Vancouver Actor Hudson Williams Set for Tonight Show Debut
Vancouver, January 7, 2026 – Vancouver-born actor Hudson Williams, best known for his breakout role as Shane Hollander in the steamy hockey drama Heated Rivalry, is scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon tonight. The 24-year-old star, who has rapidly gained fame since the series premiered on Crave and HBO Max in late November, marks his first late-night talk show appearance.
Breakout Success in Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry, adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel series, follows the secret romance between rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Williams plays the closeted hockey phenom Hollander, alongside co-star Connor Storrie as Rozanov. The series has become a global sensation, topping charts on Crave and HBO Max, with fans praising its queer romance storyline. Williams, a Kamloops native who attended Sa-Hali Secondary and Langara College’s film arts programme, has seen his Instagram following surpass one million in just a month.
Key Facts About Hudson Williams
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age and Background | 24 years old; born in Kamloops, British Columbia; attended Sa-Hali Secondary and Langara College. |
| Career Highlights | Breakout role in Heated Rivalry (2025); signed with CAA in January 2026; directed short films before fame. |
| Upcoming Projects | Voice work in Ember & Ice audiobook; returning for Heated Rivalry Season 2; roles in Hold Your Back, Encore, and The Altruists. |
| Personal Interests | Skincare enthusiast with a viral 20-minute routine; describes Kamloops as a mix of “rednecks and bougie people.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heated Rivalry about?
Heated Rivalry is a six-episode series streaming on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the US, based on Rachel Reid’s novels. It explores the rivalry and secret romance between two professional hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, blending sports drama with steamy queer romance.
When does Hudson Williams appear on The Tonight Show?
Hudson Williams is set to guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 7, 2026, airing weeknights on NBC and available on Peacock.
What other projects is Hudson Williams involved in?
Beyond Heated Rivalry, Williams has voiced characters in the erotic romance audiobook Ember & Ice, and he is slated for roles in short films like Hold Your Back, feature films Encore and The Altruists, and a potential Netflix series about FTX.