William Allen Young
Biography
William Allen Young, born January 24, 1954, in Washington, District of Columbia, is an American male actor. He is best known for portraying Frank Mitchell on the UPN sitcom Moesha in 1996 and for directing several episodes of that series. Young also appeared as Frank Mitchell in a guest spot on the UPN series The Parkers. His television work includes roles on The Day After, Matlock, Babylon 5, JAG, Knots Landing, The Jeffersons, and The Women of Brewster Place. He has played recurring characters on both CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and CSI: Miami, both CBS dramas. TMDB lists him with 76 credited acting roles.
Career overview
William Allen Young, born January 24, 1954 in Washington, District of Columbia, is an American actor whose career spans more than seven decades of television work. He is most widely recognized for originating the character Frank Mitchell on the UPN sitcom Moesha, a role he began in 1996 and later reprised while also directing several episodes of the series. Young extended the Frank Mitchell persona to a guest appearance on the UPN spin‑off The Parkers, maintaining continuity between the two shows.
Beyond his signature role, Young’s résumé includes a broad array of television credits. He appeared in the television film The Day After, and held guest spots on long‑running series such as Matlock, Babylon 5, JAG, Knots Landing, The Jeffersons, and The Women of Brewster Place. He also contributed recurring performances to two CBS crime franchises, portraying distinct characters on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and on CSI: Miami. According to the Motion Picture Database, Young’s body of work encompasses 76 credited acting roles, reflecting a versatile presence across drama, science‑fiction, and sitcom formats. His sustained activity in television underscores a career marked by both recurring character work and occasional behind‑the‑camera direction.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
80 titles- Going Home (2022) as Harry Cobb
- CSI: Vegas (2021) as Professor Gene Morrow
- 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020) as Benjamin Williams
- Christmas Hotel (2019) as Carl
- The Tattooed Heart (2019) as Director
- Good Girls (2018) as Lawyer
- S.W.A.T. (2017) as Coach Howie Kincaid
- This Is Us (2016) as Councilman Wilkins
- Code Black (2015) as Dr. Rollie Guthrie
- Madam Secretary (2014) as Steven Cushing
- The Cookie Mobster (2014) as Grundy
- Rock the House (2011) as Blu
- Good Luck Charlie (2010) as Harry Wentz
- Castle (2009) as Jerry Camden
- District 9 (2009) as Dirk Michaels
- The Mentalist (2008) as Matt
- Saving Grace (2007) as Robbery Detective
- Primal Doubt (2007) as Detective Ben Riggs
- Murder 101 (2006) as Lt. Dietrich
- Grey's Anatomy (2005) as Morris Haynes
- Medium (2005) as Wesley Judson
- Commander in Chief (2005) as Senator Kevin Colby
- NCIS (2003) as Barry Hutchins
- NCIS (2003) as Moses McClaine
- Nip/Tuck (2003) as Mr. Staubeck
- Fear X (2003) as Agent Lawrence
- CSI: Miami (2002) as Joseph Ratner
- The Agency (2001) as Police Interrogator
- The Proud Family (2001) as Mr. Moody (voice)
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Duane McWane
- The District (2000) as Reverend Hamilton
- Soul Food (2000) as Coach John Robinson
- The Parkers (1999)
- The Parkers (1999) Director
- Moesha (1996) as Frank Mitchell
- Moesha (1996) Director
- JAG (1995) as Henry Kale
- Serving in Silence - The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story (1995) as Clark
- Fast Company (1995) as Det. Williams
- Chicago Hope (1994) as Sgt. Robb (uncredited)
- Babylon 5 (1994) as Jason Ironheart
- Drop Squad (1994) as George Truelove
- Almost Dead (1994) as Henzes
- Diagnosis: Murder (1993) as Alexander Damon
- Dave's World (1993)
- I Can Make You Love Me (1993) as Chris
- Renegade (1992) as Calvin
- Love & War (1992)
- The Waterdance (1992) as Les
- Spies, Inc. (1992) as Rob
- Home Improvement (1991) as Gus
- Lies Before Kisses (1991) as Daniel
- The Outsiders (1990) as Emmett Sinclair
- Cop Rock (1990) as Jerome Hall
- Without Her Consent (1990) as Keys (uncredited)
- Lock Up (1989) as Braden
- The Women of Brewster Place (1989) as Eugene
- The Women of Brewster Place (1989) as Eugene
- Tour of Duty (1987) as Coyote 2 / CPT J. T. Slaney, USAF
- Mariah (1987)
- Matlock (1986) as Roy Stevens
- Matlock (1986) as Police Lieutenant
- L.A. Law (1986) as Mitchell Dune
- Blacke's Magic (1986) as Mark Baker
- Johnnie Mae Gibson: FBI (1986) as Marvin Gibson
- Wisdom (1986) as Agent Williamson
- The Twilight Zone (1985) as John Parker (segment "The Junction")
- 227 (1985)
- Jagged Edge (1985) as Greg Arnold
- The Atlanta Child Murders (1985) as Withers
- A Soldier's Story (1984) as Private Henson
- Victims for Victims: The Theresa Saldana Story (1984)
- Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983)
- The Day After (1983) as Airman Billy McCoy
- Women of San Quentin (1983) as Larry Jennings
- Cagney & Lacey (1982) as Billy
- Hotel (1982)
- Fame (1982)
- Knots Landing (1979) as Cliff Templeman
- Freedom Road (1979) as Older Jeff Jackson
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is William Allen Young best known for?
William Allen Young is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including CSI: Vegas (2021), 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020), Good Girls (2018), S.W.A.T. (2017).
When and where was William Allen Young born?
William Allen Young was born on January 24, 1954 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
How many credits does William Allen Young have?
William Allen Young has accumulated over 80 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1979 to 2022.
What is William Allen Young's background in cinema and television?
William Allen Young, born January 24, 1954, in Washington, District of Columbia, is an American male actor. He is best known for portraying Frank Mitchell on the UPN sitcom Moesha in 1996 and for directing several episodes of that series. Young also appeared as Frank Mitchell in a guest spot on the UPN series The Parke...