William Windom was a renowned American actor celebrated for his remarkable performances on television, in films, and on stage. Best known for his role as Dr. Seth Hazlitt on Murder, She Wrote, Windom had a career spanning over five decades. This article provides detailed insights into his net worth, early life, age, physical appearance, education, family background, and much more.
Quick Bio: William Windom
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Windom |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1923 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Date of Death | August 16, 2012 |
| Place of Death | Woodacre, California, USA |
| Age (at Death) | 88 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years Active | 1949–2006 |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $4 million |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Education | Williams College |
| Marital Status | Married five times |
| Children | 4 |
William Windom Net Worth
William had an estimated net worth of $4 million at the time of his death in 2012. His wealth came primarily from his extensive career in film, television, and theater.
Windom was a highly sought-after character actor, appearing in over 250 TV shows and films. His most notable performances included his role in Murder, She Wrote, where he starred alongside Angela Lansbury, and his Emmy-winning performance in My World and Welcome to It (1969-1970).
Sources of Income:
- Television Appearances – Windom was a guest star on numerous TV shows, including Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, Hawaii Five-O, Gunsmoke, and Columbo.
- Film Roles – He starred in films such as To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), and Brewster McCloud (1970).
- Theater Performances – Windom was also active in theater and performed in various plays throughout his career.
- Voice Work and Narrations – He lent his voice to numerous narrations, commercials, and audiobooks.
His financial success allowed him to live comfortably in California until his passing in 2012.
Early Life and Background
William Windom was born on September 28, 1923, in New York City. He was named after his great-grandfather, William, a former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents James Garfield and Benjamin Harrison.
Windom grew up in a well-educated and politically connected family. Despite this privileged background, he chose to pursue a career in acting, following his passion for the performing arts.
Military Service
Before becoming an actor, Windom served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and participated in the paratrooper missions in Europe. His military experience shaped his discipline and work ethic, which later contributed to his success in Hollywood.
Age and Physical Appearance
William Windom lived for 88 years, passing away in 2012. Throughout his career, he maintained a distinctive look that made him a memorable presence on-screen.
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Hair Color: Light Brown (Later turned Gray)
- Eye Color: Blue
Windom had a charming yet serious demeanor, often portraying authoritative, intellectual, or comedic roles with ease.
Education
Windom attended Williams College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Massachusetts. He was an academically inclined student but eventually developed an interest in theater, leading him to join various acting groups.
After completing his education, he trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) in New York, one of the most respected acting schools in the country. His time at AADA refined his skills and prepared him for a successful acting career.
His Father
William Windom’s father was Paul Windom, a well-respected figure in his community. Though not much is publicly documented about Paul Windom’s profession, it is known that he provided his son with a strong educational foundation.
His father supported William’s ambitions, allowing him to explore his artistic talents and pursue acting professionally.
His Mother
His mother, Isabel Wells Windom, was an intelligent and well-read woman. She played an essential role in nurturing his creative interests. Windom often credited his mother for instilling in him a love for literature, which later influenced his performance in many literary adaptations, including his famous role as James Thurber’s alter ego in My World and Welcome to It.
Children
William Windom had four children from his multiple marriages. He was a devoted father, despite his busy acting career. While his children have largely stayed out of the limelight, Windom often spoke about his love for family life and how it kept him grounded.
Who Is William Windom?
William was a versatile and respected American actor known for his ability to take on a wide range of roles. His performances were often characterized by a mix of charm, intelligence, and wit.
Career Highlights:
- Won a Primetime Emmy Award for My World and Welcome to It (1970).
- Played Dr. Seth Hazlitt in over 50 episodes of Murder, She Wrote.
- Appeared in classic TV shows, including The Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and All in the Family.
- Played Prosecutor Gilmer in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962).
- Guest-starred in over 250 television programs during his 50-year career.
Current Life (Before Passing Away)
Before his death on August 16, 2012, William enjoyed a quiet life in Woodacre, California. He continued to make occasional appearances at fan conventions and public events celebrating classic Hollywood films and television.
Despite his age, he remained passionate about acting and often performed in one-man shows, where he portrayed literary figures such as James Thurber.
Windom passed away peacefully at the age of 88 due to congestive heart failure. His legacy continues to live on through his numerous memorable performances.
Conclusion
William Windom was an exceptionally talented and respected actor with a career spanning over 50 years. He achieved both critical and commercial success, earning an estimated net worth of $4 million.
From his early life as a paratrooper in World War II to his Emmy-winning performances in Hollywood, Windom’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. His portrayal of Dr. Seth Hazlitt in Murder, She Wrote and his work on My World and Welcome to It remain some of his most celebrated achievements.
Even after his passing in 2012, his work continues to be admired by fans of classic television and cinema.
FAQ‘s: William Windom
1. What was William Windom’s net worth?
At the time of his death in 2012, William’s estimated net worth was $4 million.
2. How tall was William Windom?
William stood at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
3. How old was William Windom when he died?
He was 88 years old when he passed away on August 16, 2012.
4. What was William Windom’s most famous role?
His most famous roles include Dr. Seth Hazlitt in Murder, She Wrote and his Emmy-winning performance in My World and Welcome to It.
5. Did William Windom serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division.
6. Was William Windom married?
Yes, he was married five times and had four children.
7. What year did William Windom win an Emmy Award?
He won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1970 for his role in My World and Welcome to It
