Many famous people are actually named William. From movies and TV to music, the name appears among award winners, on popular movie posters, and on best-selling albums, connecting artists across different eras and genres.
Here’s a look at some famous people named William. We’ll cover their biggest achievements – like well-known roles, important projects, awards, and key moments in their careers – so you’ll understand why they’re so popular.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was a famous English playwright and actor whose plays are still performed today, centuries after they were written. He was a member of two acting companies – first the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and later the King’s Men – and many of his plays first appeared on stage at the Globe Theatre in London. He wrote tragedies, comedies, and historical plays, and his stories, characters, and famous lines continue to inspire movies and TV shows.
Shakespeare wasn’t just a writer; he was also an actor and even invested in the theaters his company used. He left behind a significant body of published work, like long poems and a collection of sonnets. Today, his stories are still incredibly popular and continue to inspire countless movies and television shows, which often adapt his plots and lines for modern viewers.
William Shatner
William Shatner is a Canadian actor most famous for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and movies. He later gained significant acclaim for playing Denny Crane in the TV shows ‘Boston Legal’ and ‘The Practice,’ earning several Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his work on television.
William Shatner has done more than just act. He’s released music and spoken-word recordings, written books related to his work and hobbies, and continued to perform on stage. He’s also been a consistent presence at ‘Star Trek’ events and conventions, which has helped keep fans excited about the series for many years.
Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe, born William James Dafoe, has been nominated for an Academy Award several times for his roles in films like ‘Platoon’, ‘Shadow of the Vampire’, ‘The Florida Project’, and ‘At Eternity’s Gate’. He’s known for appearing in both small independent films and large-scale blockbusters, famously playing Norman Osborn/Green Goblin in the ‘Spider-Man’ movies.
Willem Dafoe is known for working with acclaimed international directors and participating in innovative theater productions. He’s collaborated with directors like Martin Scorsese, Lars von Trier, and Abel Ferrara, creating a film collection that is often analyzed in film studies programs and showcased at film festivals globally.
Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson, originally William Robinson Jr., was a key founder of The Miracles and played a huge role in creating the iconic Motown sound. He not only sang with the group but also wrote and produced many of their hit songs, as well as tracks for other Motown artists. He later went on to have a thriving career as a solo performer.
As a huge music fan, I’ve always been amazed by Smokey Robinson. He wasn’t just a phenomenal performer, but he was *also* working behind the scenes at Motown! Seriously, juggling both is incredible. And the recognition he’s gotten? Totally deserved – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award… the works! What really blows me away, though, is how his songs are *still* being covered and sampled by artists today. It means his music is timeless and continues to influence everything we hear.
will.i.am
will.i.am, whose full name is William James Adams Jr., is a famous rapper, music producer, and businessman. He first became well-known as a member of the Black Eyed Peas and has since worked with many popular artists in both pop and hip-hop. He’s won several Grammy Awards for his work as a performer and producer.
He’s coached aspiring singers on popular shows like ‘The Voice UK’ and ‘The Voice Australia’. Beyond music, he’s also launched technology companies creating consumer electronics and products powered by artificial intelligence, combining his knowledge of the music business with skills in design and branding.
William H. Macy
William H. Macy, born William Hall Macy Jr., is a well-known actor in both theater and film. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance in ‘Fargo’ and has frequently worked with David Mamet, a celebrated playwright and director. Other notable films he’s appeared in include ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Magnolia’.
William H. Macy is well-known for his role as Frank Gallagher on the TV show ‘Shameless,’ where he earned awards and nominations. Beyond acting, he also directs television episodes and continues to perform in theater, demonstrating a versatile career that spans independent films, popular TV series, and stage work.
William Hurt
William Hurt won an Oscar for his role in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ and then gave memorable performances in ‘Children of a Lesser God’ and ‘Broadcast News’. He appeared in both popular films and smaller, more complex dramas throughout his career.
William Hurt was also known for his role as General Thaddeus Ross in Marvel films like ‘The Incredible Hulk’ and ‘Captain America: Civil War’. Throughout his long career, he excelled in both stage and screen acting, earning awards for leading and supporting roles alike.
William Friedkin
William Friedkin was a celebrated director best known for films like ‘The French Connection,’ which won him an Oscar, and the hugely influential horror movie ‘The Exorcist.’ He also directed ‘Sorcerer’ and ‘To Live and Die in L.A.,’ both praised for their skillful filmmaking and suspenseful atmosphere.
Beyond directing fictional films, Friedkin also worked with documentaries and operas, and he was a writer about the art of filmmaking and his own projects. He had a lasting impact on many filmmakers, and his techniques – particularly his use of pacing, on-location filming, and sound – are still studied and discussed today.
William Wyler
William Wyler was a highly celebrated director, winning three Academy Awards for his films ‘Mrs. Miniver’, ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’, and ‘Ben-Hur’. He was known for getting exceptional performances from actors, and his movies hold the record for the most Oscar nominations received by performers.
William Wyler directed a wide variety of films, from small, personal stories to grand, sweeping adventures like ‘Roman Holiday’. He also worked on documentaries during the war and was involved with film industry groups. Today, his work is still studied for its directing skills and provides insight into how movies were made during Hollywood’s golden age.
William Holden
William Holden was an incredibly popular leading man in the mid-20th century, known for his roles in iconic films like ‘Stalag 17’ (for which he won an Oscar), ‘Sunset Boulevard’, and ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’. He collaborated with many of the most prominent directors of his time, successfully working in a wide range of movie genres.
Holden was dedicated to protecting wildlife, establishing the William Holden Wildlife Foundation to support conservation efforts. Throughout his long career in film, he also appeared in television movies and projects filmed around the world.
Share your picks for other famous Williams in entertainment in the comments!
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2025-09-14 20:45