February 15, 2006

Michelle Williams Takes HIV-Positive Role For TV-Acting Debut

By Angela Lu, with additional reporting by Corey Moss (MTV.com)

BEVERLY HILLS -- While one Michelle Williams is earning buzz on the big screen (as Heath Ledger's on- and offscreen Brokeback Mountain love interest), another is getting some attention on the small screen. Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams made her television acting debut Monday night on the UPN comedy Half & Half, playing a strong-willed, HIV-positive record producer.

"I did the role because I wanted people to know that whatever you have, you can still live." said Williams, who will also appear in the next two episodes of the series. "You can still work, you can still be fly, you can still be classy, and your dream doesn't have to die."

Williams, who previously acted in Broadway's Aida, shot the episodes during a break between Destiny's Child's final tour and the start of her third solo album.

"I know my first two albums were gospel, but I'm going to do some soul music because I love R&B music, so I'm excited about that opportunity," Williams said at Clive Davis's annual pre-Grammy party. "Hopefully it'll be out at the end of this year [or] early next year."

Williams has yet to collaborate with any big names, but she has a few possible creative partners in mind.

"I've got to work with Anthony Hamilton," she said. "I've got to do something with John Legend. Those are like my two dreams. You know who I really love, too, is Bonnie Raitt. I love 'Nick of Time.' I listen to that song once a day at least."