When Hudson Williams signed up for acting classes, aged 19, at a small college in British Columbia, it was surely unlikely that he could have predicted just how successful he would become.
Unbeknownst to him, the decision to join the eight-month Langara College Film Arts’ program in Vancouver back in January 2020 would change the course of his life, eventually landing him a starring role in HBO Max’s hit new rom-com series Heated Rivalry, which charts the gay love story of two competitor ice hockey pros.
His dashing good looks, which now have men and women of all ages swooning, gave him a natural advantage even back then.
‘My running joke with him throughout the year was, “Hudson, you know, if you were just a little better looking, I think you could make it in this business,”‘ Langara College program coordinator Jonas Quastel joked in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail.
However, it wasn’t just his appearance that gave him a leg up. Three of his professors rhapsodized about Williams’ positive attitude, humility and work ethic in exclusive interviews with the Daily Mail as they painted a picture of how a small-town boy became the rising star of 2026.
‘I just knew right away he was very, very special, very driven, funny, and he exudes kindness,’ acting instructor Jennifer Copping shared.
‘And so, right away, I was like, “Yes, come and study. You would be a great addition to what we do here.”‘
He was also able to showcase his comedic chops at the school and display his silly personality, as seen in this exclusive photo obtained by the Daily Mail
‘I just knew right away he was very, very special, very driven, funny, and he exudes kindness,’ acting instructor Jennifer Copping told the Daily Mail
Williams, who is now a star on HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry, was drawn to edgy roles early on, Quastel told the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview (pictured with costar Connor Storries in the show)
Williams’ acting instructor Jennifer Copping (pictured in 2014) has heaped praise on the rising star, who she helped give access to the industry
Williams, now 24, grew up in the Canadian city of Kamloops – more famous for producing athletes than actors – and had little experience when he walked through the doors of Langara College.
But according to Quastel, his hometown roots helped instill in him the work ethic that has catapulted him to stardom.
‘A lot of times small-town people come from working environments and they understand what it’s like to show up on time in the morning and be ready to work – all of these basic things,’ the coordinator said. ‘He came in knowing that he had to learn from the very beginning.’
From the start, Williams charmed his teachers and classmates. Each semester, the actors would have to audition for film parts, with Williams considered a hot commodity.
He landed the lead in many short films, including one titled Over the Edge, in which he played a brooding character named Cory who was reeling from a faltering friendship.
‘[While in school], he played everything from an assassin to a secret agent to the troubled teen,’ Quastel said. ‘He likes cutting edge stuff. He’s going to follow more of a Johnny Depp career… heavy things, or Keanu Reeves.’
But Williams was also not afraid to let his guard down and act silly for comedic roles.
Copping, 46, recalled casting a role that was a cross between Jack McFarland and Will Truman from Will and Grace, and how she knew Williams would be ‘brave enough to attempt these sides.’ Giving him the part was a no brainer.
The aspiring actor, 24, was admitted to the eight month program when he was just 19 years old
Quastel said he feels confident that Williams will always remember where he came from
He landed the lead in many short films, including one titled Over the Edge, in which he played a brooding character named Cory
‘He was so funny, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, for a brand-new actor, you’re really brave to make these big choices and just go for it,” she said.
Voice instructor Jason Simpson told the Daily Mail that he witnessed Williams’ sense of humor off camera, as well, as the two would often banter with each other.
‘He’s also a smart ass, which is something I love because I’m the same way,’ the professor said.
‘There was a lot of joking [between us] and I think that builds rapport. I mean, he was respectful, but you get to that point where you spend enough time with somebody and you know how you can rib them and you know you can be sarcastic.’
Fans were treated to a glimpse into Williams’ vivacious personality when he gave Gayle King an R-rated response while walking the Golden Globes red carpet earlier this month.
When the CBS journalist, 71, brought up the many steamy scenes in Heated Rivalry between him and co-star Connor Storrie, he responded that all the ‘banging and loving and porn and jizzing and squeezing’ should be ‘celebrated’.
‘Well, I don’t know about all that but OK,’ a seemingly uncomfortable King replied.
But his response was lapped up by fans, with one person praising him online for having ‘oodles of charm and great banter.’
Voice instructor Jason Simpson (right) quipped that Williams (left) was a ‘smart ass’ but he enjoyed that they could banter, adding: ‘I think that builds rapport’
Copping told the Daily Mail that she knew Williams had the ‘it factor’ early on, and so she made a rare move after he graduated from the eight month program – she recommended him to her own agent Elena Kirschner.
‘I had only done it a handful of times,’ she said of the move which inevitably became Williams’ road to fame.
For Copping’s agent didn’t immediately send a ‘green’ Williams out on auditions, instead she advised he put in the work first which saw him directing, producing and collaborating with ex-classmates on projects.
‘She didn’t start sending him out until he was ready,’ Copping said. ‘I think it was close to a year and [she] just had him sending material, taping, redoing things, getting specific with work and choices, and she really mentored him.’
Fast forward five years, and in 2025, Williams landed the role of a lifetime.
He auditioned for the part of Shane Hollander on Jacob Tierney’s Heated Rivalry, a professional ice hockey star who embarks on a decade-long secret romance with Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie.
Copping said the role touched Williams on a personal level because the character of Shane is autistic and Williams’ father is on the spectrum.
Hudson Williams (right), pictured with Langara College Film Arts program coordinator Jonas Quastel, got his start in acting at the British Columbia school in 2020
Copping told the Daily Mail that she knew Williams had the ‘it factor’ early on, and so she made a rare move after he graduated – she recommended him to her own agent
‘I had only done it a handful of times,’ the acting coach said of introducing him to an agent so soon. The actor is pictured in a college production
Quastel predicted that Williams ‘is going to follow more of a Johnny Depp career… heavy things, or Keanu Reeves’
Williams played the part of a cop in a production with his fellow students at acting school
The acting instructor said she thought a scene in episode five, in which Shane and Ilya have a heartfelt conversation over the phone highlighted that aspect of the storyline.
‘I felt like that was a real window into [Shane’s] autism story. I was just like, ‘Oh, that’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen,” Copping said.
Last December, Williams told the Hollywood Reporter: ‘I love my dad to death, and I’ve always felt very connected to him. He has a sensitivity to him that is very boyish.
‘I think when I read the script, I took a huge page out of living my life with him… I empathized with him a lot, immediately.’
Copping said that Shane also provided Williams with the chance to ‘explore so many sides of people that maybe he might not personally be, but people that he loves.’
She noted, however, that landing the lead role in a television show in such a short span of time is ‘very rare’ – and the explosion of success that has followed even more so.
Following his headline-making appearance at the Golden Globes, Williams has walked the runways of Paris Fashion Week and partied with A-listers, while fans around the world are finding ways to meet up for watch parties of the hit series, which is based on the popular series of books by Rachel Reid.
Williams landed his first lead role in television series Heated Rivalry in 2025. The HBO Max production became an instant success due to its groundbreaking storylines
Copping shared that Williams, seen here on the right alongside Storrie, recently told his former acting instructor of the overnight success: ‘I’m just disassociating from all of it because it’s happening so fast, but it’s awesome’
‘I always have a bit of concern for him because of who he is,’ Simpson admitted.
‘I want him to be that guy always who just has a level head on his shoulders and can take it all in, but that’s a lot. That’s a lot to take in, so hopefully he surrounds himself with a good team who keep him grounded and humble.’
Copping said when she messaged Williams leading up to his appearance on Jimmy Fallon, he confessed via text: ‘It’s crazy. I think I’m just disassociating from all of it because it’s happening so fast, but it’s awesome.’
‘I just said some encouraging things,’ the instructor shared of what she told him in response, noting that she said to ‘just focus on what a special project’ Heated Rivalry is and ‘how it’s basically changing the world and bringing perspectives.’
‘Then you don’t have to think it’s all about you,’ she continued. ‘He said, “Thank you for that perspective. I’ll keep that in mind.” It’s important to see the bigger picture.’
Quastel said he feels confident that Williams will always remember where he came from. After wrapping Heated Rivalry, the rising star already made sure to visit Langara College to sit down with his alma mater for ‘a little catchup.’
‘He’s not going to become a stranger to his friends,’ the coordinator said.
‘I think he’s mature enough and he knows enough about the industry to keep his friends close, and protect himself with real friends.’
