1. Early life and education
Ashley Christina Williams's early life and educational background laid the foundation for her acting career, providing her with formal training and recognition for her talent.
1.1. Birth and background
Ashley Christina Williams was born on January 24, 1984, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
1.2. Education
Williams pursued formal acting education, graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in 2005. During her studies, she demonstrated exceptional talent, earning the Charles Jehlenger Award for excellence in acting.
2. Career
Williams's career began with an uncredited role and progressed through significant horror film performances, leading to critical acclaim and a notable stage name change.
2.1. Early career
Williams began her acting career with an uncredited role as a Nelwyn Villager in the 1988 film Willow. Her first significant role came in 2009 as Lindsay in the controversial horror film The Human Centipede (First Sequence). In this role, she portrayed the central character of the human centipede. Following this, she took on the main role of Piper in the 2011 suspense drama Empty. She also served as an associate producer for the 2010 film Broken Crayons.
2.2. Breakthrough and critical acclaim
In 2014, Williams took on the titular role in the horror film Julia, where she played a rape victim who embarks on a journey of revenge. Her intense performance in Julia garnered significant recognition, leading her to win the Best Actress award at the 2014 Screamfest Horror Film Festival.
2.3. Stage name change
On March 23, 2023, Williams announced her decision to adopt a new stage name, Winter Williams. The change was prompted by the presence of several other actors with similar names, which sometimes caused confusion. She also stated that the word "winter" held special personal significance for her. The official announcement regarding her new professional identity was made on March 24, 2023.
3. Personal life
Williams is married to Matthew A. Brown, whom she met on the set of the film Julia. The couple has two children together.
4. Awards and nominations
| Year | Awards | Category | Nominated work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Screamfest Horror Film Festival | Best Actress | Julia |
5. Filmography
Ashley Christina Williams has a diverse filmography, spanning film, television, and theater productions.
5.1. Film
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Willow | Nelwyn Villager | Uncredited film debut |
| 2009 | The Human Centipede (First Sequence) | Lindsay | Main role |
| 2010 | Broken Crayons | Associate producer | |
| 2011 | Empty | Piper | Main role |
| 2013 | Leaving Circadia | Jackie | Supporting role |
| 2013 | A Guy Named Rick | Candace | Supporting role |
| 2014 | Julia | Julia | Main role |
| 2014 | Hallows Eve | Ashley | 4th billing |
| 2015 | Patric | Ms. Rosen | Supporting role |
| 2015 | Selene Hollow | Zombie Victoria | Short; supporting role |
| 2018 | Albanian Gangster | Lisa | Main role |
| 2018 | The Church | Elizabeth Haines | Main role |
5.2. Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Hells Kitty | Lindsay | Episode 13 |
| 2013 | Lady Business | Yasmine | Episode 2 |
| 2013 | Selene Hollow | Zombie Victoria | Episodes 1-4 |
5.3. Theater
- Romeo and Juliet as Juliet, directed by Dario D'Ambrosi at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club
- 2010: Bong Bong Bong Against the Walls, Ting Ting Ting in Our Heads as Loga at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club
- 2010: Spellbound - A Musical Adventure as Herianne at New York International Fringe Festival
- Under the Veil as Sammia; a Mind The Art anthology at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club
- Much Ado About Nothing as Beatrice at Milagro Theater, New York City
- The Diary of Anne Frank as Anne Frank with Four County Players
- The Grapes of Wrath as Rose of Sharon at Live Arts