Simon Williams: Actor, Chess Grandmaster, and Tech Blogger
London, 9 January 2026 – Simon Williams is a name shared by several notable figures, including a renowned British actor, a chess grandmaster, and a prominent tech blogger. This article explores the lives and recent developments of these individuals, highlighting their contributions and current news.
Simon Williams the Actor
Simon Williams, born on 16 June 1946 in Windsor, Berkshire, England, is a distinguished British actor best known for his role as James Bellamy in the classic BBC series Upstairs, Downstairs (1971–1975). He has appeared in numerous films and television programmes, including Jabberwocky (1977), Doctor Who (1988), and Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017). Williams has also voiced characters in audio dramas and written novels and plays.
In recent years, Williams has been cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He portrays Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man, in the Disney+ series Wonder Man, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The series, created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest, explores themes of superhero fatigue and features Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery. The first trailer was released at New York Comic-Con in October 2025, and the eight-episode series is scheduled to premiere on 27 January 2026.
Simon Williams the Chess Grandmaster
Simon Williams, born in 1981, is a British chess grandmaster and commentator, often known by his nickname “Ginger GM”. He has competed in major tournaments and authored books and DVDs on chess strategy. In September 2025, Williams was ordered by the UK Deputy Pensions Ombudsman to repay over £730,000 (approximately $890,000) to a pension scheme where he served as sole trustee. The ruling stemmed from breaches of trust and maladministration in a pension liberation scheme established in 2013. Williams stated he disagreed with the findings and was appealing the decision, emphasising his limited involvement and reliance on others.
Simon Williams the Tech Blogger
Simon Willison, often referred to in sources as Simon Williams in error, is a software engineer and blogger based in Half Moon Bay, California. His website, simonwillison.net, covers topics like AI, LLMs, web engineering, and open-source projects such as Datasette. In January 2026, Willison discussed predictions for AI in 2026 on the Oxide and Friends podcast and reviewed the year in LLMs. He also shared updates on tools like shot-scraper and his newsletter, which includes reviews of new AI models and coding projects.
Key Facts
| Figure | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Actor Simon Williams | Born 1946; Height 6’4″; Known for Upstairs, Downstairs; Upcoming in Wonder Man (2026) |
| Chess GM Simon Williams | Born 1981; Nickname “Ginger GM”; Ordered to repay £730,000 in pension case (2025) |
| Tech Blogger Simon Willison | Based in California; Blog on AI and tech; Recent podcast on 2026 predictions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Simon Williams in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Simon Williams is a character in Marvel Comics, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the upcoming Disney+ series Wonder Man. The series follows an actor named Simon Williams who gains superpowers while auditioning for a superhero role.
What is the pension scheme controversy involving Simon Williams?
The chess grandmaster Simon Williams was found liable in September 2025 for breaches in a pension scheme he trustee’d, resulting in losses for members. He is appealing the decision to repay £730,000.
What does Simon Willison blog about?
Simon Willison focuses on AI, large language models, web engineering, and open-source tools like Datasette. His January 2026 posts included AI predictions and tool updates.