Matt Williams

Matt Williams is an American television writer, creator, and producer whose work helped shape modern network comedy and family entertainment. Born in Evansville, Indiana, Williams built a career behind the camera, earning recognition for steering hit series and developing character-driven stories that connect with wide audiences.

He is widely known for his production leadership on Roseanne and Home Improvement, and for writing on landmark sitcoms including The Cosby Show and A Different World. In credits for The Cosby Show, he is also listed as Jack Westlake. His feature work includes the screenplay for Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken and producing the romantic comedy What Women Want.

Williams has also explored theater, writing the play Between Daylight and Boonville. His Midwestern roots remain part of his creative identity—Roseanne notably incorporated images inspired by locations from his hometown of Evansville.

Expanding into directing, he co-produced and directed Where the Heart Is, starring Natalie Portman, and later wrote and directed Walker Payne (2006) with Jason Patric, Drea de Matteo, and Sam Shepard. Across formats, Williams is known for blending humor and heart with a strong sense of place.