Abbott Elementary’s Tyler James Williams On Living With Crohn’s

Tyler James Williams, a name many of us recognize from his breakout role in Everybody Hates Chris, has always been a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Now starring in the hit show “Abbott Elementary,” the Golden Globe winner continues to impress the world with his talent. But over the past few years, Williams has become a powerful voice for those living with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that affects the digestive system.

This year, he’s taking that work to a new level through national partnerships and candid storytelling that explores what it’s really like to live with Crohn’s.

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s an unpredictable illness that can flare up without warning, making everyday life a constant balancing act between managing symptoms and trying to lead a normal life.

From Crisis to Campaign

In September 2025, Williams partnered with AbbVie to launch Beyond a Gut Feeling, a national campaign aimed at breaking the stigma around gastrointestinal health. In the campaign video, he uses a chaotic film set as a metaphor for uncontrolled IBD. “You wouldn’t put up with an out-of-control video like this,” he says. “So why put up with uncontrolled IBD?”

The campaign marks a turning point in Williams’ journey with Crohn’s disease, a condition he didn’t fully understand until it nearly cost him his life. Diagnosed in his early 20s, he spent years pushing through symptoms while trying to stay healthy and build muscle. By 24, he was in crisis. “It just crashed. Everything shut down,” he told Men’s Health. Emergency surgery removed six inches of his lower intestine, but the damage was too severe. His intestines perforated, he went septic, and doctors raced him back into surgery.

For months, he relied on a feeding system that delivered nutrients directly into his veins and used an ostomy bag. At one point, Williams weighed just 105 pounds and was too weak to stand.

That experience reshaped how he thinks about health. In the Beyond a Gut Feeling campaign video, he reflected, ” I looked at it a lot as, well, my abdomen hurts right now. I need that to stop hurting so I can do my job,” he says. “Where the actual answer is, something’s wrong here. I need to figure out what that is.”

For Williams, recovery was physical and emotional. Williams had to reevaluate his relationship with wellness and happiness. He gave up alcohol, red meat, and coffee to reduce flare-ups. “Symptom management is important for feeling better, but it does not change the course of the disease,” he explains. “That’s why I’m focusing on long-term goals like visible improvement of the lining of the intestinal tract.”

Now in remission, Williams is sharing what he’s learned. He used to brush off his own symptoms and push through the pain just to get through the day. That approach nearly cost him everything. Now he pays attention, and he wants people to know that being well comes first.

Brotherly Wellness

Crohn’s doesn’t just affect one person; it reshapes routines and relationships. In the same interview with Men’s Health, Tyler revealed that his younger brother Tyrel also has Crohn’s disease. Tyrel’s first flare-up happened in early 2020. Since then, the brothers have focused on their health together, trading support and staying honest about what their bodies need.

“I had to learn how to stop making dramatic changes quickly and develop a better relationship with my body,” said Tyler. This journey has strengthened their bond, allowing Tyler to inspire others and offer support and empathy to those facing similar circumstances.

Awareness

It’s important to note that while Crohn’s disease is more common in non-Hispanic White populations, the rates of hospitalization and death are disproportionately higher within the Black community. According to the CDC, the prevalence of Crohn’s disease among non-Hispanic Black individuals is about 0.5%. Still, the rates of hospitalization and death are much higher compared to other racial groups. This highlights the specific hardships our community faces due to systemic disparities. Raising awareness is a valuable step we can all take toward improving our individual and collective health.

Here are some common symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation:

• Persistent diarrhea.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Urgent need to move bowels.
• Abdominal cramps and pain.
• Sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation
• General symptoms like fever, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
• Constipation, which can lead to bowel obstruction.

Tyler James Williams’ battle with Crohn’s disease highlights the importance of looking after our health and well-being. Health issues can sometimes throw us off track, and often, we might not even know they’re there. Remember, self-care includes speaking up about your feelings and seeking help when needed. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, reaching out can make a real difference. So, if you think you might be experiencing symptoms of Crohn’s, it’s important to talk to your doctor and get the support you deserve.

Resources:

Crohn’s disease – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

Beyond A Gut Feeling

Tyler James Williams’s Big Secret for Becoming Stronger Than Ever

IBD Facts and Stats | IBD | CDC

Crohn’s Disease Symptoms: What to Watch For | Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation