Tyler James Williams' 2 Brothers: All About Tyrel and Tylen

Mar. 15, 2025

Tyrel Jackson Williams, Tylen Jacob Williams, and Tyler James Williams.Photo:Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Abbott ElementarystarTyler James Williamsisn’t the only entertainer in his family —his parentssang background for musical legends, likePatti LaBelleandLuther Vandross. But it doesn’t stop there: His younger brothers,Tyrel Jackson Williamsand Tylen Jacob Williams, are also actors and musicians blazing their own paths in the entertainment industry.

All three brothers enjoy close relationships with one another. After Tyler made a public statement addressingpeople who questioned his sexuality, both Tyrel and Tylen spoke about how supportive their oldest brother was when they each came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

“We taught each other just how big the world can be when you decide for yourself who and what you are. What is authentic to you,” Tyrelwrote on X(formerly Twitter) in June 2023. “I want to give Ty his flowers this pride month. A true representation of healthy masculinity and effective allyship. Give him all of the awards forever.”

They’ve also supported one another through health challenges, including Tyler and Tyrel’s experiences with Crohn’s disease and the subsequent lifestyle changes they’ve made.

Here’s everything to know about Tyler James Williams’ brothers — Tyrel Jackson Williams and Tylen Jacob Williams — and their relationship with the actor.

They were born and raised in New York

Tylen Jacob Williams, Tyler James Williams, and Tyrel Jackson Williams.Eric Neitzel/WireImage

Eric Neitzel/WireImage

All three brothers were born in Yonkers, Westchester County, New York. Tyler James Williams was born on Oct. 9, 1992; Tyrel Jackson Williams was born on March 16, 1997. The youngest of the Williams brothers, Tylen Jacob Williams was born on Dec. 8, 2001.

The boys were born to Le’Roy and Angela Williams, both of whom were musicians. Angela later wrote a book,My Child Is Going to Be Rich and Famous, about parenting working child actors. Le’Roy worked as a New York City police officer for two decades.

They starred inEverybody Hates Chris

Tylen Jacob Williams, Tyler James Williams, and Tyrel Jackson Williams.Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Michael Tran/FilmMagic

All three brothers are in the entertainment business

Tyrel Jackson Williams.Michael Kovac/Getty

Michael Kovac/Getty

Tyler isn’t the only star in the family. Tyrel has followed in his older brother’s footsteps as an actor, with an impressive résumé that includes roles onLab Rats,BrockmireandParty Down. He also had guest roles onCommunityandModern Family.

In addition to acting, Tyrel is a musician who performs and records as part of the music collective grouptherapy. Other members include Jadagrace and Coy Stewart (a.k.a. SWIM), both of whom were also child actors.

In another interview, Tyrel shared some key advice he took from his older brother Tyler about making the jump from child actor to professional adult. Tyler had experience with this himself, going from his teenage years onEverybody Hates Christo hisGolden Globe-winning performanceonAbbott Elementary.

“The one bit of advice that he gave me that I sort of find myself returning to was: The show that you did is the show that you did, and people are going to love it for what it is, but if you want newer people who aren’t familiar with you to see you a different way, keep hitting that,” Tyrel shared withPolygon. “If you want to be seen differently, do different things.”

Tylen is also an actor, having appeared in series likeInstant MomandWisdom of the Crowd.

Like Tyrel, Tylen is making a name for himself in the music industry. He’s a producer and musician who frequently works on projects with Tyrel’s music collective. Tyrel and Tylen produced their song “FUNKFEST,” and Tylen shared abehind-the-scenes videowith the group breaking down the track’s production process.

Their parents were also performers

Tyler James Williams with his parents.Frederick M. Brown/Getty

Frederick M. Brown/Getty

The star power runs deep in this family! Tyler shared in an interview onThe Jennifer Hudson Showthat his parents sang backup for stars like Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle andNona Hendryx.

“It’s crazy how talent kind of moves through families,” Tyler added. “My brothers still do music now.”

When hostJennifer Hudsonasked if he himself sang, Tyler was quick to respond. “I can hold a note, but … when you have a family of singers who can flat-footed blow, ‘Can you sing?’ is a touchy question,” he joked. “Compared to them, no I cannot.”

Tyler and Tyrel have Crohn’s disease

Tyrel Jackson Williams and Tyler James Williams.Todd Wawrychuk/Disney Channel/Getty

Todd Wawrychuk/Disney Channel/Getty

Tyler explained in an interview withMen’s Healththat he wasdiagnosed with Crohn’s diseasein his early 20s. He had a severe flare-up that required emergency surgery, first to remove 6 inches of his lower intestine, which had become inflamed and covered in scar tissue.

However, his intestines didn’t heal correctly and Tyler went into septic shock, requiring another emergency surgery and months of living on IV nutrition.

In 2020, Tyrel had his first flare-up of the same disease, though it was less severe.

Tyler and Tylen live together

Tyler James Williams and Tylen Jacob Williams.Christopher Polk/NBC/Getty

Christopher Polk/NBC/Getty

Around the same time Tyrel had his first flare-up, Tyler invited Tylen to live with him. The three brothers focus on healthy living to avoid aggravating symptoms of Crohn’s.

Tyler shared withMen’s Healththat he and Tylen cook healthy meals, like air-fried empanadas, and work out in a home gym together. Tylen told the magazine that Tyler had “always been goal-oriented,” while he “likes to question things.”

Tyler also shared that Tylen’s insight changed his approach to fitness. “Nothing feels worse than struggling to get weight up when you’re already tired,” he told his oldest brother. Tyler said that it inspired them to create a 30-minute circuit workout specifically for busier days.

“We’re just not afraid to go deep on anything we find interesting,” Tylen said. “Because you might find something that pushes you farther.”

source: people.com