Tyler James Williams Reveals What Matters to Him More Than Looks While Dating in His 30s (Exclusive)

Tyler James Williams is schooling everyone on his dating interests.

The Abbott Elementary star, 32, reveals during a PEOPLE in 10 interview the holistic trait he’s looking for in a potential romantic partner. 

“I grew up in Hollywood, so how you look doesn’t really matter as much [because] out here everybody’s pretty — it’s not a flex,” says Williams, who initially rose to fame starring in Everybody Hates Chris from 2005 to 2009. 

He adds that he’s searching for somebody whom he can be proud of “the decisions they made and the life they built for themselves.”

“I mean I’m in my 30s now — and I’m impressed by what you did here,” he explains. “I think everybody should be proud of the person they’re with and proud to be with the person they’re with.”

The dating life of his Abbott Elementary character, teacher Gregory Eddie, has been explored throughout the Emmy-winning show’s four seasons — making fans wonder whom the actor might be dating offscreen.

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Williams appears to be single at the moment. In the past, the actor has been rumored to be romantically linked to several actresses.

On Abbott Elementary, his character and costar Quinta Brunson’s character, teacher Janine Teagues, are dating as of the current fourth season.

Williams, who has won a Golden Globe for his role as Gregory, previously told PEOPLE that his Abbott Elementary characterization is “one of the most important things I’ve ever done in my career.”

“I think that’s the overall goal for me here, is to show not only Black male educators in a certain light, but then also Black men in a certain light that are allowed to be emotional and have full emotional spectrums, and then also be in love,” he said in 2024, referring to Gregory’s relationship with Janine. “It’s one of the most important things I’ve ever done in my career is showing this, especially with the platform that we have.”