This fall, N.C. Central University’s department of theatre and college of liberal arts welcomed actor, playwright and television producer Samm-Art Williams as its new artist-in-residence.

Williams is best known for his television work.

He was co-executive producer of the CBS sitcom “Frank’s Place,” the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the ABC sitcom “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” and executive producer of the FOX sitcom “Martin.”

“I feel that it is an honor for North Carolina Central University and its students to have such a distinguished and renowned artist-in-residence as a part of our theatre department,” said Dr. Linda Norflett, dean of the college of liberal arts.

As a child in rural North Carolina, Williams said he spent a great deal of time reading early African-American literature. His literary influences include Langston Hughes and Edgar Allen Poe.

“I remember reading, “I Too Sing America” by Langston Hughes at the age of 15 and was inspired by his words,” Williams said.

“I then decided that I wanted my words to inspire others as well.”

After graduating from Morgan State University in Baltimore with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Williams moved to Philadelphia, where he studied at the Freedom Theatre.

Williams later joined the Negro Ensemble Company, Inc. in New York City, where he performed in many plays, including “The First Breeze of Summer” and“No Where To Run… No Where To Hide.”

Williams also is an accomplished playwright, the author of “Woman from the Town,” “In My Father’s House,” “Welcome to Black River,” “Friends,” “Eyes of the American,” and “Home,” for which he received a 1980 Tony Award nomination for best broadway play.

Williams received such awards as the NAACP Image Award, The North Carolina Governors Award, The Guggenheim Fellowship, and The National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for Playwriting.

Williams teaches beginning playwriting and television writing and production at NCCU