Let’s be real for a second. We were all just minding our own business, watching a show about ethics, philosophy, and the afterlife, when suddenly Chidi Anagonye took his shirt off. It wasn’t just a "oh, he's in good shape" moment. It was a cultural reset. When William Jackson Harper shirtless became a trending topic back in 2018, it felt like the entire internet collectively gasped. We thought he was just the "anxious sweater vest guy." We were wrong.
The image of William Jackson Harper standing over a sink, drenching himself in almond milk while looking like he was carved out of granite, is burned into the memories of NBC viewers. It wasn't just about the aesthetics, though let’s not pretend the aesthetics weren't top-tier. It was the shock of the subverted trope. We’re used to seeing the "nerdy" character portrayed as frail or physically unremarkable. Harper flipped that script entirely.
✨ Don't miss: The Taylor Swift Black Dress: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Darkest Looks
The Anatomy of a Viral TV Moment
Why did this specific scene in The Good Place Season 3, Episode 4 ("Jeremy Bearimy") hit so hard? It’s basically down to the contrast. Up until that point, Chidi Anagonye was defined by his indecisiveness and his love for moral philosophy. He was the guy who got a stomachache from making a choice. He wore layers. Plenty of them. Then, in a moment of nihilistic despair after learning the truth about the afterlife, he goes to a grocery store, buys a massive jug of almond milk, and loses the shirt.
The internet went feral.
Honestly, the reaction was a mix of "Since when is Chidi ripped?" and "I need to rethink my life choices." It wasn't just a flash in the pan, either. People are still searching for William Jackson Harper shirtless years later because it represents a specific kind of "surprising" fitness that feels attainable yet elite. It wasn't a Marvel-superhero-dehydration-diet look; it was just a guy who clearly puts in the work at the gym but keeps it under a button-down.
The "Chidi" Effect and the Modern Male Lead
For a long time, Hollywood had these very rigid boxes. You were either the "hot guy" or the "smart guy." Rarely both. Harper proved you could be the moral center of a show, a literal professor of ethics, and also possess a physique that looks like it belongs on a fitness magazine cover.
He's talked about this in interviews, too. He didn't get "shredded" specifically for that scene. That’s just how he lives. He’s a runner. He lifts. He told Conan that he was actually a bit embarrassed by the attention, which only made people like him more. There’s something deeply charming about a guy who is accidentally a thirst trap. He wasn't trying to be a sex symbol; he was just playing a guy having a nervous breakdown with a carton of nut milk.
Hard Work and Consistency: The Harper Routine
If you’re looking for the "secret" behind those abs, it’s boring but effective: consistency. William Jackson Harper has mentioned in various profiles, including pieces in GQ and Men’s Health, that his fitness isn't about a specific role. It’s a lifestyle choice. He grew up as a kid who was "kind of a string bean," and as he got older, he just stayed active.
He’s a big fan of bodyweight exercises and maintaining a high level of cardiovascular health. You don't get that kind of definition without a low body fat percentage, which usually points to a disciplined diet, but he doesn't talk about "bulking and cutting" like a pro bodybuilder. He’s more of a "I go for a run and hit the weights because it makes me feel good" type of guy.
Why We Are Still Talking About It in 2026
It’s about more than just muscles. The fascination with William Jackson Harper shirtless is also tied to the lack of diverse representation for "fit nerds" in media. For Black actors, especially, the roles are often polarized between the "tough guy" or the "comic relief." Harper carved out a third space: the Intellectual Heartthrob.
He carried this energy into Love Life Season 2 and his role as Quaz in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Even when he’s fully clothed, there’s an underlying physicality to his performances that people respect. He moves with a certain athletic grace that’s hard to ignore once you’ve seen "The Scene."
Misconceptions About Celebrity Fitness
People often think that when a celebrity looks like that on screen, they’ve spent six months with a trainer eating nothing but unseasoned chicken breast. While that’s true for some (we're looking at you, various Chrises), Harper seems to be the exception. He’s been "low-key jacked" for years. If you look back at his stage work or early appearances in shows like The Electric Company, the foundation was always there. He just didn't have a reason to take his shirt off until Chidi had a breakdown.
The lesson here? Stay ready so you don't have to get ready.
How to Get the "Chidi Anagonye" Look
If you're actually searching for this because you want to replicate that physique, it’s not about getting huge. It’s about "functional lean."
🔗 Read more: JAY Z Blue: Why This Song Is the Most Honest Thing Hov Ever Did
- Focus on Core Stability: Those aren't just "mirror muscles." They come from a lot of planking and functional movements.
- Don't Ignore Cardio: Harper is a runner. Running keeps the heart healthy and the body fat low enough for muscle definition to actually show up.
- The "Sweater Vest" Strategy: There is a certain power in being the best-built person in the room without anyone knowing it until you decide to show them. It's about quiet confidence.
Basically, the "William Jackson Harper shirtless" phenomenon taught us that intelligence is sexy, but intelligence plus a dedicated gym routine is a literal internet-breaker. It’s a high bar to clear, but it’s definitely one worth aiming for.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own Fitness Journey
Don't wait for a script-mandated shirtless scene to start taking care of your physical health. Use the "Harper Method" of integrated fitness:
- Prioritize Longevity: Focus on exercises that you can do for the next thirty years, not just for the next thirty days.
- Embrace the Contrast: You can be a scholar, a gamer, a techie, or a philosopher and still be an athlete. These identities aren't mutually exclusive.
- Stay Low-Key: There's something to be said for the "sleeper build." Work out for yourself, and let the results speak for themselves when the time is right.
If you’re looking to build a physique like William Jackson Harper, focus on high-repetition strength training and consistent aerobic activity. Stop looking for the "magic pill" and start looking for the nearest pull-up bar. It takes time, but as Chidi would tell you, the moral choice is usually the one that requires the most discipline.