Dionne Lea Williams

Dionne Lea Williams (born October 25, 1951) is an American actress who achieved prominence through her role as Willona Woods on the groundbreaking CBS sitcom Good Times (1974-1979). As part of the ensemble cast of one of television's most important and culturally significant series, Williams brought humor, warmth, and authenticity to her portrayal of the quick-witted neighbor. The show, created by Norman Lear, was lauded for its realistic portrayal of African-American family life and social issues including poverty, racism, and personal struggles—often balancing serious themes with comedy. Williams' character provided comic relief while remaining a sympathetic and relatable presence on the show. Though she is most remembered for her role on Good Times, Williams has maintained a career in television and film spanning decades. Her work on the series contributed to the normalization of Black representation on mainstream television during a transformative period in American broadcasting. Williams has spoken about her experiences in the entertainment industry and the impact of pioneering shows like Good Times in opening doors for subsequent generations of Black performers.