William Devane Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1979 he moved to nighttime TV with his role on "Knots Landing," which lasted for 10 years, garnering him multiple awards including three Soap Opera Digest Awards and several award nominations
• After graduating from New York City’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts, h made his Broadway debut in "The Watering Place," which was unsuccessful and only lasted one performance
• Quote: "(On being a part of "Knots Landing") "I really liked it․․․Doing a continuing show like that, with the huge growth potential for the character, the possibility of creating an enduring character, it was great․ And I have to credit David Jacobs with the opportunities he gave me․ He was totally into sharing the creation of characters․ David put together a show that told the story of people over many years’ time and that was greatly enjoyable․""
• Quote: "I like working fast, but I got to the age where the real difference between television and the movies is, I'm not smart enough to be in the movies․ It's a very political world․ In all modesty I can say that I'm a much better actor, but that doesn't matter․"
• Other than portraying President Kennedy, he has also been cabinet members in TV series such as "24" and "The West Wing․"
• Appeared in "Space Cowboys" with Donald Sutherland, and later in "24" with his son Kiefer Sutherland
• With his role as President John F․ Kennedy in the TV movie "The Missiles of October," he made his reputation for playing political roles
• Best known for playing political roles, largely due to his alikeness to the Kennedy’s and having the same mannerisms
• In addition to his acting, he also enjoys fly-fishing and horseback riding, for which he has become an avid polo player with multiple awards
• Starred in "Hollow Man" and "Space Cowboys," which both opened on the same weekend it the U․S