From Military Service to Hollywood Stardom
September 3, 2025 | By Aimee Farmer, Student Intern, Department of English | Edited by Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator
William Shannon Williams’ remarkable journey from a U.S. Navy veteran to an accomplished actor in Hollywood is a testament to the power of following one's passion, no matter the age or life stage. After dedicating 20 years to the U.S. Navy, Williams never imagined he would be stepping onto film sets alongside A-list celebrities like Denzel Washington and playing characters in major films like Green Lantern and Laws of Man. Yet, his time at the University of West Florida (UWF) played a pivotal role in shaping his career and bringing him closer to the world of acting.
Williams’ story began in 1984 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and eventually retired as a Chief Hospital Corpsman in 2004. His service included tours in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. But it was his daughter’s desire to be cast in a major motion picture that set him on an entirely new path. In 2006, the two auditioned for Deja Vu, which was filming in New Orleans, and both landed roles. The experience opened Williams’ eyes to the world of film production.
Williams’ career quickly took off, and he soon found himself acting alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. “It was the best thing I’ve ever done,” Williams shared about his shift to acting after his experience with Deja Vu. The movie, which starred Denzel Washington, was just the beginning of what would become a successful acting career. His experience in the film sparked a passion for acting that Williams had never expected. “I came back from that movie set, and I changed my major to theatre at UWF, and I’ve never turned back,” he told the Pensacola News Journal in a recent article. "I’ve been acting ever since." His casting photo from the film led him to a new role in Green Lantern, where he portrayed Colonel Rector.
In 2012, Williams returned to his roots in Pensacola, enrolling at UWF to study Theatre. His decision to pursue a degree in acting wasn’t just about the love for the craft; it was about finding new opportunities. During his time at UWF, Williams received hands-on training in theatre, studying lighting, set design, and costuming, all of which he believes strengthened his skills as an actor. He also emphasized how UWF’s rigorous curriculum prepared him for the stage and screen.
“The theatre program allowed me to study with several instructors who were very good at their craft. Learning about lighting, set design, and costuming only reinforces an actor’s arsenal when developing their characters. - William Shannon Williams, Hollywood Actor and U.S. Navy Veteran
One of Williams’ most memorable experiences at UWF was his first day of class. He recalled being overwhelmed with anxiety as he questioned his post-military career path. However, meeting a fellow veteran who was stationed in Japan ultimately gave him the reassurance he needed to stay in the program. “Meeting a fellow veteran is probably the main reason I stayed in the program that day, and I'm incredibly grateful I did,” he added.
His latest film, Laws of Man, released by Saban Films, showcases Williams in a different role, playing a villain. The action-thriller, which follows two U.S. marshals tracking a murderer in the Nevada desert, was released to select theatres and streaming services in January 2025. Williams relished the opportunity to play a more sinister character.
Reflecting on his journey from UWF to Hollywood, Williams acknowledges how his time at the university prepared him not only for the craft of acting but for life after the military. For Williams, acting is more than just a career; it’s a means of therapy. He recently shared with the Pensacola News Journal how acting has helped him manage the panic attacks he experienced as a result of his military service. "Acting has helped me more with these panic attacks than anything I’ve ever done for it,” Williams revealed. He encourages fellow veterans struggling with similar challenges to give acting a try. “Find that inner child. It helps, it helps a lot.” Williams also offers valuable advice for aspiring actors and UWF students considering a similar path:
Study everything you can about the art, know your lines, and jump in with both feet. Fully commit to your role, and acting will be the most fun you’ve ever had. - Williams
Williams’ journey is proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter where you come from or what your past looks like. With his military background, formal education at UWF, and a newfound passion for acting, Williams has carved out a successful career in the entertainment industry. “Don’t be afraid to take that chance,” Williams concludes. “It may be the best thing you ever do.”
To learn more about Theatre programs at UWF and how they can shape your future, visit UWF’s College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
