Born: December 2, 1914 – Died: December 29, 2010
Bill Erwin, an actor whose career spanned over seven decades, was born on December 2, 1914, in Honey Grove, Texas, USA. His performances in films like "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" (1987), "Somewhere in Time" (1980), and "Home Alone" (1990) left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
Early Life and Career
Erwin's journey into acting began after completing his education. His first professional role is not specifically documented, but he made his film debut in the early 1940s. He first gained significant recognition for his role in "Somewhere in Time" in 1980, where his performance received critical acclaim.
Throughout his career, Erwin showcased his versatility by appearing in numerous films and television shows. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy, an acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the industry.
In his personal life, Erwin was married to Lucy Frances MacLachlan, and the couple had four children, including Michael Erwin. In addition to acting, Erwin worked as Edgar Bergen's stage manager during his 1941 tour of the US.
Bill Erwin passed away on December 29, 2010, in Studio City, Los Angeles, California, due to age-related causes. His towering height and commanding presence on screen made him a memorable figure in Hollywood. His long and varied career, marked by consistent work and a range of roles, demonstrated his dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | My Name Is Earl (TV Series) | Old Man playing Ping Pong |
| 2004 | Everwood (TV Series) | Ollie |
| 2004 | The King of Queens (TV Series) | Whitey |
| 2003 | Monk (TV Series) | Hiram Hollings |
| 2002 | Comedy Central Thanxgiveaway: Turkey vs. Pilgrims (TV Movie) | Grandpa |
| 2002 | So Little Time (TV Series) | George |
| 2001 | The West Wing (TV Series) | Ronald Cruikshank |
| 2001 | A Crack in the Floor | Harold |
| 2001 | Just Shoot Me! (TV Series) | Mr. King (as Bill Ewrin) |
| 2001 | Boycott (TV Movie) | Loading Dock Man #2 |
| 2001 | Cahoots | Frenchy |
| 2000 | The Michael Richards Show (TV Series) | Mr. Flaherty |
| 2000 | Down 'n Dirty | Janitor |
| 2000 | Stanley's Gig | Jules (as William Erwin) |
| 1999 | Inferno | Eli Hamilton |
| 1999 | *Forces of Nature* | Murray |
| 1998 | Art House | Monty |
| 1998 | Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction (TV Series) | Gus Hobbs (segment "The Bucket") |
| 1998 | Mad About You (TV Series) | Yankee Third Baseman |
| 1997 | The Naked Truth (TV Series) | Victor |
| 1997 | Chairman of the Board | Landers |
| 1997 | The Drew Carey Show (TV Series) | Mr. Bradbury |
| 1997 | Grace Under Fire (TV Series) | Older Man |
| 1997 | Suddenly Susan (TV Series) | Mr. Tidgely |
| 1997 | Menno's Mind | Mr. Lewis |
| 1996 | Just Your Luck (Video) | Pops |
| 1996 | Cybill (TV Series) | Bill |
| 1996 | The Louie Show (TV Series) | Cheating Husband |
| 1995 | The Jeff Foxworthy Show (TV Series) | Santa |
| 1995 | Live Shot (TV Series) | Vernon |
| 1995 | High Sierra Search and Rescue (TV Series) | Will |
| 1995 | Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead | 70-Year-Old Man |
| 1995 | Living Single (TV Series) | Mr. Foster |
| 1995 | Pig Sty (TV Series) | Jenkins |
| 1995 | The Mommies (TV Series) | Chester |
| 1995 | Madman of the People (TV Series) | William |
| 1994 | Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV Series) | Andy Tucker |
| 1994 | Search and Rescue (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1994 | Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult | Conductor |
| 1994 | Burke's Law (TV Series) | Noah Stark |
| 1993 | Against the Grain (TV Series) | Harold |
| 1993 | The John Larroquette Show (TV Series) | Man #1 |
| 1993 | Fallen Angels (TV Series) | Chick |
| 1993 | Dennis the Menace | Edward Little |
| 1993 | Seinfeld (TV Series) | Sidney Fields |
| 1993 | At Home with the Webbers (TV Movie) | Horace |
| 1992 | Unbecoming Age | Old Man |
| 1992 | Harry and the Hendersons (TV Series) | Guest #1 |
| 1992 | The Golden Girls (TV Series) | Mr. Hubbard |
| 1991 | Knots Landing (TV Series) | Mr. Wineke |
| 1991 | The Entertainers (TV Movie) | Sam |
| 1991 | Full House (TV Series) | Mr. Ferguson |
| 1991 | Quantum Leap (TV Series) | Mr. Deever |
| 1986–1991 | Growing Pains (TV Series) | Edgar | Bub | Lloyd ... |
| 1991 | Night of the Warrior | Coco |
| 1991 | Uncle Buck (TV Series) | Ed |
| 1990 | The Color of Evening | Priest |
| 1990 | The Willies (Video) | Old Man |
| 1990 | Home Alone | Man in Airport |
| 1990 | Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series) | Doctor Dalen Quaice |
| 1988–1990 | Just the Ten of Us (TV Series) | Barker | Mr. Pruitt | Ralphie |
| 1989 | Moonlighting (TV Series) | Duncan Kennedy |
| 1988 | A Place to Hide | Unknown |
| 1988 | The Land Before Time | Grandfather (voice) |
| 1988 | Silent Assassins | Dr. London |
| 1988 | Married... with Children (TV Series) | Hiram Massey |
| 1988 | She's Having a Baby | Grandfather |
| 1988 | High Mountain Rangers (TV Series) | Aaron Bass |
| 1986–1987 | Highway to Heaven (TV Series) | Santa | Clarence Kelly |
| 1984–1987 | Who's the Boss? (TV Series) | Leon | Santa Claus | Ted |
| 1987 | Planes, Trains & Automobiles | Man on Plane |
| 1987 | Punky Brewster (TV Series) | Ben |
| 1987 | Roxie (TV Series) | Kiner |
| 1987 | On Fire (TV Movie) | Joe's father |
| 1986 | Stewardess School | Orchestra Conductor (as William Erwin) |
| 1985 | Santa Barbara (TV Series) | Harold Beard |
| 1985 | Silver Spoons (TV Series) | Senator Platt |
| 1985 | Too Close for Comfort (TV Series) | Captain Milarzen (as Bill Irwin) |
| 1985 | Generation (TV Movie) | John |
| 1985 | Detective in the House (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1984 | ABC Weekend Specials (TV Series) | Specter Inspector |
| 1984 | E/R (TV Series) | Mr. Williams |
| 1984 | The Bear | Alabama Alumni |
| 1984 | Invitation to Hell (TV Movie) | Walt Henderson |
| 1984 | Quest (Short) | Unknown |
| 1984 | Falcon Crest (TV Series) | Night Editor |
| 1984 | Hard Knox (TV Movie) | Gen. Garfield |
| 1983 | Lone Star (TV Movie) | Ezra Holloway |
| 1983 | Hart to Hart (TV Series) | Sir Gavin MacLaish |
| 1983 | Voyagers! (TV Series) | Eisenhowers' Neighbor |
| 1983 | Ghost Dancing (TV Movie) | Joe Greyfeather |
| 1983 | The Optimist (TV Series) | Grizzly Veteran |
| 1983 | The Taming of the Shrew (Video) | Vincentio |
| 1982 | The Jeffersons (TV Series) | T.J. Wheeler |
| 1982 | Drop-Out Father (TV Movie) | Grandpa |
| 1982 | Moonlight (TV Movie) | Dr. Tucker |
| 1982 | Dallas (TV Series) | Abel Greeley |
| 1981 | The Dukes of Hazzard (TV Series) | Clarence Stovall |
| 1981 | Dream on! | Unknown |
| 1974–1981 | The Waltons (TV Series) | Dr. Frederick Grover | Senator Rogers |
| 1981 | The Brady Girls Get Married (TV Movie) | The Reverend |
| 1981 | Eight Is Enough (TV Series) | Cal Fitzpatrick |
| 1980 | Somewhere in Time | Arthur Biehl |
| 1979 | Struck by Lightning (TV Series) | Glenn | Glenn Diamond |
| 1977 | Tarantulas: The Deadly Cargo (TV Movie) | Mr. Schneider |
| 1977 | Lou Grant (TV Series) | Old Man (as William L. Erwin) |
| 1977 | Forever Fernwood (TV Series) | Elmo |
| 1977 | Sixth and Main | Unknown |
| 1977 | Bigfoot and Wildboy (TV Series) | Old Dad |
| 1977 | The Krofft Supershow (TV Series) | Old Dan (segment: Bigfoot and Wildboy) |
| 1975 | Huckleberry Finn (TV Movie) | Harvey Wilkes |
| 1975 | The Rookies (TV Series) | Cook |
| 1957–1974 | Gunsmoke (TV Series) | Snood | Mr. Jonas | Townsman ... |
| 1974 | Candy Stripe Nurses | Principal |
| 1971–1974 | Cannon (TV Series) | Dr. Belden | Dr. Samuel Calvert | Gas Station Proprietor |
| 1973 | Barnaby Jones (TV Series) | Atken's Defense Counsel | Customs Officer |
| 1973 | Hunter (TV Movie) | Sam Pickering |
| 1966–1971 | The F.B.I. (TV Series) | Manager | Paxton |
| 1970–1971 | Dan August (TV Series) | Coroner |
| 1970 | How Awful About Allan (TV Movie) | Dr. Ames (as William Erwin) |
| 1970 | The Christine Jorgensen Story | Pastor |
| 1970 | Mayberry R.F.D. (TV Series) | Man at Convention |
| 1969 | My World and Welcome to It (TV Series) | American Conductor |
| 1969 | Mannix (TV Series) | Prop Man (as William Erwin) |
| 1967 | Get Smart (TV Series) | Mr. Smith |
| 1967 | Counterpoint | Trumpet Player (uncredited) |
| 1967 | The Wild Wild West (TV Series) | Jury Foreman |
| 1967 | The Second Hundred Years (TV Series) | 2nd Salesman |
| 1967 | The Guns of Will Sonnett (TV Series) | Hotel Clerk |
| 1967 | The Invaders (TV Series) | Manager |
| 1963–1967 | The Fugitive (TV Series) | Counterman | Man | Bar patron ... |
| 1967 | Laredo (TV Series) | 1st Townsman (uncredited) |
| 1966 | Shane (TV Series) | Clerk |
| 1959–1966 | Perry Mason (TV Series) | Counterman | Autopsy Surgeon | Superintendent ... |
| 1965 | The Big Valley (TV Series) | Crown Man on Train (uncredited) |
| 1965 | Profiles in Courage (TV Series) | William Wirt | Ingalls |
| 1961–1965 | My Three Sons (TV Series) | Steward | Joe Walters |
| 1958–1964 | Death Valley Days (TV Series) | Jury Foreman | Pat Breen | Father Timothy ... |
| 1964 | Kraft Suspense Theatre (TV Series) | Father Daley |
| 1964 | Arrest and Trial (TV Series) | Doctor |
| 1962–1964 | The Virginian (TV Series) | Bevers | Deputy |
| 1964 | The Brass Bottle | Middle-Aged Man (uncredited) |
| 1963 | The Greatest Show on Earth (TV Series) | Food Truck Cook |
| 1963 | Burke's Law (TV Series) | Fire Marshal |
| 1963 | Under the Yum Yum Tree | Teacher (uncredited) |
| 1963 | The Dakotas (TV Series) | Doctor |
| 1959–1963 | The Untouchables (TV Series) | Foreman | Doctor | Auctioneer ... |
| 1959–1963 | The Twilight Zone (TV Series) | Man in Flashback | Peter Kramer | Wilcox ... |
| 1962 | Stoney Burke (TV Series) | Doctor |
| 1962 | Saints and Sinners (TV Series) | Nolan (as William Erwin) |
| 1962 | Ben Casey (TV Series) | (uncredited) |
| 1962 | Terror at Black Falls | Hugh 'Squint' Edwards (as William L. Erwin) |
| 1960–1962 | Lassie (TV Series) | Mr. Burton | Bob Thomas |
| 1962 | 87th Precinct (TV Series) | George |
| 1962 | Rome Adventure | Elderly Guest (uncredited) |
| 1961 | Follow the Sun (TV Series) | Frank March |
| 1961 | The Defenders (TV Series) | Court Clerk |
| 1961 | Angel (TV Series) | Coach (as Bill Irwin) |
| 1961 | Peter Loves Mary (TV Series) | Bill Stanhope | 1st Non-Com (as William Erwin) |
| 1959–1961 | Maverick (TV Series) | Hotel Clerk | Pawn Shop Dealer | Evans |
| 1957–1961 | Zane Grey Theatre (TV Series) | Clay Davis | Reverend McIntire | Doctor ... |
| 1961 | Outlaws (TV Series) | Townsman (uncredited) |
| 1961 | Mister Ed (TV Series) | Mr. Wood (as William Erwin) |
| 1961 | Rawhide (TV Series) | Parker (as William Erwin) |
| 1960–1961 | Michael Shayne (TV Series) | Luke | Landlord |
| 1960–1961 | The Andy Griffith Show (TV Series) | An Investor | George Sapley (as William Erwin) |
| 1958–1960 | Have Gun - Will Travel (TV Series) | Townsman | Clerk | Citizen |
| 1960 | Coronado 9 (TV Series) | Joe |
| 1960 | Stagecoach West (TV Series) | Teller (uncredited) |
| 1958–1960 | The Texan (TV Series) | Sheriff Nick Rand | Les Cosby | Stableman |
| 1960 | Rescue 8 (TV Series) | Justin |
| 1960 | Bourbon Street Beat (TV Series) | Doctor (uncredited) |
| 1960 | The Detectives (TV Series) | Manager |
| 1959 | Law of the Plainsman (TV Series) | Dr. Palmer (as William Erwin) |
| 1958–1959 | M Squad (TV Series) | Detective Gene | Roger Jessop |
| 1957–1959 | Bachelor Father (TV Series) | Court Clerk | Mr. Logan | Security Guard |
| 1956–1959 | Cheyenne (TV Series) | Barber | Pvt. Poinsett |
| 1959 | Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1959 | Johnny Ringo (TV Series) | Manners |
| 1959 | Markham (TV Series) | Arthur Brookman |
| 1959 | 21 Beacon Street (TV Series) | Reporter (as William Erwin) |
| 1959 | Tombstone Territory (TV Series) | Storekeeper |
| 1959 | Black Saddle (TV Series) | Kelly (as William Erwin) |
| 1959 | The David Niven Show (TV Series) | Cashier (uncredited) |
| 1959 | Leave It to Beaver (TV Series) | Man |
| 1959 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1959 | Tales of Wells Fargo (TV Series) | Justin Peevy (as William Erwin) |
| 1959 | Wagon Train (TV Series) | Clegg |
| 1959 | The Rifleman (TV Series) | Joe Flecker |
| 1958 | Teenage Challenge (Short) | Alton Conway |
| 1958 | Lawman (TV Series) | Fred Petty (uncredited) |
| 1958 | The Danny Thomas Show (TV Series) | Man In Dream | Emcee |
| 1958 | The Buccaneer | Civilian (uncredited) |
| 1958 | Flight (TV Series) | Palmer Owens (as William Erwin) |
| 1958 | Sugarfoot (TV Series) | Jones (as William Erwin) |
| 1958 | Man with a Camera (TV Series) | Sam Bartlett |
| 1958 | Trackdown (TV Series) | Man on Trail | Dawson |
| 1958 | Colgate Theatre (TV Series) | Wilber |
| 1958 | The Cry Baby Killer | Mr. Wallace |
| 1958 | Sea Hunt (TV Series) | Dr. Hugh Benedict |
| 1958 | The Walter Winchell File (TV Series) | Bellem |
| 1958 | The Thin Man (TV Series) | Stauton (uncredited) |
| 1958 | The Californians (TV Series) | Attorney (uncredited) |
| 1957–1958 | Panic! (TV Series) | Chauffeur | Joseph McGilbert | Interne |
| 1958 | How to Marry a Millionaire (TV Series) | Max Bigelow (uncredited) |
| 1958 | Colt .45 (TV Series) | Clerk |
| 1958 | Gun Fever | Bartender (as William Erwin) |
| 1957 | Witness for the Prosecution | Juror (uncredited) |
| 1957 | Code 3 (TV Series) | Doctor (as William Erwin) |
| 1957 | Jet Pilot | Sergeant (uncredited) |
| 1957 | Richard Diamond, Private Detective (TV Series) | Detective Ryker | Sergeant Riker | Sgt. Riker |
| 1957 | State Trooper (TV Series) | Neal James |
| 1957 | Whirlybirds (TV Series) | Fred Midgley (as William Erwin) |
| 1957 | House of Numbers | Bank Teller (uncredited) |
| 1956–1957 | Telephone Time (TV Series) | Newspaper Man (as William Erwin) |
| 1957 | Fight for the Title (Short) | Newspaper Man (as William L. Erwin) |
| 1957 | Wire Service (TV Series) | (as William Erwin) |
| 1957 | The Shadow on the Window | Policeman (uncredited) |
| 1957 | The Night Runner | McDermott--Fingerprint Man (uncredited) |
| 1957 | I Love Lucy (TV Series) | Bum (uncredited) |
| 1956 | Matinee Theatre (TV Series) | Sam |
| 1956 | The Man Called X (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Man from Del Rio | Roy Higgens (uncredited) |
| 1956 | Crusader (TV Series) | Brenner |
| 1956 | The Sheriff of Cochise (TV Series) | Doctor (uncredited) |
| 1956 | Big Town (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Science Fiction Theatre (TV Series) | Dr. Harold Lewis | Mike |
| 1955–1956 | Screen Directors Playhouse (TV Series) | Carl | Third Conductor | 1st Gambler |
| 1956 | Schlitz Playhouse (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | Fireman (uncredited) |
| 1955 | Highway Patrol (TV Series) | Artie (as William Erwin) |
| 1955 | Studio 57 (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955 | Robert Montgomery Presents (TV Series) | Jens Nelson |
| 1954 | The Stranger (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1954 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Herman (as William Erwin) |
| 1954 | Mama (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Crown of Audubon (TV Movie) | (as William Erwin) |
| 1952 | Lux Video Theatre (TV Series) | Reporter |
| 1952 | Holiday for Sinners | Usher (uncredited) |
| 1951 | Double Dynamite | Minor Role (uncredited) |
| 1951 | Hollywood Opening Night (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | Stars Over Hollywood (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950–1951 | Fireside Theatre (TV Series) | Doctor |
| 1951 | The Stu Erwin Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | The Bigelow Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950 | The Silver Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1949 | Battleground | Warrant Officer (uncredited) |
| 1949 | Easy Living | Minor Role (uncredited) |
| 1948 | The Velvet Touch | Howard Forman (as William Erwin) |
| 1941 | You're in the Army Now | Soldier (uncredited) |
| 1941 | Always Tomorrow: The Portrait of an American Business | Sam Tompkins (uncredited) |
General:
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