Who is William Devane?

William Devane is an American actor known for his roles in stage, film, and television.

Devane was born in Albany, New York, in 1939. He began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He gained recognition for his role as Greg Foster in the soap opera "Knots Landing" in the 1980s. He has since appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The West Wing," "24," and "The Resident."

Devane has been nominated for four Emmy Awards, winning once for his role in "Knots Landing." He has also received a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Personal Details

Name	William Devane
Birth Date	September 5, 1939
Birth Place	Albany, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1961-present

William Devane is a talented actor who has enjoyed a long and successful career.

William Devane

William Devane is an accomplished actor with a versatile career spanning several decades. His notable contributions to the entertainment industry encompass various mediums and genres.

Stage
Film
Television
Emmy Awards
Golden Globe Award
Screen Actors Guild Award
"Knots Landing"

Devane's stage performances showcase his classical training and range, while his film roles demonstrate his ability to inhabit diverse characters. His television work, particularly in "Knots Landing," cemented his status as a leading man. The numerous accolades he has received are a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.

1. Stage

William Devane's stage work represents the foundation of his acting career and showcases his versatility and dedication to the craft. He began his professional acting career on stage in New York in the early 1960s, where he honed his skills in classical theater.

Classical Training
Devane's stage performances demonstrate his strong classical training. He has performed in numerous Shakespearean productions, including "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Othello."
Range and Versatility
Devane's stage work showcases his range and versatility as an actor. He has played a wide variety of roles, from leading men to supporting characters, in both comedies and dramas. His ability to inhabit diverse characters is a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft.
Collaboration and Ensemble Work
Stage acting requires a high level of collaboration and ensemble work. Devane has consistently demonstrated his ability to work effectively with other actors and directors to create memorable and impactful performances.
Influence on Film and Television Work
Devane's stage experience has had a significant influence on his work in film and television. His classical training and understanding of character development have informed his performances in both mediums.

William Devane's stage work has been integral to his development as an actor and has laid the foundation for his successful career in film and television.

2. Film

William Devane's film career spans several decades and encompasses a wide range of genres and roles. He has worked with renowned directors and co-stars, delivering memorable performances that have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Leading Roles
Devane has played leading roles in numerous films, including "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" (1971), "The Reivers" (1969), and "Marathon Man" (1976). In these roles, he often portrays complex and morally ambiguous characters, bringing depth and nuance to his performances.
Supporting Roles
Devane has also excelled in supporting roles, providing strong character work and elevating the films in which he appears. Examples include "The Bad News Bears" (1976), "Rolling Thunder" (1977), and "Testament" (1983).
Genre Versatility
Devane has demonstrated his versatility by appearing in a wide range of film genres, including westerns, dramas, comedies, and thrillers. His ability to adapt to different genres and character types showcases his range as an actor.
Collaboration with Renowned Filmmakers
Devane has had the privilege of working with some of the most respected filmmakers in the industry, including Robert Altman, Francis Ford Coppola, and John Schlesinger. These collaborations have allowed him to learn from master directors and contribute to iconic films.

William Devane's film career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft. He has consistently delivered memorable performances that have entertained and captivated audiences for decades.

3. Television

William Devane's television career has been equally impressive, spanning several decades and encompassing a diverse range of roles and genres. He is best known for his portrayal of Greg Sumner in the long-running primetime soap opera "Knots Landing," a role that earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.

Leading Roles
Devane has played leading roles in several television series, including "Knots Landing," "24," and "The Resident." In these roles, he often portrays authoritative and complex characters, bringing depth and charisma to his performances.
Supporting Roles
Devane has also excelled in supporting roles on television, providing strong character work and elevating the shows in which he appears. Examples include his roles in "The West Wing," "Prison Break," and "Bosch."
Genre Versatility
Devane has demonstrated his versatility by appearing in a wide range of television genres, including dramas, comedies, and thrillers. His ability to adapt to different genres and character types showcases his range as an actor.
Critical Acclaim
Devane's television work has earned him critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. He has won two Emmy Awards for his role in "Knots Landing" and has been nominated for several others.
Contribution to Television History
Devane's work in television has contributed to the medium's history and evolution. His portrayal of Greg Sumner in "Knots Landing" helped to define the primetime soap opera genre and remains one of the most iconic roles in television history.

William Devane's television career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft. He has consistently delivered memorable performances that have entertained and captivated audiences for decades.

4. Emmy Awards

The Emmy Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the television industry, recognizing outstanding achievements in various categories. William Devane has been nominated for four Emmy Awards, winning once for his role in the television series "Knots Landing."

Devane's Emmy Award win is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. His performance in "Knots Landing" was critically acclaimed, and he was praised for his ability to bring depth and complexity to the character of Greg Sumner.

Devane's Emmy Award win has had a significant impact on his career. It has helped to solidify his status as one of the leading actors in the television industry and has opened up new opportunities for him. He has since gone on to star in numerous other successful television series, including "24," "The West Wing," and "The Resident."

The Emmy Awards are a major force in the television industry, and William Devane's win is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. His Emmy Award win has had a significant impact on his career and has helped to solidify his status as one of the leading actors in the industry.

5. Golden Globe Award

The Golden Globe Award is a prestigious accolade presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) to recognize outstanding achievements in film and television. William Devane has been nominated for one Golden Globe Award, for his role in the television series "Knots Landing."

Nomination for "Knots Landing"
Devane was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in the category of Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama for his role as Greg Sumner in "Knots Landing." His performance was critically acclaimed, and he was praised for his ability to bring depth and complexity to the character.
Recognition for Dramatic Performance
The Golden Globe Award nomination is a recognition of Devane's dramatic performance in "Knots Landing." The series, which aired from 1979 to 1993, was a popular and critically acclaimed drama that explored the lives of several families living in a cul-de-sac in Southern California.
Contribution to Television History
Devane's Golden Globe Award nomination is a testament to his contribution to television history. "Knots Landing" was one of the most popular and influential television series of its time, and Devane's performance as Greg Sumner was a major factor in its success.
Impact on Devane's Career
The Golden Globe Award nomination had a significant impact on Devane's career. It helped to solidify his status as one of the leading actors in the television industry and opened up new opportunities for him. He has since gone on to star in numerous other successful television series, including "24," "The West Wing," and "The Resident."

The Golden Globe Award nomination is a major honor in the television industry, and William Devane's nomination is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. His performance in "Knots Landing" was critically acclaimed, and he has since gone on to star in numerous other successful television series.

6. Screen Actors Guild Award

The Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG Award) is a prestigious accolade presented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) to recognize outstanding performances in film and television. William Devane has been nominated for two SAG Awards, winning once for his role in the television series "Knots Landing."

Devane's SAG Award win is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. His performance in "Knots Landing" was critically acclaimed, and he was praised for his ability to bring depth and complexity to the character of Greg Sumner. The SAG Award is a recognition of Devane's outstanding work in television, and it is a major honor in the industry.

The SAG Awards are an important part of William Devane's career. They have helped to solidify his status as one of the leading actors in the industry and have opened up new opportunities for him. He has since gone on to star in numerous other successful television series, including "24," "The West Wing," and "The Resident."

7. "Knots Landing"

The American primetime soap opera "Knots Landing" holds a significant place in the career of William Devane. It catapulted him to stardom and garnered him critical acclaim for his portrayal of Greg Sumner, a complex and enigmatic character.

Central Role
Devane played the central role of Greg Sumner, a wealthy and successful businessman with a troubled past. His character was a driving force behind the show's intricate plotlines and interpersonal dynamics.
Critical Acclaim
Devane's performance as Greg Sumner earned him two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe nomination, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. His portrayal of the character's inner turmoil and emotional depth was highly praised by critics and audiences alike.
Career Impact
"Knots Landing" had a profound impact on Devane's career. It established him as a leading actor in the television industry and opened doors to numerous other successful roles. His performance as Greg Sumner became a defining moment in his career.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
"Knots Landing" remains a cultural touchstone, and Devane's portrayal of Greg Sumner is fondly remembered by fans of the show. His character's struggles and triumphs resonated with audiences, solidifying his status as a beloved television icon.

In conclusion, William Devane's involvement in "Knots Landing" was a pivotal moment in his career. His portrayal of Greg Sumner brought him widespread recognition, critical acclaim, and a lasting legacy in the world of television.

FAQs About William Devane

The following are commonly asked questions about the acclaimed actor William Devane and their respective answers:

Question 1: What is William Devane best known for?

William Devane is best known for his portrayal of Greg Sumner in the long-running primetime soap opera "Knots Landing," a role that earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award.

Question 2: What is William Devane's age?

As of 2023, William Devane is 84 years old.

Question 3: How many Emmy Awards has William Devane won?

William Devane has won two Emmy Awards for his role in "Knots Landing."

Question 4: What other notable roles has William Devane played?

In addition to "Knots Landing," William Devane has had notable roles in films such as "The Reivers," "Marathon Man," and "Rolling Thunder," as well as television series including "24," "The West Wing," and "The Resident."

Question 5: Is William Devane still acting?

Yes, William Devane is still acting. He recently appeared in the television series "The Resident."

These FAQs provide a brief overview of William Devane's career and achievements. For more comprehensive information, refer to the article above.

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Conclusion

William Devane's illustrious career in film, television, and theater has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His versatility, dedication, and exceptional talent have earned him critical acclaim, numerous accolades, and the enduring admiration of audiences worldwide.

From his acclaimed performances in "Knots Landing," "24," and "The Resident" to his memorable roles in films like "The Reivers" and "Marathon Man," Devane has consistently demonstrated his ability to inhabit diverse characters and bring depth and nuance to every portrayal. His contributions to the world of acting have not only entertained but also inspired generations of aspiring performers.