American actor (born 1950)
"William Macy" redirects here; not to be confused with
Bill Macy .
William Hall Macy Jr. (born March 13, 1950) is an American actor and filmmaker. He is a two-timeEmmy Award and four-timeScreen Actors Guild Award winner, and has been nominated for anAcademy Award , aDrama Critics' Circle Award , and fiveGolden Globe Awards .
Macy rose to prominence for his collaborations with playwrightDavid Mamet , before building a film career on appearances in small,independent films ,[ 3] Independent Spirit Award nominations. His first major role in a mainstream film was Jerry Lundegaard inFargo Fargo , Macy received critical acclaim and a nomination for theAcademy Award for Best Supporting Actor .
Macy's subsequent mainstream film roles includeBoogie Nights Air Force One Magnolia Mystery Men Jurassic Park III Bobby Thank You For Smoking Room Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes The Running Man Shameless Dr. David Morgenstern onER
Macy was born on March 13, 1950 in Miami, Florida, and grew up in Georgia and Maryland.[ 4] Distinguished Flying Cross and anAir Medal for flying aB-17 Flying Fortress bomber inWorld War II ; he later ran a construction company inAtlanta, Georgia , and worked forDun & Bradstreet before taking over aCumberland, Maryland –based insurance agency when Macy was nine years old. Macy's mother, Lois (née Overstreet; 1920–2001), was a war widow who met Macy's father after her first husband died in 1943. Macy has described her as a "Southern belle ".[ 5] [ 6] [ 7]
Macy graduated fromAllegany High School in Cumberland, Maryland, in 1968. He attendedBethany College in West Virginia, where he studiedveterinary medicine .[ 3] Goddard College in rural Vermont, where he studied under playwrightDavid Mamet , and graduated in 1972. He studied theater atHB Studio [ 8]
After graduating from Goddard, Macy originated roles in a number of plays by collaborator David Mamet, such asAmerican Buffalo [ 9] The Water Engine [ 10] AFTRA in order to do the commercial, and received his SAG card within a year, which for an elated Macy represented an important moment in his career.[ 11]
Macy spent time inLos Angeles before moving toNew York City in 1980, where he had roles in over fiftyOff Broadway andBroadway plays . One of his earliest on-screen roles was as a theater critic congratulatingChristopher Reeve in 1980'sSomewhere In Time Bill Macy . Another memorable early performance was as a turtle named Socrates in the direct-to-video filmThe Boy Who Loved Trolls
Macy at the62nd Annual Peabody Awards , May 2003 He had a minor role as a hospital orderly on the sitcomKate & Allie Everybody's Favorite Bagman ", the first produced episode ofLaw & Order House of Games Things Change Homicide Oleanna play of the same name ),Wag the Dog State and Main Spartan
Macy's leading role inFargo typecast of a worried man down on his luck.[ 12] Benny & Joon The Client Above Suspicion Mr. Holland's Opus Ghosts of Mississippi Air Force One Boogie Nights A Civil Action Pleasantville Gus Van Sant 's remake ofPsycho Happy, Texas Mystery Men Magnolia Panic Jurassic Park III Focus Welcome to Collinwood Seabiscuit The Cooler Cellular Sahara Everyone's Hero Bobby
He had a recurring role onER Sports Night Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series . Macy wrote and starred inDoor to Door [ 13]
In a November 2003 interview withUSA Today action film "for the money, for the security of afranchise like that. And I love big action-adventure movies. They're way cool."[ 14] Atlantic Theater Company in New York, where he teaches a technique calledPractical Aesthetics . A book describing the technique,A Practical Handbook for the Actor (ISBN 0-394-74412-8
In 2007, Macy starred inWild Hogs Harley-Davidson motorcycles fromCincinnati to thePacific Coast . Despite being critically panned, with a 14% "rotten" rating fromRotten Tomatoes , it was a financial success, grossing over $168 million.[ 15] A Civil Action John Travolta . In 2009, Macy completed filming onThe Maiden Heist Morgan Freeman andChristopher Walken .
Macy in 2010 In June 2008, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced Macy and his wife,Felicity Huffman , would each receive a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame in the upcoming year. On January 13, 2009, Macy replacedJeremy Piven in David Mamet'sSpeed-the-Plow Norbert Leo Butz covered the role from December 23, 2008, until Macy took over the part.[ 16] Dirty Girl Juno Temple ,Milla Jovovich ,Mary Steenburgen andTim McGraw , premiered September 12, 2010, at theToronto International Film Festival .
In summer 2010, Macy joined theShowtime pilot Shameless Frank Gallagher . The project ultimately went to series, and its first season premiered on January 9, 2011. Macy has received high critical acclaim for his performance,[ 17] Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2014.
In the 2012 filmThe Sessions [ 18] Rudderless Billy Crudup ,Anton Yelchin ,Felicity Huffman ,Selena Gomez andLaurence Fishburne . In 2017, he directedThe Layover Alexandra Daddario andKate Upton .
In 2015, he had a small role as Grandpa in the drama filmRoom Academy Award for Best Picture . The film reunited him with hisPleasantville Joan Allen . In 2024, he played Trevathan in the filmKingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Huffman and Macy at a ceremony where each received a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame on March 7, 2012 Macy and actressFelicity Huffman dated on-and-off for 15 years[ 19]
Macy and Huffman appeared at a rally forJohn Kerry in 2004.[ 20] [ 21]
Macy plays theukulele and is an avidwoodturner . He has appeared on the cover ofFine Woodworking ' s special edition,Wood Turning Basics [ 22] American Woodturner (American Association of Woodturners ). He is a national ambassador for theUnited Cerebral Palsy Association .[ 23]
Since shooting the filmWild Hogs , Macy has had a strong interest in riding motorcycles.[ 18] Woody Creek Distillers inBasalt, Colorado , which sells a signature whiskey bearing Macy's name.[ 24]
Varsity Blues scandal [ edit ] In March 2019, it was reported that Macy and Huffman had agreed to pay someone $15,000 to take a college entrance exam for their daughter Sophia. Huffman was indicted on fraud and conspiracy charges as part ofa wider federal investigation of college admissions bribery . For undisclosed reasons,[ 25] [ 26] [ 27]
On September 13, 2019, a federal judge in Boston sentenced Huffman to 14 days in federal prison (of which she served 10 days), 250 hours of community service, and a year of supervised release.[ 28] [ 29] [ 30]
Year Title Role Venue Notes Ref. 1963 Room Service Master Theatre, Off-Broadway [ 31] 1968 The Cannibals Uncle / Mad Mr. Reich The American Place Theatre , Off-Broadway[ 32] [ 31] 1974 Squirrels Edmond St. Nicholas Theater, Chicago [ 32] 1975 American Buffalo Bobby Goodman Theatre , Chicago[ 32] 1975–76 St. Nicholas Theater, Chicago [ 32] 1977 The Water Engine Charles Lang St. Nicholas Theater, Chicago [ 32] 1980 The Man in 605 Jerry Green Lucille Lortel Theatre , Off-Broadway[ 33] Twelfth Night Sebastian Circle Theatre , Broadway[ 31] 1981 The Beaver Coat Dr. Fleischer [ 31] The Front Page Hildy Johnson Goodman Theatre, Chicago [ 32] 1981–82 The Dining Room 3rd Actor Studio Theatre of Playwrights Horizon, Off-Broadway [ 32] Astor Place Theatre , Off-Broadway[ 32] 1983 Baby with the Bathwater John Studio Theatre of Playwrights Horizon, Off-Broadway [ 31] 1985–86 Prairie du Chien Gin Player Lincoln Center Theater , Broadway[ 32] 1986 The Nice and the Nasty Junius Upsey Studio Theatre of Playwrights Horizon, Off-Broadway [ 31] 1986–87 Bodies, Rest and Motion Nick Lincoln Center Theater, Broadway [ 32] 1988 Boys' Life — Lincoln Center Theater, Broadway Director [ 32] 1988–89 Our Town Howie Newsome Lyceum Theatre , Broadway[ 32] 1989 Bobby Gould in Hell The Interrogator Lincoln Center Theater, Broadway [ 32] 1990 Squirrels — Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, Philadelphia Director Three Sisters — Atlantic Theater , Off-BroadwayDirector [ 32] 1991 — Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, Philadelphia Director [ 32] — Linda Gross Theater, Off-Broadway Director [ 32] Life During Wartime Heinrich New York City Center , Off-Broadway[ 32] Mr. Gogol and Mr. Preen Mr. Preen Lincoln Center Theater, Broadway [ 32] 1992–94 Oleanna John Orpheum Theatre , Off-Broadway[ 32] 1997 The Joy of Going Somewhere Definite — Atlantic Theater, Off-Broadway [ 31] 2000 American Buffalo Teach [ 32] 2008–09 Speed-the-Plow Bobby Gould Ethel Barrymore Theatre , Broadway[ 32] 2020 The Christopher Boy's Communion Hollis Odyssey Theatre, Los Angeles [ 32]
Key † Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released
Year Title Role Notes 1978 The Awakening Land Will Beagle Miniseries ; credited as W.H. Macy1982 Another World Frank Fisk Credited as W.H. Macy 1983 The Cradle Will Fall Ben Duffy Television film , credited as W.H. MacySitcom Chip Gooseberry Television film, credited as W.H. Macy 1984 The Boy Who Loved Trolls Socrates the Turtle Voice, television film; credited as W.H. Macy The Dining Room Arthur, Charlie, Architect, Billy, Nick, Fred, Tony, Standish Television film, credited as W.H. Macy 1985 Joanna Napoleon Flipper Short film ; credited as W.H. MacyHometown Loring Dixwell Episode: "Mary's Yen"; credited as W.H. Macy 1985–88 Spenser: For Hire Efrem Connors 3 episodes; credited as W.H. Macy 1986 Kate & Allie Carl Episode: "General Hospital"; credited as W.H. Macy 1987 The Equalizer Dr. Spaulding Episode: "Hand and Glove "; credited as W.H. Macy Alive from Off Center Uncredited Episode: "As Seen on TV" 1988 The Murder of Mary Phagan Randy Miniseries; credited as W.H. Macy Lip Service Farmer Television film; also director; credited as W.H. Macy 1989 Tattingers Myron Episode: "Tour of Doody"; credited as W.H. Macy 1990 ABC Afterschool Specials Store Clerk Episode: "All That Glitters" 1990–92 Law & Order John McCormack, Powell 2 episodes 1992 In the Line of Duty: Siege at Marion Ray Daniels Television film Civil Wars Donald Patchen Episode: "Denise and De Nuptials" A Private Matter Psychiatrist Television film The Water Engine Charles Lang Television film A Murderous Affair: The Carolyn Warmus Story Sean Hammel Television film The Heart of Justice Booth Television film 1993 Bakersfield P.D. Russell Karp Episode: "Cable Does Not Pay" L.A. Law Bernard Ruskin Episode: "Rhyme and Punishment" 1994–2009 ER Dr. David Morgenstern 31 episodes 1994 Texan Doctor TV short 1995 In the Shadow of Evil Dr. Frank Teague Television film Mystery Dance Bob Wilson Episode: "Episode #1.1" 1996 Andersonville Col. Chandler Miniseries The Writing on the Wall Petrocelli Television film 1998 Superman: The Animated Series The Director (voice) Episode: "Where There's Smoke"[ 36] The Con Bobby Sommerdinger Television film; also writer The Lionhearts Leo Lionheart (voice) 13 episodes King of the Hill Dr. Rubin (voice) Episode: "Pregnant Paws" Hercules Jorgen Svenson, Sven Jorgenson (voices) Episode: "Hercules and the Twilight of the Gods" 1999 Frasier Ralph Episode: "Good Samaritan"[ 36] A Slight Case of Murder Terry Thorpe Television film; also writer The Wild Thornberrys Skoot (voice) Episode: "On the Right Track"[ 36] 1999–2000 Batman Beyond Aaron Herbst, Karros (voices) 2 episodes[ 36] 1999–2000 Sports Night Sam Donovan 6 episodes 1999 The Night of the Headless Horseman Ichabod Crane Television film[ 36] 2001 Nature Narrator Episode: "Polar Bear Invasion" 2002 Door to Door Bill Porter Television film; also writer It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie Glenn Television film 2003 Out of Order Steven Miniseries 2004 Reversible Errors Arthur Raven Television film The Wool Cap Charlie Gigot Television film; also writer and producer 2006 The Simpsons Himself (voice) Episode: "Homer's Paternity Coot " Nightmares and Dreamscapes Clyde Umney, Sam Landry, George Demmick Miniseries 2006–07 Curious George Narrator (voice) 30 episodes (season 1) 2007 The Unit President of the United States Episode: "The Broom Cupboard" 2008 Family Man Todd Becker Television film; also writer and executive producer 2011–21 Shameless Frank Gallagher Main role, 11 seasons; directed 3 episodes, wrote 1 episode, showrunner from seasons 5–8, 11 2011 Versailles Bill 3 episodes 2022 The Dropout Richard Fuisz 5 episodes 2023 The Conners Smitty Cusamano Episode: "Two More Years and a Stolen Rose"[ 39] 2024 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Himself Episode: "Bitter Pill to Swallow" Accused Raymond Episode: "Lorraine's Story"
Awards and nominations [ edit ] ^ Rebecca Flint Marx (2014)."William H. Macy – Biography" .The New York Times the original on March 6, 2014. RetrievedApril 15, 2015 . ^ "William H. Macy – Biography" .Biography.com .A&E Television Networks , LLC. RetrievedApril 15, 2015 .^a b Robert, Abele (July 2001). "Interview with William H. Macy".Maxim ^ Stated onInside the Actors Studio ^ "William H. Macy Biography" .Yahoo! Movies . RetrievedJuly 7, 2010 .^ "William H. Macy Biography (1950–)" . Film Reference.^ "MACY'S ROOTS RUN DEEP INTO PASCAGOULA" . Sun Herald. April 11, 2004. Archived fromthe original on January 30, 2013. RetrievedMay 13, 2019 .^ HB Studio Alumni ^ Dettmer, Roger (October 25, 1975)." .Chicago Tribune . Chicago, Illinois. p. 1:14.Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. RetrievedFebruary 9, 2019 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ Harris, Andrew B. (1994).Broadway Theatre 98 .ISBN 0-415-10520-X . RetrievedApril 16, 2008 .By 1975, David Mamet and the St Nicholas Theater had settled in Chicago. ^ Moynihan, Rob (January 19, 2015). "How I Got MySAG -AFTRA Card",TV Guide ^ McIntyre, Gina (January 8, 2004)."William H. Macy, actor" .The Hollywood Reporter the original on October 9, 2007. RetrievedJuly 7, 2010 . ^ Martin, Denise (September 28, 2003)."TNT opens 'Door' to more made-fors" .Variety . RetrievedJuly 7, 2025 . ^ "William H. Macy wants to be action hero" .USA Today . November 23, 2003. RetrievedSeptember 25, 2016 .^ Wild Hogs ^ Silverman, Stephen M. (December 18, 2008)."Jeremy Piven Abruptly Abandons Broadway Play" .People the original on December 19, 2008. ^ Stransky, Tanner (December 10, 2010). "William H. Macy takes it off".Entertainment Weekly ^a b Cooper, Chet (2013)."William H. Macy Interview" .Ability . Santa Ana, California. RetrievedMarch 11, 2018 . ^ "Huffman's a hard-working 'lazy' actor" . TribLive. February 23, 2015. RetrievedDecember 4, 2016 .^ "All Star Concert Benefit for Presidential Candidate John Kerry" . DailyCeleb.com. July 6, 2004. Archived fromthe original on October 15, 2007.^ "William H Macy's Federal Campaign Contribution Report" .Newsmeat . Archived fromthe original on July 16, 2006.^ "Wood Turning Basics" .FineWoodworking . April 23, 2007. RetrievedApril 17, 2019 .^ "UCP Announces William H. Macy as UCP Ambassador" .National Ambassadors (Press release). United Cerebral Palsy. January 14, 2003. Archived fromthe original on September 27, 2007.^ Ricciardi, Tiney (December 27, 2023)."Actor and Aspen resident William H. Macy is shameless about Colorado whiskey" . The Denver Post. RetrievedJuly 11, 2024 . ^ Winton, Richard (March 13, 2019)."Why wasn't William H. Macy charged in college admissions scandal that targeted wife Felicity Huffman?" .Los Angeles Times . RetrievedMarch 14, 2019 . ^ Durkin Richer, Alanna; Binkley, Collin (March 12, 2019)."Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman Among Those Charged in Sweeping College Admissions Bribery Scandal" .Time the original on March 12, 2019. RetrievedMarch 13, 2019 . ^ Miller, Julie (March 13, 2019)."How Does William H. Macy Fit into the College-Admissions Scandal?" .Vanity Fair . RetrievedAugust 11, 2025 . ^ Jancelewicz, Chris (September 16, 2019)."Felicity Huffman sentenced to 14 days in jail for her role in college bribery scandal" .Global News . RetrievedOctober 22, 2019 . ^ Fieldstadt, Elisha; Kaplan, Ezra (October 25, 2019)."Felicity Huffman released from prison on 11th day of 14-day sentence" .NBC News . RetrievedDecember 28, 2020 . ^ Foussianes, Chloe (October 26, 2020)."How Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy Became Involved the College Admissions Scandal" .Town and Country . RetrievedDecember 28, 2020 . ^a b c d e f g "William H. Macy" .www.iobdb.com . RetrievedSeptember 14, 2024 .^a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "William H. Macy theatre profile" .www.abouttheartists.com . RetrievedSeptember 14, 2024 .^ "The Man in 605" .www.iobdb.com . RetrievedSeptember 14, 2024 .^ "William H. Macy" .TV.com . Archived fromthe original on March 8, 2019. RetrievedMay 22, 2016 .^ "The 69th Academy Awards | 1997" .Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Archived from the original on October 9, 2020.^a b c d e f g h i j "William H Macy (visual voices guide)" . Behind The Voice Actors. RetrievedAugust 6, 2023 .^ ‘Ricky Stanicky’ Rounds Out Cast With William H. Macy, Anja Savcic, Andrew Santino & Lex Scott Davis ^ Grobar, Matt (April 15, 2025)."Sony's Affirm Films Dates 'Soul On Fire' Starring William H. Macy, John Corbett & Joel Courtney" .Deadline . RetrievedApril 18, 2025 . ^ Hailu, Selome (October 20, 2022)."William H. Macy Joins 'The Conners' Season 5 as Guest Star" .www.variety.com . Variety. RetrievedFebruary 3, 2025 .
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