(This anecdote is the basis for the song "I Can Do That" in the musical A Chorus Line, although it was not related by Williams' character in the play.)
He originated the role of Paul, a Puerto-Rican dancer who shared a heart-breaking and touching story of growing up gay in a Catholic high school, his years as a drag performer, and ultimate acceptance of his family.
While the overall characterization of Paul was based on Williams, the bulk of the story was the true life experience of A Chorus Line co-author Nicholas Dante.
Frustrated, he eventually quit acting in the late 1980s and moved to West Hollywood, California, where he went into business as a florist.
Eventually, Williams decided to give acting another try and began performing in California and even touring in a one-man show about his experiences in A Chorus Line, among other things.