Cesili Williams was born in Lynwood Illinois to talented parents. She graduated from Illinois State University, and received an Irene Ryan nomination for "Death and the King's Horseman". 

 

Cesili received her MFA at Calarts School of Theater. While at Calarts she appeared in various productions including Mattie Campbell in "Joe Turner’s Come and Gone". In addition, she sang at various functions in the LA area, and wrote  and recorded songs with various local artists.  

 

Ms. Williams recently completed “The Donut Shop”, a short film in which she plays a crooked detective. Cesili has been seen on

"How to get Away with Murder", "NCIS", “The Odd Couple,” and 

“Hot in Cleveland”. You can also hear her voice on

video game: “World of Warcraft” as Norsala.

 

She has been nominated for best leading actress in a Musical for her role as Celie in The Color Purple by NAACP,  The Ovation Awards, Scenie Awards, and Broadway LA.

She also received a Best Supporting actress nomination by LA Weekly, for her work in The Blacks A Clown Show.