---
name: "William H. Macy"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/william-h-macy"
fi1m_id: "william-h-macy"
imdb_id: "nm0000513"
tmdb_id: 3905
wikidata_id: "Q224159"
roles: ["Actor","Writer","Director"]
born: "13 March 1950"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 17
average_fi1m_score: 75
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 14
updated: "2026-10-21T04:14:19.652675+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# William H. Macy

## Identity

William H. Macy

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/william-h-macy
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** william-h-macy
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000513
- **TMDB ID:** 3905
- **Wikidata ID:** Q224159
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_H._Macy, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q224159, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000513/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3905

Actor and writer. Born 13 March 1950 in Miami, Florida, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Writer, Director
- **Born:** 13 March 1950, Miami, Florida, USA
- **Active:** 1987–present
- **Also known as:** William Hall Macy Jr., W.H. Macy,  Bill Macy
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 17: 14 acting, 1 directing, 2 other
- **Frequently works with:** [Julianne Moore](https://film.one/person/julianne-moore.md), [Paul Thomas Anderson](https://film.one/person/paul-thomas-anderson.md)
- **Primetime Emmy Awards:** 1 Emmy (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 14 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 82 (1), 1990s 81 (8), 2000s 62 (2), 2010s 78 (3), 2020s 68 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 75 to 73 across 13 titles
- **Score spread:** 5 at 80+, 8 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 2 of 12 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 10, Thriller 6, Action 4, Comedy 4, Science Fiction 3, Adventure 2
- **Screen time:** 27 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,677m across 12 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_H._Macy, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q224159, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000513/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3905

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Room*](https://film.one/film/room.md) (84), [*Magnolia*](https://film.one/film/magnolia.md) (84)
- **Netflix:** [*Train Dreams*](https://film.one/film/train-dreams.md) (79), [*Shameless*](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md) (70)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Air Force One*](https://film.one/film/air-force-one.md) (72), [*Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*](https://film.one/film/kingdom-of-the-planet-of-the-apes.md) (64)
- **Apple TV:** [*Seabiscuit*](https://film.one/film/seabiscuit.md) (65), [*The Running Man*](https://film.one/film/the-running-man.md) (60)
- **Disney+:** [*Fargo*](https://film.one/film/fargo.md) (91)
- **Hulu:** [*The Sessions*](https://film.one/film/the-sessions.md) (79)
- **AMC+:** [*Jurassic Park III*](https://film.one/film/jurassic-park-iii.md) (58)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on William H. Macy

> William H. Macy makes worried men worth watching by taking their efforts seriously, however badly they behave. We value his precision and his refusal to sneer at a character; the trouble comes when worry is all a script gives him.

In *Fargo* (1996), William H. Macy makes Jerry Lundegaard's uncertainty almost painful to watch. We laughed, then felt uneasy, because Macy keeps the man recognisable even as his behaviour becomes appalling. He never turns Jerry into a simple invitation to jeer. Alongside Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare, he helps keep Joel and Ethan Coen's crime film frightening as well as funny.

His work with David Mamet, including *Oleanna* (1994), helps explain the precise timing and control of complicated dialogue. Yet Macy also allows enough awkwardness into a performance to stop that precision becoming merely tidy. The limitation is familiar casting: after *Fargo*, the worried man down on his luck could too easily become the entire part, leaving him to find distinctions the writing had not supplied.

Paul Thomas Anderson's *Boogie Nights* (1997) and *Magnolia* (1999) gave that detailed character work room within busy ensembles. Macy can make a supporting part matter without treating the other actors as competition. The sustained television lead of Frank Gallagher in *Shameless* (2011–2021) was a change of scale after years of supporting film roles.

In *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* (2024), his Trevathan seems to have stopped pretending that the bargain he made was a good one. Macy makes the man's resignation clear without making it an appeal for sympathy. The film does not have enough story for its length, but this performance gives us a specific human failing to consider.

*The Running Man* (2025) gives his Molie a more mechanical task: handing on a new name and face so that the chase can start again elsewhere. The film is well cast, but its repeated restarts leave little room for a supporting actor to change its course. Start with *Fargo*, but do not expect the laughter to come comfortably.

## Biography

William H. Macy is an American actor. He was born William Hall Macy Jr. on 13 March 1950 in Miami, Florida.

Macy trained at Goddard College and began his career in theatre before moving into film and television. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Jerry Lundegaard in the 1996 film *Fargo*. He is known for appearances in *Boogie Nights* (1997), *Magnolia* (1999), *Jurassic Park III* (2001) and *Room* (2015), and for playing Frank Gallagher in the series *Shameless* (2011–2021).

He has won two Emmy Awards and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. Macy has been married to actress Felicity Huffman since 1997.

*Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, thewrap.com.*

## On Fi1m (17)

### Performed in (14) — the average rests on these

- *The Running Man* (2025), Fi1m 60, as Molie — [page](https://film.one/film/the-running-man.md)
- *Train Dreams* (2025), Fi1m 79, as Arn Peeples — [page](https://film.one/film/train-dreams.md)
- *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* (2024), Fi1m 64, as Trevathan — [page](https://film.one/film/kingdom-of-the-planet-of-the-apes.md)
- *Room* (2015), Fi1m 84, as Robert — [page](https://film.one/film/room.md)
- *The Sessions* (2012), Fi1m 79, as Father Brendan — [page](https://film.one/film/the-sessions.md)
- *Seabiscuit* (2003), Fi1m 65, as Tick Tock McGlaughlin — [page](https://film.one/film/seabiscuit.md)
- *Jurassic Park III* (2001), Fi1m 58, as Paul Kirby — [page](https://film.one/film/jurassic-park-iii.md)
- *Magnolia* (1999), Fi1m 84, as Quiz Kid Donnie Smith — [page](https://film.one/film/magnolia.md)
- *Sports Night* (1998), Fi1m 82, as Sam Donovan — [page](https://film.one/tv/sports-night.md)
- *Air Force One* (1997), Fi1m 72, as Major Caldwell — [page](https://film.one/film/air-force-one.md)
- *Boogie Nights* (1997), Fi1m 86, as Little Bill — [page](https://film.one/film/boogie-nights.md)
- *Wag the Dog* (1997), Fi1m 77, as CIA Agent Charles Young — [page](https://film.one/film/wag-the-dog.md)
- *Fargo* (1996), Fi1m 91, as Jerry Lundegaard — [page](https://film.one/film/fargo.md)
- *The Client* (1994), Fi1m 72, as Dr. Greenway — [page](https://film.one/film/the-client.md)

### Directed (1)

- *Shameless* (2011), Fi1m 70, as Frank Gallagher — [page](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md)

### Also credited (2) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *Barton Fink* (1991), Fi1m 83, as Navy Sailor (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/barton-fink.md)
- *WarGames* (1983), Fi1m 82, as NORAD Officer (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/wargames.md)

## Complete filmography (159)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The Deputy* (2026), as Chief Krueger · Executive Producer
- *Speed Demon* (2026), as Father Novak
- *Brian* (2026), Actor
- *Frontier Crucible* (2025), as Major O'Rourke
- *The Running Man* (2025), as Molie — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/the-running-man.md)
- *Train Dreams* (2025), as Arn Peeples — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/train-dreams.md)
- *Soul on Fire* (2025), as Jack Buck
- *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* (2024), as Trevathan — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/kingdom-of-the-planet-of-the-apes.md)
- *Ricky Stanicky* (2024), as Summerhayes
- *Maybe I Do* (2023), as Sam
- *Accused* (2023), series, as Raymond
- *The Dropout* (2022), series, as Richard Fuisz — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-dropout.md)
- *Shameless Hall of Shame* (2020), series, as Frank Gallagher
- *Krystal* (2018), as Wyatt · Director
- *The Layover* (2017), Director
- *Blood Father* (2016), as Kirby Curtis
- *Stealing Cars* (2016), as Philip Wyatt
- *Room* (2015), as Robert — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/room.md)
- *Dial a Prayer* (2015), as Bill
- *Walter* (2015), as Dr. Corman
- *Two-Bit Waltz* (2014), as Carl
- *Rudderless* (2014), as Trill · Writer, Director, Executive Producer
- *Cake* (2014), as Leonard
- *A Single Shot* (2013), as Pitt
- *Trust Me* (2013), as Gary
- *Citizen Hearst* (2013), as Narrator
- *The Sessions* (2012), as Father Brendan — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/the-sessions.md)
- *Curious George: Saves the Day* (2012), as The Narrator (voice)
- *Portraits in Dramatic Time* (2011), Actor
- *The Lincoln Lawyer* (2011), as Frank Levin
- *Shameless* (2011), series, as Frank Gallagher · Writer, Director — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md)
- *Dirty Girl* (2010), as Ray
- *Marmaduke* (2010), as Don Twombly
- *Shorts* (2009), as Dr. Noseworthy
- *The Maiden Heist* (2009), as George McLendon
- *The Tale of Despereaux* (2008), as Lester (voice)
- *The Deal* (2008), as Charlie Berns · Screenplay
- *Bart Got a Room* (2008), as Ernie Stein
- *He Was a Quiet Man* (2007), as Gene Shelby
- *Curious George: Rocket Ride and Other Adventures* (2007), Actor
- *Wild Hogs* (2007), as Dudley Frank
- *Inland Empire* (2006), as Announcer
- *Bobby* (2006), as Paul Ebbers
- *Curious George* (2006), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Everyone's Hero* (2006), as Lefty Maginnis (voice)
- *Choose Your Own Adventure: The Abominable Snowman* (2006), as Rudyard North (voice)
- *Edmond* (2006), as Edmond
- *Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King* (2006), series, as Clyde Umney / Sam Landry / George Demmick
- *The Unit* (2006), series, as President of the United States
- *Doogal* (2006), as Brian (voice)
- *Thank You for Smoking* (2005), as Senator Ortolan Finistirre
- *Sahara* (2005), as Admiral Jim Sandecker
- *Transamerica* (2005), Executive Producer
- *The Wool Cap* (2004), as Gigot · Teleplay, Producer
- *Cellular* (2004), as Sgt. Bob Mooney
- *Reversible Errors* (2004), as Arthur Raven
- *Spartan* (2004), as Stoddard
- *In Enemy Hands* (2004), as Nathan Travers
- *The Cooler* (2003), as Bernie Lootz
- *The True Story of Seabiscuit* (2003), as Narrator (voice)
- *Seabiscuit* (2003), as Tick Tock McGlaughlin — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/film/seabiscuit.md)
- *Out of Order* (2003), series, as Steven
- *Stealing Sinatra* (2003), as John Irwin
- *It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie* (2002), as Glenn
- *Welcome to Collinwood* (2002), as Riley
- *Just a Walk in the Park* (2002), Teleplay
- *Door to Door* (2002), as Bill Porter · Writer
- *Focus* (2001), as Lawrence 'Larry' Newman
- *Jurassic Park III* (2001), as Paul Kirby — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/jurassic-park-iii.md)
- *Panic* (2000), as Alex
- *State and Main* (2000), as Walt Price
- *Magnolia* (1999), as Quiz Kid Donnie Smith — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/magnolia.md)
- *Happy, Texas* (1999), as Sheriff Chappy Dent
- *The Night of the Headless Horseman* (1999), as Ichabod Crane
- *A Slight Case of Murder* (1999), as Terry Thorpe · Teleplay, Writer
- *Mystery Men* (1999), as Shoveler / Eddie
- *Batman Beyond: Tech Wars and Disappearing Inque* (1999), as Aaron Herbst
- *Batman Beyond* (1999), series, as Aaron Herbst (voice), Karros (voice)
- *The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue* (1999), as Justin (voice)
- *A Civil Action* (1998), as James Gordon
- *Psycho* (1998), as Milton Arbogast
- *Jerry and Tom* (1998), as Karl
- *Sports Night* (1998), series, as Sam Donovan — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/sports-night.md)
- *The Lionhearts* (1998), series, as Leo (voice)
- *Pleasantville* (1998), as George Parker
- *The Wild Thornberrys* (1998), series, as Skoot (voice)
- *The Con* (1998), as Bobby · Writer
- *Macy On Mamet* (1998), Actor
- *Wag the Dog* (1997), as CIA Agent Charles Young — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/wag-the-dog.md)
- *Boogie Nights* (1997), as Little Bill — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/boogie-nights.md)
- *Air Force One* (1997), as Major Caldwell — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/air-force-one.md)
- *Colin Fitz* (1997), as Mr. O'Day
- *King of the Hill* (1997), series, as Dr. Rubin (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md)
- *Ghosts of Mississippi* (1996), as Charlie Crisco
- *Every Woman's Dream* (1996), Teleplay
- *Hit Me* (1996), as Policeman
- *Superman: The Animated Series* (1996), series, as Director (voice)
- *The Writing on the Wall* (1996), as Petrocelli
- *Fargo* (1996), as Jerry Lundegaard — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/fargo.md)
- *Andersonville* (1996), as Col. Chandler
- *Andersonville* (1996), series, as Col. Chandler
- *Down Periscope* (1996), as Captain Knox
- *TFI Friday* (1996), series, Actor
- *Mr. Holland's Opus* (1995), as Vice Principal Gene Wolters
- *Above Suspicion* (1995), as Pros. Atty. Schultz · Writer
- *Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure* (1995), as Railroad Magnate
- *Roommates* (1995), as Doctor (uncredited)
- *Evolver* (1995), as Evolver (voice)
- *In the Shadow of Evil* (1995), as Dr. Frank Teague
- *Murder in the First* (1995), as Bill McNeill
- *Oleanna* (1994), as John
- *Dead on Sight* (1994), as Steven Meeker
- *ER* (1994), series, as David Morgenstern — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *ER: 24 Hours* (1994), as Dr. David Morgenstern
- *The Client* (1994), as Dr. Greenway — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/the-client.md)
- *Being Human* (1994), as Boris
- *Twenty Bucks* (1993), as Property Clerk
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Ralph (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Bakersfield P.D.* (1993), series, as Russell Karp
- *Searching for Bobby Fischer* (1993), as Tunafish Father
- *Benny & Joon* (1993), as Randy Burch
- *The Heart of Justice* (1992), as Booth
- *A Murderous Affair: The Carolyn Warmus Story* (1992), as Sean Hammel
- *The Water Engine* (1992), as Charles Lang
- *Home Fires* (1992), series, Writer
- *A Private Matter* (1992), as Psychiatrist
- *In the Line of Duty: Siege at Marion* (1992), as Ray Daniels
- *Shadows and Fog* (1991), as Cop
- *Barton Fink* (1991), as Navy Sailor (uncredited) — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/barton-fink.md)
- *Homicide* (1991), as Tim Sullivan
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Assistant U.S. Attorney John McCormack, Jack Powell — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *All That Glitters* (1990), as Store Clerk
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as William H. Macy (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Things Change* (1988), as Billy Drake
- *Lip Service* (1988), as Farmer · Director
- *The Murder of Mary Phagan* (1988), series, as Randy
- *House of Games* (1987), as Sgt. John Moran
- *thirtysomething* (1987), series, Writer
- *Radio Days* (1987), as Radio Voice (voice)
- *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Bernard Ruskin
- *Spenser: For Hire* (1985), series, Actor
- *The Equalizer* (1985), series, as Dr. Spaulding
- *Alive from Off Center* (1985), series, as unknown
- *The Last Dragon* (1985), as J.J.
- *The Boy Who Loved Trolls* (1984), as Socrates
- *The Dining Room* (1984), as Various
- *Kate & Allie* (1984), series, Actor
- *WarGames* (1983), as NORAD Officer (uncredited) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/wargames.md)
- *The Cradle Will Fall* (1983), as Ben Duffy
- *Without a Trace* (1983), as Reporter
- *Foolin' Around* (1980), as Bronski
- *Somewhere in Time* (1980), as Critic [1972]
- *The Awakening Land* (1978), series, as Will Beagle
- *Temperance*, Writer, Producer
- *Ashes to Dust*, Thanks
- *The Land*, series, as Hank Durkin
- *Untitled Eternity Project*, Actor
- *The Swimming Lesson*, as Leonard
- *Exit Right*, as John Randall · Executive Producer

## Gallery

- ![William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher in Shameless (2011)](https://film.one/media/title/11942/still-53b7b7eabc5b.jpg) William H. Macy as Frank Gallagher in *Shameless* (2011) — Image via TMDB
- ![Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy at a ceremony for Huffman and Macy to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-8fad2405f8da.jpg) Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy at a ceremony for Huffman and Macy to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2012) — Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/FelicityHuffmanWilliamHMacyHWoFMar2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![The Heart Truth® is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the ](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-8605293c1177.jpg) The Heart Truth® is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the  — The Heart TruthPhoto - © PATRICK MCMULLAN / PatrickMcMullan.com, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Felicity_Huffman_in_Oscar_de_la_Renta.jpg/1280px-Felicity_Huffman_in_Oscar_de_la_Renta.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Pauley Perrette in Rebecca Taylor and William H. Macy at The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2010 Fashion Show](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-86b6e2f70e82.jpg) Pauley Perrette in Rebecca Taylor and William H. Macy at The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2010 Fashion Show — The Heart Truth at https://www.flickr.com/photos/thehearttruth, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Pauley_Perrette_and_William_H._Macy_The_Heart_Truth_2010.jpg/1280px-Pauley_Perrette_and_William_H._Macy_The_Heart_Truth_2010.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Justin Chatwin of Shameless cast 2011](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-f5c130536ce0.jpg) Justin Chatwin of Shameless cast 2011 — Keith McDuffee, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Shameless_cast_2011.jpg/1280px-Shameless_cast_2011.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![William H. Macy](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-d63592f4248d.jpg) William H. Macy — Image via TMDB
- ![William H. Macy](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-c5a3d6d4727a.jpg) William H. Macy — Image via TMDB
- ![William H. Macy](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-9db7034553f9.jpg) William H. Macy — Image via TMDB
- ![Willam H Macy 2020](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-3271aad316b2.jpg) Willam H Macy 2020 — SHOWTIME, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/Willam_H_Macy_2020.jpg/1280px-Willam_H_Macy_2020.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![William H. Macy at a ceremony for Felicity Huffman and Macy to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-6183364e61f1.jpg) William H. Macy at a ceremony for Felicity Huffman and Macy to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2012) — Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/WilliamHMacyHWoFMar2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![William H. Macy](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-7ca2af9a57f6.jpg) William H. Macy — Image via TMDB
- ![William H. Macy](https://film.one/media/person/7667/gallery-5c7e0ba8c321.jpg) William H. Macy — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- 1997: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Fargo*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won

- 2003: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *Door to Door*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/william-h-macy