When most people hear the name William Jackson Harper, the first thing that comes to mind is likely his portrayal of Chidi Anagonye, the neurotic, ethics-obsessed philosophy professor from the hit NBC series The Good Place. Chidi became an iconic character in the world of television, whose moral dilemmas and endearing awkwardness made him one of the show’s standout figures. However, William Jackson Harper is more than just the lovable, indecisive professor. His career spans much more than one role, with notable performances in film, television, and theater, making him a versatile actor deserving of broader recognition.
The Rise of William Jackson Harper
William Jackson Harper was born on February 8, 1980, in Dallas, Texas, and grew up with a deep love for storytelling. His passion for acting was sparked early on, with the young Harper participating in local theater productions during his youth. After high school, he attended the prestigious Rutgers University, where he honed his craft and developed his acting chops. Harper’s early performances in theater helped shape his identity as an actor, and it was there that he first learned to command the stage with his natural talent and presence.
Despite his early passion for acting, Harper didn’t immediately achieve fame. Instead, he spent years perfecting his craft in various regional theaters before transitioning to television and film. His first on-screen roles were small, appearing in a variety of guest spots on TV shows like The Electric Company and The Mindy Project. These early roles served as stepping stones in Harper’s journey, allowing him to build a reputation for his ability to play characters with emotional depth and subtle humor.
The Breakthrough: Chidi Anagonye
William Jackson Harper’s career took a massive leap forward when he was cast as Chidi Anagonye in The Good Place, a unique and thought-provoking comedy created by Michael Schur (the creator behind Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine). The premise of The Good Place revolved around Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), who finds herself in the afterlife’s “Good Place” by mistake, along with Chidi, a brilliant and kind-hearted philosophy professor who has an extreme sense of morality. The series explores themes of ethics, personal growth, and redemption while using humor to tackle weighty philosophical questions.
Chidi’s character quickly became a fan favorite. As an overthinker with a heart of gold, Chidi was an emotional anchor for the show. He faced the challenges of being stuck in a strange, supernatural afterlife while grappling with moral quandaries and struggling to make decisions. Harper’s portrayal of Chidi was both hilarious and deeply relatable. His portrayal of indecisiveness, coupled with moments of earnest vulnerability, made him an indispensable part of the show’s ensemble cast. He was, in many ways, the emotional center of the series, offering philosophical insights that helped both the characters and viewers reflect on their own lives.
Chidi’s popularity also cemented William Jackson Harper as a rising star. His ability to bring depth to what could have been a one-note character earned him critical acclaim, and he was even nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award for his work. But Chidi’s success did not define him entirely, and Harper was determined to make sure that his career encompassed a range of roles that showcased his impressive versatility as an actor.
Moving Beyond Chidi: A Multifaceted Career
While The Good Place was undoubtedly a career-defining role for Harper, it is far from the only project he has tackled. In fact, Harper has actively sought roles that allow him to demonstrate his range across different genres and mediums.
Film Roles: Following his success with The Good Place, Harper transitioned into film, taking on a variety of roles that showcased his diverse abilities. One standout role was in the 2019 film Midsommar, directed by Ari Aster. In this psychological horror film, Harper played the character of Josh, a graduate student who joins a group of friends on a trip to a rural Swedish village. His performance in Midsommar marked a sharp departure from his comedic work on The Good Place—Josh is much more serious, intellectual, and ultimately caught in an increasingly horrifying situation. Harper’s turn in Midsommar showed his impressive ability to switch genres, moving from comedy to horror with ease.
In addition to Midsommar, Harper also starred in the 2021 romantic comedy We Broke Up, where he played a character who struggles with the complexities of modern relationships. These roles allowed Harper to expand beyond the “nice guy” persona of Chidi, embracing darker and more nuanced characters that displayed his range and depth as an actor.
Theater: In addition to his television and film work, Harper has maintained his strong ties to theater. He has appeared in a number of stage productions, particularly in New York City’s vibrant theater scene. In 2017, Harper appeared in the off-Broadway play The Minions, written by Jordan E. Cooper. His role in the play allowed him to explore the complexities of identity, race, and social structures while also giving him an opportunity to showcase his theatrical chops in front of a live audience.
Harper’s return to the stage is a testament to his commitment to challenging himself as an actor. Theater offers a unique opportunity for performers to hone their skills and connect with audiences on a deeper level, and Harper’s work on stage has contributed significantly to his growth as an actor.
Upcoming Projects: As of 2025, Harper continues to diversify his career, taking on new projects that push him to explore different genres and characters. His upcoming roles in both film and television promise to further showcase his wide range of abilities, and fans are eager to see how he continues to evolve as an actor.
The Personal Side of William Jackson Harper
Behind the scenes, William Jackson Harper is known for his humility and dedication to his craft. While he has achieved great success, Harper maintains a grounded and thoughtful persona. His personality off-screen mirrors that of his most beloved characters: kind-hearted, thoughtful, and deeply introspective. He has often spoken about how his experiences with The Good Place and other projects have taught him about the importance of taking chances and embracing new opportunities.
Despite his growing fame, Harper remains relatively private about his personal life, preferring to let his work speak for itself. He has been candid in interviews about his passion for acting and his desire to challenge himself with each new project. This commitment to growth, both as an artist and as a person, has endeared him to fans and made him one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile actors.
Conclusion
While many may recognize William Jackson Harper as Chidi Anagonye from The Good Place, his career is far from limited to this one iconic role. Harper’s impressive range across television, film, and theater showcases his ability to tackle diverse characters and genres. From comedy to horror, from stage to screen, William Jackson Harper continues to prove that he is more than just Chidi—he is an actor whose talent and versatility are destined to leave a lasting mark on the entertainment world. As he continues to explore new roles and projects, there is no doubt that Harper’s career will continue to evolve, and audiences will eagerly follow his journey in the years to come.