William H. Macy

William Hall Macy Jr., born March 13, 1950 in Miami, Florida, is an acclaimed American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. He has a reputable career marked with two Emmy Awards, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and nominations for an Academy Award, a Drama Critics' Circle Award, and five Golden Globe Awards. Macy's prominence escalated due to his successful collaborations with the playwright David Mamet. He built a strong reputation in the film industry through numerous appearances in small, independent films, which earned him two Independent Spirit Award nominations. Macy's mainstream breakthrough came with his phenomenal portrayal of Jerry Lundergaard in Fargo (1996), earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Some of his major films include Boogie Nights (1997), Air Force One (1997), Mystery Men (1999), Jurassic Park III (2001), and Thank You For Smoking (2005). From 2011 to 2021, he starred as Frank Gallagher in the popular television series Shameless. Before this, he had a recurring role as Dr. David Morgenstern on ER from 1994 to 2009.

Born to parents William Hall Macy Sr. and Lois Overstreet, Macy grew up in Georgia and Maryland. His early education concluded at Allegany High School in Cumberland, Maryland, after which he attended Bethany College in West Virginia to study veterinary medicine. A self-proclaimed poor student, Macy transferred to Goddard College in Vermont, where he studied under playwright David Mamet and eventually graduated in 1972. During his time at Goddard, Macy originated roles in a number of Mamet's plays such as American Buffalo and The Water Engine. His Broadway debut came in the 1980s, which fostered the early phases of his career in TV and film. His Fargo role catalyzed his career and earned him massive recognition, though it nearly confined him to a specific typecast. Across his career, Macy has made substantial contributions to cinema through his various roles.