Broadway dancer Zelig Willams’ missing persons case, explained

Zelig Williams, a former Broadway dancer with credits in Hamilton and MJ: The Musical, has been missing since October 3. South Carolina police are investigating his disappearance, but no definitive leads have emerged. He was last seen driving in the Congaree National Park area, where his car was found abandoned, yet undamaged, at a trailhead. Adding to the mystery, Williams’ phone sent out an SOS signal, typically associated with car accidents, just 10 minutes after he left home. His family reported that he left without his medication, which may have been critical for his well-being.

Williams’ mental health has been a point of concern for some, given his social media history and past behavior during his time in Broadway productions. For instance, while part of MJ: The Musical, Williams reportedly left due to what he described as “witchcraft” in cast activities, which other cast members saw as a harmless team-building exercise. Additionally, his interactions with fellow performers, particularly during his time in Hamilton, have stirred controversy. Suni Reid, another cast member, filed a 2021 discrimination complaint, alleging that Williams made anti-LGBTQ+ comments, suggesting that he struggled to reconcile his religious beliefs with certain aspects of Broadway culture.

Friends and fellow performers, including Hugh Jackman, have expressed their concern, with Jackman using social media to appeal for any information on Williams’ whereabouts. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has conducted extensive searches by land and air and is reportedly using cell phone tracking and other investigative methods in hopes of locating him.