The release of the new series Heated Rivalry on November 28th has sent fans into a frenzy, with particular attention focused on the actor bringing the sensitive athlete Shane Hollander to life. That actor is Hudson Williams, a rising star whose performance has captivated audiences. Here is a detailed look at the man behind the character.
Hudson Williams: The Essential Facts
Hudson Williams was born on February 13th, 2001, making him 24 years old. His character, Shane Hollander, is just 17 when the story begins in the original Rachel Reid novel, though the adaptation may have aged him slightly. While Williams has not publicly confirmed his exact height, fan estimations from photos with co-stars place him between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall. Interestingly, Shane is described as 5'10" in the books.
In a parallel to his on-screen role, Williams is Asian Canadian in real life. He has clarified his specific heritage, stating: "I am half-Korean and then my dad is British-Dutch Canadian." His character, Shane, is Japanese-Canadian in the source material. Williams has spoken about the significance of playing an Asian lead, telling The PR Press it meant a lot to him and his Korean mother, who had concerns about representation in the industry.
From Supporting Roles to Leading Man
While Heated Rivalry marks Hudson Williams' first leading role in a series, he is not a complete newcomer to screens. He began his professional acting career in 2024. Audiences may recognise him from one-episode appearances in other series, most notably as Junior in Allegiance and Brandon Stokes in Tracker. He has also built experience through work in several short films.
On-Screen Chemistry vs. Real-Life Friendship
The electric dynamic between Williams' Shane Hollander and Connor Storie's Ilya Rozanov is a cornerstone of the show's success. This has led to speculation about a real-life romance. However, Hudson Williams and Connor Storie are not dating. The pair are, instead, very close friends. Their bond is evident from their social media, where they share behind-the-scenes photos and even have matching "sex sells" tattoos. After filming, Williams posted a tribute to Storie on Instagram, calling him an "exceptional soul" and hinting at a potential next season.
With Heated Rivalry proving to be an instant hit, Hudson Williams' star is firmly on the rise, marking the beginning of what promises to be a significant career.
