William H. Macy Biography

Son of an insurance broker, William H. Macy once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. But when he was in college, Bill’s dreams changed to acting and now he’s one of Hollywood’s most sought-after character actors and has a reputation for being the nicest guy in show business.

Macy studied acting at Goddard College under playwright David Mamet, going on to join Mamet’s theatre group - the St. Nicholas Company.

Having left the company in 1978, he headed to New York where work as a voice over artist helped to pay the bills. A number of roles in Broadway shows led to TV movies such as ‘Foolin' Around’. Thanks to his early professional relationship with David Mamet, Macy landed a number of parts in his films including ‘House of Games’, ‘Homicide’ and ‘The Client’.

Macy is perhaps best known for his role in the hugely successful Coen brothers film ‘Fargo’. His many other credits include ‘Pleasantville’, ‘Psycho’ and ‘Air Force One’.

As the films credits roll in, he has managed to successful divide his time between film and television with starring roles in the US hit shows ‘Law & Order’ and ‘ER’.