Michelle Williams is a performer.
Michelle Ingrid Williams ( born September 9 , 1980 ) is an American actress . She won a Golden Globe and an Independent Spirit Award for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn ( 2011 ) , which also garnered her BAFTA , SAG , and Academy Award nominations . In 2016 , she received wide acclaim for her performance in the drama Manchester by the Sea , earning her nominations from the BAFTA , SAG , and Academy Award ceremonies . Michelle Williams (singer) . Williams has found success as a television , Broadway and West End theatre actress , gaining a nomination for `` Best Lead Female -- Equity '' in 2008 at the 18th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards . Making her acting debut on Broadway in Aida ( 2003 ) , she has since starred in the sitcom series Half & Half ( 2006 ) and the musical productions ; The Color Purple ( 2007 ) , Chicago ( 2009 -- 10 ) , What My Husband Does n't Know ( 2011 ) and Fela !