Pharrel Williams

Singer

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur.

About

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer and entrepreneur.

Before Fame

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on April 5, 1973, the eldest of three children born to teacher Carolyn and handyman Pharaoh Williams. His ancestors date back many generations in Virginia and North Carolina, and one of his ancestors traveled to West Africa in 1831, prompting other family members to emigrate from the United States to Liberia in 1832.

Trivia

Williams has received numerous honors and nominations. He won 13 Grammy Awards, including three for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical (one of which was as a member of The Neptunes). He has also been nominated twice for an Academy Award, receiving a nomination for Best Original Song in 2014 for “Happy” (which featured in Despicable Me 2) and a nomination for Best Picture in 2017 as producer of Hidden Figures.

Family Life

Williams married longtime girlfriend, model and fashion designer Helen Lasichanh on October 12, 2013. They have a son named Rocket (born 2008). The song Despicable Me “Rocket’s Theme” was written in honor of his son. In September 2016, they announced they were expecting another baby; in January 2017, Lasichanh gave birth to triplets.

Associated With

Williams offered internships to 114 students at Harlem High School. All the 114 Harlem High School students were accepted into colleges, and the purpose of Williams’ donation was to help the students become the next leaders in bringing about change.