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Walter Williams' career is defined by innovations in both comedy and technology. This is evident from his first Mr. Bill short, created 40 years ago for less than $20, to the digital desktop studio he now uses to produce commercials, documentaries, 3D animations, and stereoscopic 3D films.
A native of New Orleans, Williams discovered Super-8 film at age 17. "Luckily, I had no talent for anything else, so medical school was off the table." He began making comedy films which he screened at local clubs and bars, eventually landing his own UHF-TV show in New Orleans. When "Saturday Night Live," then in its early days, requested home movies in 1975, Williams submitted his reel, launching Mr. Bill on national television.
Williams moved to New York to continue working on SNL, making more films and performing stand-up at the Improv and other venues. After three seasons, Lorne Michaels hired him as a full-time writer. From 1978 to 1980, Williams created over 20 Mr. Bill skits, along with other sketches and films like "Elvis Presley's Coat." He earned a Writers Guild of America award and multiple Emmy nominations. Williams left SNL in 1980 after Michaels and the original cast departed. Since then, he has written screenplays and directed hundreds of shorts and television shows, including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and the Fox series "TV," created by fellow SNL head writer Michael O'Donoghue and starring Rutger Hauer, Kelly Lynch, and Brian Keith.
Williams also built a successful career directing commercials, notably creating the "Pizza Head" character for a national Pizza Hut campaign, directing 20 spots over four years. He has directed Mr. Bill campaigns for Mastercard, Subway, Lexus, Burger King, and Ramada Inn.
Beyond comedy, Williams is dedicated to documentaries and educational films. A strong advocate for coastal restoration, he has produced a diverse range of comedic and educational works addressing issues faced by New Orleans and South Louisiana. His Mr. Bill wetlands public service announcements have received several Telly awards.
Williams views comedy and technology as powerful educational tools. "People complain that everyone just wants to watch TV. Since that isn’t going to change, it’s crucial for storytellers to use television and technology to educate, especially children.
