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William MacyActor, screenwriter, producer, director
Date of Birth: 13.03.1950
Country:  USA |
Content:
- William H. Macy: A Life in the Arts
- Theater Beginnings
- Transition to Film and Television
- Critical Acclaim
- Emmy Success
- Recent Projects and Personal Life
- Philanthropy and Interests
William H. Macy: A Life in the Arts
Early Life and FamilyWilliam Hall Macy Jr. was born on March 13, 1950, in Miami, Florida. Raised in Georgia and Maryland, his father was a decorated World War II bomber pilot who later became an insurance agent. His mother, Lois, was a military widow who remarried Macy's father. Macy describes himself as a shy child who found comfort in playing guitar.
Theater Beginnings
After graduating from college, Macy moved to Chicago, where he worked as a bartender while co-founding the successful St. Nicholas Theater Company. There, he gained experience in various productions, including David Mamet's "American Buffalo" and "The Water Engine."
Transition to Film and Television
In the 1980s, Macy moved to Los Angeles and New York, where he appeared in numerous stage productions. His film debut came in "The Boy Who Loved Trolls" (1984). Breakthrough roles followed in Mamet's "House of Games" (1987), "Things Change" (1988), "Homicide" (1991), and "Oleanna" (1994). He later starred in Barry Levinson's "Wag the Dog" (1997) and Mamet's "State and Main" (2000).
Critical Acclaim
Macy's turn as Carl Showalter in the Coen brothers' "Fargo" (1996) earned him an Academy Award nomination. He continued to impress in films like "Benny & Joon" (1993), "Above Suspicion" (1995), "Magnolia" (1999), and Gus Van Sant's "Psycho" (1998). In 2001, he played a pivotal role in the blockbuster "Jurassic Park III."
Emmy Success
In 2003, Macy won two Emmy Awards for his performance and co-writing in the drama "Door to Door." He received Emmy nominations for his work in the television series "ER" and "Sports Night."
Recent Projects and Personal Life
Macy continues to work steadily in film and television. Notable recent projects include "Wild Hogs" (2007), "The Deal" (2008), and "Yes Man" (2009). He has been married to actress Felicity Huffman since 1997, and they have two daughters.
Philanthropy and Interests
Macy is a National Spokesperson for the United Cerebral Palsy Association. He is also known for his liberal views, his ukulele playing, and his woodworking hobby. Interestingly, the creators of "The Simpsons" have said that Macy would be their top choice to play Ned Flanders if the show were ever adapted into a live-action movie.
