Leo Dooley Now: 7 Shocking Career Moves Tyrel Jackson Williams Made After Lab Rats

The character Leo Dooley from the hit Disney XD series Lab Rats was the relatable, non-bionic heart of the show, but the actor who played him, Tyrel Jackson Williams, has undergone a massive career transformation since the show ended. It's been nearly a decade since the final episode, and while his on-screen bionic siblings have pursued various paths, Williams has quietly built a diverse portfolio that includes critically acclaimed dramatic roles and a surprising pivot into the music industry. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Williams is redefining his public image, moving far beyond his Disney roots to embrace more adult, complex creative projects.

The journey of Leo Dooley—from the stepbrother who accidentally discovered a secret lab to a hero with his own powerful abilities—mirrors the real-life evolution of Tyrel Jackson Williams. Fans who grew up watching his comedic timing and infectious energy on Lab Rats are often shocked to see the dramatic and musical avenues he has explored, especially his recent work as a rapper and singer. This is the definitive, up-to-date look at where the star is now, detailing his complete biography and the seven most significant moves he's made since leaving the Davenport household.

Tyrel Jackson Williams: Complete Biography and Profile

Tyrel Jackson Williams, the actor, rapper, and singer, has a career that began long before he became a Disney star. Born into a family of actors, his path was set for the entertainment industry, but he has carved out a unique identity separate from his famous older brother.

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• Birth Name: Tyrel Jackson Williams
• Born: March 16, 1997
• Age (as of 2025): 28 years old
• Birthplace: Westchester County, New York, United States
• Siblings: Tyler James Williams (actor, known for Everybody Hates Chris and Abbott Elementary) and Tylen Jacob Williams (actor)
• Primary Roles: Leo Dooley in Lab Rats (2012–2016) and Charles in Brockmire (2017–2020)
• Stage Name: TJOnline (formerly TJW)
• Debut Role: Appeared in the TV series Sesame Street (2004)
• Notable Filmography: Lab Rats, Brockmire, Pants on Fire, Hollywood Stargirl

The Evolution of Leo Dooley: From Sidekick to Bionic Hero

The character of Leo Dooley was arguably the most important non-bionic human in the Lab Rats universe. He was the audience's entry point into the world of Adam, Bree, and Chase, a regular kid whose life was turned upside down when his mother, Tasha, married the eccentric inventor Donald Davenport. His initial role was the comedic foil and the one who constantly pushed the bionic teens to experience the "real world."

Leo's Unexpected Bionic Powers and Character Arc

For the majority of the series, Leo was defined by his lack of powers, which drove his desire to be a hero and his frequent attempts to prove himself. However, his character arc took a dramatic and permanent turn in the final seasons, providing the ultimate payoff for his journey.

• Initial Role: The comedic, street-smart stepson who discovered the bionic teens and worked to integrate them into school and society.
• The Turning Point: In the episode "Bionic Showdown," Douglas Davenport, Donald's brother, unlocks a hidden ability in Leo: Energy Transference. This allowed him to absorb energy from another power source.
• The Arcturion Power-Up: In a later, even more significant development, Leo was saved by Bree using the Arcturion, a powerful extraterrestrial object. This event imbued him with a new set of actual superpowers, making him a true bionic hero.
• Final Status: Leo Dooley became a main protagonist in the Elite Force universe, a spin-off that continued his journey as a super-powered individual, solidifying his transformation from a regular kid to a full-fledged hero.

7 Shocking Career Moves Tyrel Jackson Williams Made Post-Disney

Unlike many child stars who struggle to transition to adult roles, Tyrel Jackson Williams (TJOnline) made a deliberate move away from the Disney brand, opting for projects that showcased his range and maturity. His career path since Lab Rats finished in 2016 has been both surprising and critically successful.

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1. Landing a Major Role in the Critically Acclaimed Series Brockmire

One of the biggest surprises was Williams's immediate jump to a series regular role on the IFC comedy series Brockmire (2017–2020), which starred Hank Azaria. He played Charles, the show's earnest and socially awkward tech expert and podcast producer. The show was a sharp, adult comedy, a stark contrast to the family-friendly humor of Disney XD, proving his ability to handle mature material and complex character dynamics.

2. The Pivot to a Serious Music Career as TJOnline

Williams has actively pursued a career as a rapper, singer, and musician under the stage name TJOnline. This is perhaps his most significant and least-known pivot. He has been involved in musical projects that reflect a more alternative, R&B, and hip-hop influenced sound. This creative outlet allows him to explore themes and styles completely different from his acting work, establishing him as a multi-hyphenate artist.

3. Leaving the Music Collective Grouptherapy (2024 Update)

In a major and very recent update, Williams was a member of the popular music collective Grouptherapy. This collective gained significant traction in the music world, but in a 2024 development, Williams announced his departure from the group. This move signals a potential focus on his solo career as TJOnline, a fresh update that shows his commitment to his personal musical vision in 2025.

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4. Starring in the Disney+ Film Hollywood Stargirl

Returning to the Disney family, but on the more mature Disney+ platform, Williams co-starred in the 2022 film Hollywood Stargirl, the sequel to Stargirl. He played Terrell, the older brother of the main character's love interest. This role allowed him to leverage his existing relationship with the studio while taking on a more supportive, grounded part in a musical drama film, showing he hasn't completely closed the door on family-friendly projects.

5. Working Alongside His Brother, Tyler James Williams

Tyrel is part of a powerhouse acting family. His older brother, Tyler James Williams, is a Golden Globe and Emmy winner, most recently known for his role in the hit sitcom Abbott Elementary, and famously for Everybody Hates Chris. While they have separate careers, the shared experience and success of the Williams brothers—including their younger brother Tylen Jacob Williams—creates a powerful entity in Hollywood, providing Tyrel with a strong network and creative sounding board as he navigates his adult career.

6. Exploring Voice Acting and Short Films

Beyond his major TV and film roles, Williams has continued to diversify his portfolio with voice work and appearances in various short films and smaller projects, which is typical for actors focused on honing their craft. While the full list of his 2024-2025 short-form projects is still emerging, this strategy of taking on diverse roles demonstrates a commitment to acting as an art form rather than solely chasing blockbuster fame.

7. Redefining His Public Image and Online Presence

By transitioning from "Billy Unger's younger brother" (a common misconception in the early days, as Billy Unger played Chase) to the distinct brand of Tyrel Jackson Williams / TJOnline, he has successfully shed the "child star" label. His current social media presence and professional credits reflect a serious, adult artist focused on music and dramatic acting, ensuring his 2025 career trajectory is defined by his current creative output and not just his Disney past.