If Tyler James Williams could choose any guest star for Abbott Elementary, his pick is clear: "I would love to see Solange [Knowles] as a cousin. I feel like we look alike," Williams tells PEOPLE. "It's like us, and then my dad is Orlando [Jones]. Yeah, I think Solange would be great. Just add a family member."

At 31, Williams is now a three-time Emmy nominee for his role as Gregory Eddie, the dedicated first-grade teacher on the hit ABC show. Reflecting on his portrayal, Williams emphasizes the importance of his character, stating, "The overall goal for me here is to show not only Black male educators in a certain light but also Black men in a certain light that are allowed to be emotional and have full emotional spectrums, and then also be in love."

Reflecting on past Emmy wins, Williams highlights Sheryl Lee Ralph’s historic win in 2022 for best supporting actress in a comedy series, making her only the second Black woman to achieve this after Jackée Harry’s 1987 win for 227. "Everybody at the table was just crying, right? That's my favorite Emmys," he recalls.

Williams began his career as a child actor, gaining widespread recognition for his breakout role as a young Chris Rock in the critically acclaimed sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. The show, which ran from 2005 to 2009, showcased Williams' comedic talent and established him as a rising star in Hollywood. Following this success, Williams took on various roles, including appearances on The Walking Dead as Noah and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. He also starred in the Disney Channel movie Let It Shine.