William Wright, a handsome and dapper actor, was born in Utah and moved to California after completing his education. He studied at the Pasadena Playhouse and made his film debut in 1936 with a small role in China Clipper.
Wright's early career was marked by a series of uncredited and featured roles for both major and minor studios, including Paramount and Monogram. He gained more prominent roles in films such as Rookies on Parade (1941),World Premiere (1941),The Devil Pays Off (1941),and Glamour Boy (1941),which ultimately led to a contract with Columbia Pictures in 1942.
The actor's good looks, smooth charm, and reliable performances made him a staple in Columbia's "B" series, starring in films such as Not a Ladies' Man (1942),Night in New Orleans (1942),Sweetheart of the Fleet (1942),and Lucky Legs (1942). He also co-starred with Marguerite Chapman in Parachute Nurse (1942) and A Man's World (1942).
Wright continued to work steadily throughout the 1940s, taking on a variety of roles. He played a major suspect in the "Boston Blackie" series, and romanced Ann Miller in Reveille with Beverly (1943) and Eadie Was a Lady (1945). He also co-starred with Miller in Eve Knew Her Apples (1945),and appeared alongside Marguerite Chapman in Murder in Times Square (1943).
In the late 1940s, Wright's leading man status began to wane, and he took on secondary roles for smaller studios. He struggled with a chronic problem with alcohol, and his performances became less frequent. Despite this, he did manage to land the lead role in Philo Vance Returns (1947),and co-starred in cheap films such as King of the Gamblers (1948) and Rose of the Yukon (1949).
Wright's final film release was Air Hostess (1949),in which he played a second lead alongside Marjorie Lord. He died of cancer at the age of 38, and his death was largely overlooked.
