Jesse Williams is the kind of guy you see and instantly have a crush on (Come on, look at those eyes!). But then once he opens his mouth, you can’t help but fall for him even more because he’s so darn humble. At 29, he’s already modeled in campaigns for Kenneth Cole, taught impressionable high school students, worked alongside award-winning actors like Richard Gere and Don Cheadle, been cast in Sarah Jessica Parker’s pilot for a new HBO show Washingtonienne, and now he’s the guy everyone is talking about on Grey’s Anatomy, one of the most-watched shows on the planet.

All that and Jesse is still a mild-mannered gentleman, who hasn’t let any of his success go to his head. “I’m just grateful and genuinely happy to go to work every day,” says Jesse, who was born in Chicago and spent time in parts of Massachusetts, Providence, Philly, and most recently Brooklyn, NY, before landing his gig on Grey’s in Los Angeles. “On every set, I try to keep my mouth shut and pay attention, so I can absorb as much as possible, because I’ve definitely been lucky to have these opportunities.”

Jesse — an avid football player and fan, like his character Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s who notoriously tackled a man in the hospital on his first episode — credits his real-estate agent fiancé, Arin [sorry, ladies!], with telling him how exciting it is his career is taking off, and that it’s OK to enjoy the moment. “I’m really glad I have her for that — and for many other reasons,” says Jesse. “She’s the optimist to my pessimist. We balance each other out.” Awww. Yet another reason he’s so adorable.