William H. Macy

GaK1...9uoj

19 Feb 2024

William H. Macy

William Hall Macy Jr., born on March 13, 1950, is an American actor known for his versatile performances in both small, independent films and mainstream productions. He has starred in a variety of roles throughout his career, including notable performances in films such as "Fargo" (1996), "Boogie Nights" (1997), "Mystery Men" (1999), "Jurassic Park III" (2001), "Cellular" (2004), "Bobby" (2006), "Wild Hogs" (2007), and "Shorts" (2009).
Macy's portrayal in "Fargo" earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has also received recognition for his work on television, winning two Emmy Awards and four Screen Actors Guild Awards.
From 2011 to 2021, Macy portrayed Frank Gallagher, a central character in the Showtime series "Shameless," which was adapted from the British television show of the same name.
Macy has been married to actress Felicity Huffman since 1997, and they have been a prominent Hollywood couple known for their respective acting talents and philanthropic efforts.

William Hall Macy Jr. was born in Miami, Florida, and spent his childhood in various locations including Georgia and Maryland. His father, William Hall Macy Sr., served in World War II as a pilot and later worked in the construction and insurance industries. Macy's mother, Lois, was a war widow who met Macy Sr. after the death of her first husband. Macy has fondly described his mother as a "Southern belle."
He graduated from Allegany High School in Cumberland, Maryland, in 1968. Macy then attended Bethany College in West Virginia, initially studying veterinary medicine. However, he later transferred to Goddard College in Vermont, where he studied under playwright David Mamet and graduated in 1972. Macy further honed his craft by studying theater at HB Studio in New York City.

After graduating from Goddard College, Macy began originating roles in plays by David Mamet, such as "American Buffalo" and "The Water Engine." While in Chicago during his twenties, he did a TV commercial that required him to join AFTRA, leading to him receiving his SAG card within a year, marking a significant moment in his career.
In 1980, Macy moved to New York City, where he appeared in over fifty Off-Broadway and Broadway plays. He made early on-screen appearances, including a role as a theater critic in the film "Somewhere In Time" (1980), using the name W.H. Macy to avoid confusion with another actor named Bill Macy. He also played a turtle named Socrates in "The Boy Who Loved Trolls" (1984).
Macy had minor roles in TV shows like "Kate & Allie" and "Law & Order," often billed as W.H. Macy. He collaborated with Mamet in numerous films like "House of Games," "Things Change," "Wag the Dog," and "State and Main."
His breakthrough role came with the film "Fargo" (1996), which elevated his career and established him as a recognizable actor. However, it also somewhat typecast him as a worried man facing challenges. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Macy appeared in various films, including "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia," "Jurassic Park III," "Seabiscuit," and "The Cooler."
Macy's television work, including roles in "ER" and "Sports Night," garnered Emmy nominations. He expressed interest in starring in big-budget action films for financial security.
In 2007, Macy starred in "Wild Hogs," a commercially successful film despite mixed reviews. He also began teaching Practical Aesthetics at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York.
Macy received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside his wife, Felicity Huffman, in 2009. He replaced Jeremy Piven in David Mamet's "Speed-the-Plow" on Broadway and later starred in the Showtime series "Shameless" as Frank Gallagher, earning critical acclaim and Emmy nominations for his performance.
In film, Macy appeared in "The Sessions" (2012) and made his directorial debut with "Rudderless" (2014). He also directed "The Layover" (2017). Additionally, he had a small role in the drama film "Room" (2015), which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

William H. Macy and actress Felicity Huffman had an on-and-off relationship for 15 years before marrying on September 6, 1997. They have two daughters together.
The couple has been involved in political activism, appearing at a rally for John Kerry in 2004. Macy is known for playing the ukulele and is passionate about woodturning. He has been featured in woodworking publications and serves as a national ambassador for the United Cerebral Palsy Association.
Macy developed a keen interest in riding motorcycles after filming "Wild Hogs."
In March 2019, it was reported that Macy and Huffman had arranged to pay $15,000 to have someone take a college entrance exam for their daughter. Huffman was indicted on fraud and conspiracy charges as part of a wider federal investigation into college admissions bribery. Although no charges were filed against Macy for undisclosed reasons, Huffman was sentenced to 14 days in federal prison, of which she served 10 days. She also completed 250 hours of community service and a year of supervised release as part of her sentence.