Beloved Hallmark Channel star Ashley Williams will not take “no” for an answer, especially when working to make her dreams come true. For the last eight years, the actress and producer has pounded the pavement and made waves in her quest to be taken seriously as a director, even developing a mentorship program for female directors with Hallmark, where she’s starred in nearly 20 movies.
On February 25, 2025, Williams posted a well-deserved victory dance on Instagram, revealing that despite being told by “hundreds of people” she would likely never get the chance to direct a popular network TV show, she has done just that, recently directing an episode of ABC’s “The Rookie.” It’s a feat that has her Hallmark colleagues cheering her on in spades.
In her Instagram post, Williams wrote that “it happened right when it was supposed to,” and noted that “honestly… directing an episode of The Rookie was pretty much the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”
Ashley Williams Celebrates Her Hard Work Paying Off & Those Who Believed in Her
As previously reported, Williams was named to Disney Entertainment Television’s 2024-2025 Directing Program, which granted her a year of mentorship and learning opportunities with a cohort of other aspiring directors, and the chance to shadow and possibly direct on a Disney-produced series, which is how she landed on the set of “The Rookie.”
In early February, before she could publicly reveal the series she’d directed for, Williams told EntertainmentNOW, “It kind of feels like it’s all worth it. I am always and forever an actress, as long as people will hire me, and directing is a little passion of mine. I love it so much, and I’m good at it, and it’s been really fun and rewarding.”
“I had— I’m not exaggerating— hundreds of people tell me this would never happen,” Williams wrote in her Instagram post, captioning a photo of herself laughing on the set of the police drama, now in its seventh season, as she stood next to her director’s chair.
She then quoted some of the excuses and warnings she’s received from naysayers over the years, including, “Just cuz you’ve been in the kitchen doesn’t mean you can cook.”
“I’ve been shadowing, studying, taking classes, writing, shooting, working on this — for eight years straight,” Williams continued. “After working as an actress in my industry since I was 11 years old. I have been so patient. I have been so reliable. Ive worked really hard. I brought people a lot of coffee — sent a lot of thank you notes.”
Williams, who also hosts the new Hallmark+ reality series “Small Town Setup,” said she’ll keep her fans and friends posted about when her directorial debut on “The Rookie” airs, calling it “the most complicated episode of television I’ve ever encountered.”
Williams thanked the show’s writer, crew and ABC for “taking a shot on me” and gave a special shoutout to “The Rookie” creator Alexi Hawley “for being fully committed to opening up doors for people like me who are ready, eager, creative as hell, and now grateful.”
Hallmark Stars Say They’re Thrilled for Ashley Williams
Many of Williams’ Hallmark colleagues and co-stars left glowing comments for Williams on her February 25 post about “The Rookie,” including Lacey Chabert, Benjamin Ayres, Bethany Joy Lenz, Marcus Rosner, Crystal Lowe, Cindy Busby, Paul Campbell, and Heather Hemmens.
“Mistletoe Murders” star Sarah Drew, who wrote, “So unbelievably proud of you!! They were so damn lucky to have you at the helm! I can’t wait to see what’s next!!”
Kristoffer Polaha showered Williams with celebratory emoji — “🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥✔️✔️✔️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥” — and later wrote, “so proud of you!”
“Haul Out the Holly” star and “Finding Mr. Christmas” co-host Melissa Peterman wrote, “You were meant for that seat. ❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥👏”
Williams’ sister and past Hallmark co-star Kimberly Williams-Paisley commented, “I’m sooooooo proud of you!!!! Ms. DIRECTOR!” Williams replied to her big sister, “thanks for listening to me talk about this nonstop”
Williams shared her good news while on location in Spain, where she’s co-starring in two Hallmark movies with Alison Sweeney.
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Ashley Williams Defies Hollywood Naysayers to Achieve ‘Coolest Thing I’ve Ever Done’