
Frances Elizabeth Williams (September 17, 1905 – January 2, 1995) was an American actress, activist, theatre producer, organizer, and community worker. Williams was the first black woman to run for the California State Assembly in 1948 on the Progressive Ticket and served on the boards of the Screen Actors Guild, Actors' Lab, and Actors Equity. She represented the World Peace Council at the first Angola Independence Celebration in 1975, and co-founded the Art Against Apartheid Movement in Los Angeles in the 1980s.
Williams began her acting career in the late 1930s, joining the cast of the play You Can't Take It with You. The company went on tour across the U.S. for two years. She appeared in two of Oscar Micheaux’s films, Lying Lips, 1939, and The Notorious Elinor Lee, 1940. Her first Hollywood film role was as Amy in Magnificent Doll (1946), followed by The Reckless Moment (1949) and Show Boat (1951). While she appeared on stage, in over forty films, on television shows in minor roles, and in commercials, Williams' biggest role to date came in 1987, when she played Miss Marie in the comedy-drama series Frank's Place starring Tim Reid. Despite being well received by many fans and critics, it was cancelled after one season (1987–1988).

The Jerk
1979 · as Grandma Johnson

A Piece of the Action
1977 · as Naomi Chamberlain

The Glove
1979 · as Grandma Hale

Three Secrets
1950 · as Delia (uncredited)

The Reckless Moment
1949 · as Sybil (uncredited)

Magnificent Doll
1946 · as Amy

Rented Lips
1988 · as Black Grandma

The Ambush Murders
1982 · as Emily Tyson

The Family Secret
1951

Sister, Sister
1982 · as Mother Bishop

Her Sister's Secret
1946 · as Mathilda

Queen for a Day
1951 · as Anna

Together Brothers
1974 · as Mama Wes

Week-End with Father
1951 · as Cleo

Father of Hell Town
1985 · as Nora

The Black Klansman
1966 · as Ellie Madison

A Dream for Christmas
1973 · as Cassie Thomas

Midnight Ramble
1994 · as Self - Actress