William Smith
Date of Birth:
Gender: Male
Place of Birth: Columbia, Missouri, USA
Biography:
William Smith was an American film and television actor whose remarkable career spanned more than 300 feature films and TV productions. Born in Columbia, Missouri, he began acting at the tender age of eight in 1942, starring in movies such as The Ghost of Frankenstein, The Song of Bernadette, and Meet Me in St. Louis.
Armed with a BA from Syracuse University and an MA in Russian Studies from UCLA, Smith transitioned smoothly from child actor to leading man. In 1961, he landed the role of Police Sergeant Danny Keller on the ABC television series The Asphalt Jungle. His first significant leading role was as Joe Riley, a Texas Ranger, in the NBC western series Laredo.
Smith's acting prowess shined brightly in guest starring roles too. In 1967, he played Jude Bonner on Gunsmoke, James Arness's long-lived western TV show. He also appeared as John Richard Parker in the syndicated television series Death Valley Days, a story of survival and redemption against the backdrop of Texas hostages and the Comanche tribe. In yet another memorable role, Smith portrayed outlaw turned temporary sheriff Hendry Brown in an episode of Death Valley Days, where he battled with his own demons while attempting to tame a lawless town.
However, it was on Gunsmoke that Smith truly demonstrated his versatility and talent as an actor when he appeared in the 1972 episode "Hostage!" Here, his character left an indelible mark by brutally assaulting and shooting Amanda Blake's character, Miss Kitty Russell.
Throughout his illustrious career, Smith was known for his ability to embody complex, multidimensional characters with ease. His roles often showcased his talent for playing the "bad guy," earning him a reputation as one of the greatest bad-guy character actors of his time. Despite his passing in 1973, Smith's legacy continues to live on through his remarkable performances and indelible characters etched in film history.
Social Media:
