Born on September 5, 1939, William Joseph Devane is a prominent American actor renowned for his contributions to both television and film. He achieved fame for his portrayal of Greg Sumner in the long-running primetime soap opera, “Knots Landing,” which spanned from 1983 to 1993. Additionally, Devane left an indelible mark on the Fox serial drama, “24,” where he played the character James Heller, a role he reprised in the 2014 revival, “24: Live Another Day.”
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Devane’s versatile talent extends to the big screen, where he has delivered memorable performances in various films, including classics like “Family Plot” (1976), “Marathon Man” (1976), “Rolling Thunder” (1977), “Payback” (1999), and “Space Cowboys” (2000). His cinematic contributions have solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor in the entertainment industry.
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the impressive filmography of William Devane, highlighting some of his most memorable movies and TV shows.
Table of Contents
William Devane’s Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | William Joseph Devane |
| Nick Name | William Devane |
| Birth Place | Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Date Of Birth | 5 September 1939 |
| Age | 83 years old |
| Height | In Centimeters – 178 cm |
| In Feet and Inches – 5′ 10″ | |
| Weight | In Kilograms – 76 Kg |
| In Pounds – 167 lbs | |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Girlfriend | N/A |
| Wife/Spouse Name | Eugenie Devane (m. 1961) |
| Kids/Children Name | Joshua Devane |
| Parents Name | Father – Joseph Devane |
| Mother – Kate Devane | |
| Siblings | Joey Devane, Pat Devane |
| School | Albany High School |
| College | American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Actor |
| Net Worth | $9 Million |
Biography of William Devane
William Devane came into this world on September 5, 1939, in Albany, New York. His father, Joseph Devane, held the esteemed role of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s chauffeur during Roosevelt’s tenure as governor of New York, adding a touch of historical significance to his family’s background.
Joseph Devane hailed from Irish roots, while his mother, Kate, had a heritage rich in Dutch and German ancestry. William Devane’s educational journey led him through Philip Schuyler High School in Albany before culminating at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where he graduated in 1962.
Professional Career
William Devane embarked on his acting journey as a member of the New York Shakespeare Festival, where his talent graced the stage in an impressive array of 15 plays.
In 1966, Devane stepped into the shoes of Robert F. Kennedy in the off-Broadway production, “MacBird,” a satirical take on the Kennedys. His knack for embodying historical figures was further showcased in his role as President John F. Kennedy in the television docudrama “The Missiles of October” (1974), which earned him acclaim. He continued to shine when he portrayed blacklisted radio personality John Henry Faulk in the Emmy Award-winning TV movie “Fear on Trial” (1975).
Devane’s versatility extended to miniseries, where he took on the role of Master Sgt. Milt Warden in the remake of “From Here to Eternity” (1979), later reprising the character in a weekly series. However, it was his decade-long portrayal of the ambitious and resolute politician turned corporate magnate, Greg Sumner, in “Knots Landing” that made him a household name.
In the theatrical world, Devane made his mark by starring as Randle McMurphy in an off-Broadway revival of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in 1971, alongside Danny DeVito. DeVane’s performance laid the foundation for Danny DeVito’s later portrayal of the same character in the iconic film adaptation starring Jack Nicholson.
Devane’s television career included a notable appearance as Al Capone in an episode of “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” in 1994, and a recurring role on CBS’s “Early Edition” (1996–2000) as the protagonist’s father.
In the realm of cinema, Devane’s filmography boasts a wide range of roles, including notable appearances in “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” (1971), “Lady Liberty” (1971), Alfred Hitchcock’s “Family Plot” (1976), “Marathon Man” (1976), “Rolling Thunder” (1977), “Yanks” (1979), “Testament” (1983), “Timestalkers” (1987), “Forgotten Sins” (1996), “Exception to the Rule” (1997), “Payback” (1999), “Hollow Man” (2000), and “Space Cowboys” (2000).
Devane’s talent also saw him take on roles within the Presidential Cabinet on two prominent evening dramas. In “The West Wing” (2004), he guest-starred as the secretary of state and a potential vice presidential nominee, sharing scenes with Martin Sheen, who played the president. The two had previously worked together portraying President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy in “The Missiles of October” (1974). Additionally, in 2005, Devane joined the cast of “24” as Secretary of Defense James Heller, a role he embodied for seasons four through six.
Compilation of Movies and TV Shows Below;
Movies:
1. “Family Plot” (1976) – In this Hitchcock thriller, Devane plays the role of George Lumley, a private investigator caught up in a twisted tale of kidnapping and deception.
2. “Rollercoaster” (1977) – Devane stars as Harry Calder, an amusement park inspector on the hunt for a ruthless saboteur.
3. “Marathon Man” (1976) – Devane’s portrayal of Janeway, a mysterious government agent, adds depth to this gripping thriller starring Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier.
4. “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training” (1977) – Devane takes on the role of Coach Roy Turner in this beloved sports comedy.
5. “Yanks” (1979) – This wartime drama features Devane as John, a U.S. Army officer who finds love amidst the chaos of World War II.
6. “Testament” (1983) – In a powerful and heartbreaking performance, Devane plays the role of a suburban father facing the aftermath of a nuclear apocalypse.
7. “Hollow Man” (2000) – Devane lends his talent to this sci-fi thriller, playing the role of Dr. Kramer, a scientist involved in a dangerous experiment.
8. “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) – Devane has a brief but memorable appearance as the President of the United States in Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman trilogy conclusion.
7. “Interstellar” (2014) – Devane joins an ensemble cast in this thought-provoking sci-fi epic directed by Christopher Nolan.
8. “The Missiles of October” (1974) – Devane’s portrayal of President John F. Kennedy in this historical drama earned him critical acclaim.
TV Shows:
1. “Knots Landing” (1979-1993) – Devane’s most iconic role came as Gregory Sumner, a wealthy and influential character in this long-running primetime soap opera.
2. “24” (2005-2007) – He played Secretary of Defense James Heller in this high-stakes, real-time thriller series.
3. “The West Wing” (2001-2005) – Devane made recurring appearances as Secretary of State Lewis Berryhill in this acclaimed political drama.
4. “Jesse Stone” TV Movie Series (2005-2012) – Devane portrayed Jesse Stone’s psychiatrist and friend, Dr. Dix, in several TV movies.
5. “The Grinder” (2015-2016) – In this comedy series, he played Dean Sanderson Sr., the father of Rob Lowe’s character.
Personal Life
In a 2012 interview, Devane openly shared that he had not been an avid television viewer during his formative years. As someone who grew up with a rather unconventional upbringing as a street kid, he even admitted to siphoning gas. In 1961, he tied the knot with Eugenie ‘Debbie’ McCabe, and together they’ve built a life in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, raising two sons: Joshua, who also pursued a career in acting, and Bill, who tragically lost his life in an accident during his later years.
When time allows, the family enjoys getaways to their ranch in Utah. It’s at this serene escape that Devane indulges in his passions, including fly fishing and tending to Arabian horses. His dedication to horse riding and polo has garnered him numerous awards and accolades in the equestrian world.
William Devane’s Net Worth
The renowned American actor, William Devane, boasts an estimated net worth of approximately $9 million, as reported by various reputable online sources such as Wikipedia, Forbes, and Bloomberg.
| Name | William Devane |
| Net Worth (2023) | $9 Million |
| Profession | American actor |
| Monthly Income And Salary | $80,000 + |
| Yearly Income And Salary | $1 Million + |
| Last Updated | 2023 |
Conclusion
William Devane’s remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. From classic movies to iconic TV shows, he has consistently delivered memorable performances that have resonated with audiences for decades. This list provides a glimpse into the diverse and talented career of an actor who has become a beloved figure in the world of film and television. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his work, William Devane’s filmography offers a treasure trove of performances to enjoy.
