William Devane, a renowned actor, was born in Albany, New York, to Joseph Devane, who served as the chauffeur for Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Governor of New York, during his tenure. After completing his education at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, Devane began his acting career on stage, making his Broadway debut in the production "The Watering Place" alongside Shirley Knight, although it unfortunately only lasted for one performance. He later found success with the 1970 production "The Chinese and Dr. Fish," which ran for three weeks, and also directed the Vietnam War drama "G. R. Point" in 1979, earning Michael Jeter a Theatre World Award for his performance.
Devane made his film debut in the independently produced "In the Country" in 1967 and began appearing in television series. He gained recognition for his role as a lawyer committed to free-enterprise in Robert Altman's masterpiece "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" in 1971. However, it was his portrayal of President John F. Kennedy in the 1973 telefilm "The Missiles of October," which told the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis, that cemented his reputation as an actor.
Devane attempted to establish himself as a leading man with major roles in Alfred Hitchcock's "Family Plot" and John Schlesinger's "Marathon Man," both released in 1976, as well as "The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training" in 1977. He also appeared in Schlesinger's "Yanks" and the television adaptation of James Jones' classic barracks drama "From Here to Eternity" in 1979. Unfortunately, his chances of achieving a successful film career were severely hindered by the monumental failure of Schlesinger's comedy "Honky Tonk Freeway" in 1981, which grossed only $2 million at the box office despite a $24 million budget.
Devane transitioned to nighttime television series, playing the character Greg Sumner on the popular nighttime soap opera "Knots Landing" from 1979 to 1989. Due to his physical resemblance to President Kennedy and his ability to master a Kennedy-esque Boston accent, Devane has remained in high demand to play politicians, including presidents, in various television shows such as "The West Wing" in 1999, "24" in 2001, and "Stargate SG-1" in 1997.
