Kimberly Williams-Paisley is a versatile American actress whose career spans over three decades, encompassing film, television, and directing. Best known for her breakout role in Father of the Bride (1991), Kimberly Williams Paisley Movies and TV Shows has built a diverse portfolio that showcases her range and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Williams-Paisley made her film debut as Annie Banks in Father of the Bride (1991), starring alongside Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. Her performance earned critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance at the 1992 MTV Movie Awards. She reprised her role in Father of the Bride Part II (1995), solidifying her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Expanding Her Filmography
Following her initial success, Williams-Paisley appeared in a variety of films throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Notable roles include Gwen Daugherty in Indian Summer (1993), Jasmine in Coldblooded (1995), and Karen Collier in The War at Home (1996). She also starred in the Disney English dub of Porco Rosso (1992) as the voice of Fio Piccolo.
In the 2000s, she continued to diversify her roles with performances in We Are Marshall (2006), How to Eat Fried Worms (2006), and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015). More recently, she appeared in Netflix‘s The Christmas Chronicles (2018) and its sequel The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020) as Claire Pierce, and in Dog Gone (2023) as Ginny Marshall.
Television Success
Williams-Paisley has had a significant presence on television. She starred as Isabel Lukens in the ABC drama Relativity (1996), a role that earned her a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Dramatic Television Series at the 1997 Satellite Awards. From 2001 to 2009, she played Dana Gibson on the sitcom According to Jim, appearing in 165 episodes and directing several episodes as well.
Her television work also includes roles in The 10th Kingdom (2000) as Virginia Lewis, Nashville (2012–2013) as Peggy Kenter, and guest appearances on shows like George Lopez, Less Than Perfect, Boston Legal, and The Flash.
Made-for-TV Movies and Hallmark Collaborations
Williams-Paisley has been a staple in made-for-TV movies, particularly with the Hallmark Channel. She starred in The Christmas Shoes (2002), Lucky 7 (2003), and Identity Theft: The Michelle Brown Story (2004), the latter two of which she also co-produced. Her collaboration with Hallmark continued with the Darrow & Darrow series, where she played Claire Darrow in several installments.
In 2021, she starred alongside her real-life sister, Ashley Williams, in the Hallmark movies Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday and Sister Swap: Christmas in the City, portraying sisters who switch cities during the holiday season.
Directing and Writing
Beyond acting, Williams-Paisley has explored directing and writing. She wrote, directed, and starred in the short film Shade (2006), which received multiple awards, including the Crystal Heart Award for Best Dramatic Short Film at the Heartland Film Festival. She also directed episodes of According to Jim and the short film Numero Dos (2007).
In 2016, she authored the memoir Where the Light Gets In: Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again, chronicling her mother’s battle with dementia and the impact it had on their family.
Personal Life
Williams-Paisley is married to country music singer Brad Paisley, with whom she has two sons. The couple resides in Tennessee and is actively involved in charitable work, including the establishment of The Store, a nonprofit free-referral-based grocery store aimed at empowering low-income individuals and families.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Williams-Paisley faced a significant health challenge when she experienced partial paralysis of her left vocal cord, rendering her nearly voiceless for two years. After undergoing surgery in August 2024, she regained her voice and has since spoken openly about the experience, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-expression.
Her recent film roles include Charlene in Jesus Revolution (2023) and a continued presence in holiday-themed movies, showcasing her enduring appeal and versatility as an actress.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s extensive body of work across film and television, combined with her ventures into directing and writing, reflect a dynamic and resilient career in the entertainment industry.
Kimberly Williams Paisley Movies and TV Shows
Kimberly Williams-Paisley has enjoyed a versatile acting career spanning over three decades, highlighted by memorable film roles such as Annie Banks in the beloved Father of the Bride movies alongside Steve Martin. On television, she gained widespread recognition as Dana Gibson on the long-running sitcom According to Jim, showcasing her comedic talent. Williams-Paisley has also become a familiar face in Hallmark Channel movies, starring in heartwarming productions like The Christmas Shoes and the popular Darrow & Darrow mystery series. Her diverse portfolio underscores her adaptability and enduring popularity in both film and television.
Did Brad Paisley meet his wife?
Brad Paisley met his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, through a unique and endearing journey. In 1991, while on a date, Paisley watched the film Father of the Bride and was captivated by Williams’ performance as Annie Banks. Four years later, after a breakup, he saw the sequel alone and found himself even more drawn to her, thinking she seemed “smart and funny and all those things that are so hard to find” . Years later, as his music career flourished, Paisley cast Williams in his 2002 music video for “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” marking their first meeting. Their connection was immediate; they began dating shortly after and married on March 15, 2003, at Stauffer Chapel on Pepperdine University’s campus . Today, they share a strong bond, two sons, and a shared commitment to philanthropy and family life.
How old was Kimberly Williams when she filmed Father of the Bride?
Kimberly Williams was 19 years old when she starred as Annie Banks in the hit comedy Father of the Bride (1991). This role marked her feature film debut, quickly making her a recognizable face in Hollywood. Williams’ youthful charm and genuine portrayal of a young woman preparing for marriage resonated strongly with audiences, establishing her as an emerging talent and setting the stage for her successful acting career.
Why did Kimberly Williams-Paisley leave According to Jim?
Kimberly Williams-Paisley portrayed Dana Gibson, Cheryl’s younger sister, on the ABC sitcom According to Jim from its inception in 2001 through the end of its seventh season in 2008. She appeared in approximately 165 episodes during this time. Williams-Paisley departed the series at the beginning of season eight to focus on her family, particularly to devote time to motherhood. She made a special guest appearance in the series finale, “Heaven Opposed to Hell,” which aired in 2009 .