William Joseph Devane, born September 5, 1937, is an American film, television, and theater actor with a remarkable career spanning decades.
He started his acting journey with the New York Shakespeare Festival, performing in 15 plays, before making his mark on the stage in the Off-Broadway spoof MacBird, where he portrayed Robert F. Kennedy in 1966.
Devane's breakthrough role came when he played President John F. Kennedy in the Emmy Award-winning TV movie Fear on Trial, a portrayal that earned him widespread acclaim. He reprised this role in the television docudrama The Missiles of October, a testament to his versatility and range as an actor.
For a decade, Devane played the iconic role of Greg Sumner, a ruthless and cunning politician-turned-corporate titan, on the popular primetime soap opera Knots Landing. His performance earned him a loyal fan base and cemented his status as a household name.
In addition to his television work, Devane has appeared in a wide range of films, including McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Family Plot, Marathon Man, Rolling Thunder, and Space Cowboys, showcasing his ability to adapt to various genres and roles.
Devane's extensive filmography also includes notable roles in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Early Edition, and 24, where he played the recurring role of Secretary of Defense James Heller for three seasons.
One of his most memorable performances was as Al Capone in an episode of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, titled "That Old Gang of Mine." He also had a recurring role on the CBS show Early Edition, playing the lead character's father.
Devane has had the privilege of playing members of the Presidential Cabinet on two evening dramas. In 2004, he guest-starred as the Secretary of State and potential Vice-Presidential nominee on The West Wing, reuniting with Martin Sheen, with whom he had previously worked on The Missiles of October.
In 2005, Devane joined the cast of 24 as Secretary of Defense James Heller, a role he reprised in Live Another Day, demonstrating his ability to bring depth and nuance to complex characters.
Throughout his illustrious career, Devane has consistently demonstrated his versatility, range, and dedication to his craft, earning him a reputation as one of the most respected and beloved actors in the industry.
