Jessica Williams, who starred in Shrinking, recently shared that she is frequently mistaken for Ayo Edebiri following Edebiri’s Emmy win for The Bear. During a comedy actress roundtable for The Hollywood Reporter, Williams revealed this confusion often happens when people approach her about the Ayo Edebiri Emmy win for The Bear.
Comedy Actress Roundtable Highlights Mix-Ups
At the roundtable session that included Kristen Bell, Natasha Lyonne, Michelle Williams, Hannah Einbinder, and Kathryn Hahn, Williams discussed the types of projects that strangers mention to her in public. While Williams is known for The Daily Show and Shrinking, she noted that many fans incorrectly link her to The Bear, in which she does not appear.
“For me, it’s Daily Show, Shrinking and The Bear, which I’m not on,”
Williams said with a laugh. —Jessica Williams, Comedy Actress
“I go, ‘Not me, but thank you so much.’ I get that all the time.”
—Jessica Williams, Comedy Actress
Both Jessica Williams and Ayo Edebiri began their careers in improv and sketch comedy before gaining praise for their roles in major series—Williams on Shrinking and Edebiri on The Bear. The Bear, which tells the story of a talented chef returning home to manage the family’s sandwich shop after his brother’s death, has garnered critical acclaim. Shrinking, on the other hand, follows a therapist, played by Jason Segel, who changes his approach after the loss of his wife, with Williams portraying Gaby, his supportive colleague.
Memorable Emmy Moment and Williams’ Response
Jessica Williams received her first Emmy nomination in 2023 for her role as Gaby in Shrinking. Coincidentally, Ayo Edebiri took home the win for her performance in The Bear. Williams made headlines at the ceremony by pretending to cry after Edebiri’s name was announced. She later explained this playful moment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, mentioning her spontaneous reaction during the broadcast.
“I knew when they said ‘Jessica Williams,’ I wanted to do something, but I didn’t realize they were going to go so fast when they say your name initially.”
—Jessica Williams, Comedy Actress
Despite the playful display, Williams emphasized she harbored no disappointment about the outcome.
“Really happy for Ayo. She’s the best,”
Williams said, adding,
“I know people say it when they get nominated, but it’s like, it was just an honor to be nominated.”
—Jessica Williams, Comedy Actress
What’s Next for Shrinking and The Bear
Shrinking, starring Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, and Williams, was recently renewed for a third season by Apple TV+. Meanwhile, FX’s The Bear, the show that brought Ayo Edebiri her Emmy win, will return for its highly anticipated third season on June 26 for Hulu audiences. Both series have expanded visibility for their respective stars and have sparked ongoing conversations among fans about standout performances and rising talent.
The continued success of The Bear and Shrinking highlights the unique journeys of both Williams and Edebiri and reflects the growing presence of women comedians in popular television. The frequent mix-ups between Williams and Edebiri serve as a testament to their impact on the genre and the increasing recognition of comedic talent from diverse backgrounds.
