New York, NY—The theater community is rallying together in a desperate search for one of its own. Broadway dancer Zelig Williams, known for his work in hit shows like MJ The Musical and Hamilton, has been missing for over a week, and now his former co-star, actor Hugh Jackman, is using his platform to help find him.
Jackman, who performed with Williams on his 2019 concert tour “The Man. The Music. The Show,” took to Instagram to share a heartfelt plea for information. “Zelig, we love you and are praying for your safe return,” the actor wrote. “Please pass this message on!!!”
Williams, a 28-year-old Black male with a light complexion, was last seen on October 3 at his home in Columbia, South Carolina. His family reported him missing the next day, as it was “out of character” for him to go an entire day without contact.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Williams’ car was later discovered in a parking lot near Congaree National Park, but it showed no signs of an accident. The dancer’s phone sent an SOS alert to one of his friends in New York City, further complicating the mystery.
“Around 9:50 Thursday morning, he left just normally as he would,” Williams’ aunt, Christine McLaughlin Barber, told local news station WACH. “About 10 minutes later, we received an SOS ping from his phone from one of his friends in New York, indicating a crash.”
Law enforcement has launched an extensive search, utilizing helicopters, boats, and drones to scour the area. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott revealed that they’ve “searched on foot [and] in the air of various locations” and are employing “other investigative techniques that we will use involving cell phones and some other things that I don’t want to discuss at this point.”
Lott also noted that Williams needs prescription medication, though he didn’t provide any further details. The case is currently being handled as a missing persons investigation, but the sheriff emphasized that foul play has not been ruled out.
The past week has been agonizing for those who know and love Zelig Williams. His cousin, Mieoki Corbin-Jacobs, summed it up best, telling WIS10, “We can’t describe it, it’s devastation. It’s devastation for someone so close to his family to disappear like that … there’s no way to describe it.”
Williams, a rising star on Broadway, has made a name for himself in some of the industry’s most acclaimed productions. In addition to his work in “MJ The Musical” and “Hamilton,” he also appeared in Jackman’s concert tour, showcasing his incredible dancing skills alongside the iconic actor.
“Zelig, we love you and are praying for your safe return,” Jackman’s post concluded, a sentiment echoed by Williams’ family and the broader theater community.
As the search continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about Williams’ whereabouts to come forward and contact their local law enforcement. The dancer’s family has also been using social media to spread awareness, with his aunt, McLaughlin Barber, writing on Facebook, “Words can’t express what our family is going through right now.”
“Please continue to share his photos and videos,” she implored. The more we share, the more people can get the word out to other states/countries. It’s reached France, so let’s keep flooding the timelines to help bring Zelig home. Please continue to pray for Zelig to come home safe. WE LOVE YOU, ZELIG.”
The theater community remains hopeful that Williams will be found safe and sound. Jackman’s impassioned plea has undoubtedly resonated with fans and colleagues alike, as they all hope for the dancer’s return. “Zelig, we love you and are praying for your safe return,” Jackman wrote. “Please pass this message on!!!”