Kellie Williams Husband: Who Is She Married To? (2026)
Kellie Shanygne Williams, beloved for playing Laura Lee Winslow on Family Matters, is married to Hannibal Jackson. The couple wed on September 5, 2009, at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, and have two children together.
Who Is Hannibal Jackson?
Hannibal Jackson is the President and CEO of the IT firm Y-Tech and a former military reservist. Born in Seoul, South Korea, to a military father and a mother who worked menial jobs, Jackson built a career in the technology sector. He met Kellie Shanygne Williams in 2007 through a mutual friend, and two years later they married. In interviews and anniversary tributes, Williams has described Jackson as a devoted husband and father; in a 2020 Instagram post marking their 11th wedding anniversary, she wrote: "Happy 11th Anniversary, Babe! I can't believe it's been 11 years already! I love you!" Jackson himself has said that marrying her was the best decision of his life.
Marriage Timeline
Williams and Jackson met in 2007 through a mutual friend and dated for two years before marrying. Their wedding took place on September 5, 2009, at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. The black-and-white-themed ceremony was attended by 300 guests, including Telma Hopkins, Williams's Family Matters co-star who played Rachel Crawford. As of 2026, the couple has been married for 16 years. Williams marked their 11th anniversary in September 2020 with a heartfelt Instagram video showing their diamond wedding bands, and the couple remains together.
Children
Kellie Shanygne Williams and Hannibal Jackson have two children:
- Hannah Belle Jackson — daughter, born in 2010
- John Ervin Jackson — son, born in 2012
Williams slowed her acting career after starting her family to focus on raising her children. She is a doting parent who has spoken about balancing motherhood with her creative and community work, and she frequently shares family moments on social media.
Career Highlights
Born Kellie Shanygne Williams on March 22, 1976, in Washington, D.C., Williams began as a children's fashion model and started acting at age four when her father enrolled her in a theater program to help her overcome shyness. At 13, she landed her defining role as Laura Lee Winslow — the middle child of Carl and Harriette Winslow — on the ABC/CBS sitcom Family Matters (1989–1998), appearing in 215 episodes over nine seasons. Her on-screen friendship with co-star Jaleel White (Steve Urkel) was genuine: the two ate lunch together daily and shared an on-set tutor.
After Family Matters, she starred as Alice Adams in What About Joan? (2000–2001, 21 episodes), played Charisse J. Mitchell on Moesha (1996–1998, 2 episodes), Michelle on The Parkers, and Lynn on Eve (2006, 3 episodes), reuniting with former co-star Darius McCrary. She guest-hosted six episodes of Clean House on the Style Network in 2009 as a substitute for Niecy Nash. Her film credits include Ride (1998), In the Mix (2005), Steppin: The Movie (2009), Christmas in Carolina (2020), and A Family Matters Christmas (2022), for which she served as executive producer; she also appeared on The Ms. Pat Show in 2024.
Beyond acting, Williams created the Kellie Williams Program in 2007 in the Washington, D.C., area, giving students aged 14 to 20 the opportunity to produce a television show for Comcast Cable's local on-demand channel — modeled on the Howard University Children's Theatre program she grew up with.
See also our Kellie Shanygne Williams net worth guide, and for more 90s sitcom families, check out our Christopher Castile wife profile from fellow TGIF-era star Castile.
FAQ
Who is Kellie Shanygne Williams' husband?
Her husband is Hannibal Jackson, President and CEO of the IT firm Y-Tech and a former military reservist. They married on September 5, 2009.
When did Kellie Williams get married?
She married Hannibal Jackson on September 5, 2009, at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. They met in 2007 through a mutual friend.
How many children does Kellie Williams have?
She has two children with Hannibal Jackson: daughter Hannah Belle Jackson (born 2010) and son John Ervin Jackson (born 2012).
What role is Kellie Shanygne Williams famous for?
She is best known as Laura Lee Winslow on Family Matters (1989–1998), appearing in 215 episodes. Her middle name is pronounced "Sha-neen."
What is the Kellie Williams Program?
Founded by Williams in 2007 with co-creator Jeff Rawluk, the program gives Washington, D.C., students aged 14–20 the chance to produce a TV show for Comcast Cable local on-demand.