. He not only taught me the technical aspects of acting, like hitting marks, but also became a mentor who shaped my career. Those early experiences laid the foundation for everything that followed.”
Life on the Set of Forrest Gump
“Working on Forrest Gump was an incredible experience. Director Bob Zemeckis allowed me to immerse myself in the role by spending three weeks in South Carolina learning how to work on a shrimping boat. I even had a dialect coach to perfect Bubba’s unique voice. The cast, including Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise, were nothing short of amazing—talented individuals who inspire admiration and respect. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The Art of Disappearing: Staying Anonymous After Fame
“Interestingly, people didn’t always recognize me after Forrest Gump. On airplanes, passengers would watch the movie without realizing I was sitting right across from them. That anonymity was a blessing—it allowed me to maintain a normal life, whether it was grabbing a hot dog or enjoying quiet moments with loved ones.”
The Meaning Behind "Mykelti"
“My name has deep roots in Native American culture. It means ‘Spirit-like Gods’ and was chosen by my grandfather. The Blackfeet tribe, one of my ancestors, encountered Europeans along the Missouri River and tragically suffered from diseases like smallpox. My name serves as a reminder of their resilience and legacy.”
Marriage and Family: Celebrating 25 Years
“Being married to my wife, Sondra, for 25 years is a testament to our connection and partnership. Meeting the right person involves a bit of luck, and we’ve built a strong foundation based on mutual respect and understanding. Our journey together has been nothing short of remarkable.”
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Advice on Love and Marriage
“My mother gave me priceless advice about relationships. She said, ‘Don’t try to mold someone into the person you think you want. Let people be authentic, and be yourself.’ That wisdom guided me when I met Sondra. We appreciated each other for who we truly are, and that authenticity has been key to our lasting bond.”
Daughters Following Their Own Paths
“All three of my daughters have pursued their passions in creative ways. Phoenix is carving her niche as a producer while honing her acting skills. Nicole combines her love for acting with designing women’s clothing and lingerie. Maya, my youngest, is an accomplished jazz trumpet player who performed at Carnegie Hall at just 14 years old. Watching them grow and thrive fills me with immense pride.”
Hobbies Beyond Acting
“When I’m not working, I enjoy activities that keep me active and inspired. Swimming, golfing, flying airplanes, and scuba diving are among my favorite pastimes. Photography is another passion of mine—I love capturing the beauty of old barns and rural landscapes. People often question why I focus on such subjects, but once they see my work, they understand the artistry behind it.”
Proud Moments in Life and Career
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress I’ve witnessed in Hollywood. While there are still remnants of outdated stereotypes, I see a growing number of creators striving to present more accurate and inclusive portrayals. This evolution reflects a commitment to uplifting humanity and challenging prejudices, and I’m honored to be part of that movement.”
Words to Live By
“I believe in four guiding principles: love, respect, personal power, and having a ‘flamethrower.’ I extend love and respect to everyone, but I refuse to give anyone undue control over me. At the same time, I encourage others to embrace their own power. And yes, I carry a metaphorical flamethrower for those rare occasions when it’s needed. But ultimately, I always return to love.”
Future Aspirations
“Directing has been a passion of mine since the ’70s, though I set it aside for a while. Recently, I’ve reignited that passion, focusing on creating films that celebrate humanity and break down stereotypes. My goal is to produce stories that resonate deeply and inspire meaningful change. That’s where my heart lies moving forward.”
