--- name: "William Sanderson" canonical: "https://film.one/person/william-sanderson" fi1m_id: "william-sanderson" imdb_id: "nm0761836" tmdb_id: 590 wikidata_id: "Q1372770" roles: ["Actor"] born: "10 January 1944" reviewed_on_fi1m: 8 average_fi1m_score: 78 average_as: "actor" average_over: 8 updated: "2026-10-05T19:49:00.299728+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 Sanderson ## Identity William Sanderson - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/william-sanderson - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** william-sanderson - **IMDb ID:** nm0761836 - **TMDB ID:** 590 - **Wikidata ID:** Q1372770 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Sanderson, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1372770, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0761836/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/590 Actor. Born 10 January 1944 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 10 January 1944, Memphis, Tennessee, USA - **Active:** 1980–2008 - **Also known as:** Bill Sanderson - **Average Fi1m score:** 78, as actor, over 8 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 79 (3), 1990s 78 (2), 2000s 76 (3) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 79 to 72 across 6 titles - **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 2 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 6, Crime 4, Mystery 4, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 3, Thriller 2, Action & Adventure 1 - **Screen time:** 8 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $286m across 4 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Sanderson, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1372770, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0761836/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/590 ## Fi1m on William Sanderson > A Memphis character actor with a slow drawl and a face built for suspicion, Sanderson spent four decades playing oddballs, hicks and lowlifes, and in *Blade Runner* he made one of them the loneliest man on screen. Typecast, certainly; wasted, rarely. Sanderson's men look at strangers as if they expect to be hit, and speak slowly enough to be misunderstood twice. It is a small instrument and he never pretended otherwise. But in *Blade Runner* (1982) it is exactly the right one: J.F. Sebastian, the lonely genetic designer, is a man who has not had a conversation in some time and is trying to remember how one goes. Our own review recommends Ridley Scott's film for its city, for Vangelis's music and for Rutger Hauer, and we stand by that. But Sebastian is the part of it that left us sad, and the reason is how little Sanderson does with him. He does not ask for pity. He is simply glad of company, and lets us work out what that gladness will cost. He had come up the hard way, off-Broadway in New York and then independent and exploitation films from the mid-1970s, before Michael Apted gave him Lee Dollarhide in *Coal Miner's Daughter* (1980), a film we rate highly and which does not lean on him. *Blade Runner* followed two years later, and in the same year he began eight seasons as Larry on *Newhart* (1982–1990), the part that made him recognisable to people who had never heard of Sebastian. The deadpan there is the same deadpan as in the Scott film, pointed at a laugh instead of a loss. The later work was mostly on television, and it was the best of it. In *Deadwood* (2004–2006, returning in 2019) he is E.B. Farnum, the scheming hotelier and mayor, a man who is always plotting and never quite in the room where the real plotting happens. In *True Blood* (2008–2012) he is Bud Dearborne, the small-town sheriff, and the drawl that once marked him as backwoods scum now marks him as the only reasonable adult in the county. The criticism is fair and he made it himself: the eccentrics, the renegades, the prairie scum, the same face and the same accent doing the same job for forty years. Of his memoir he said, "I thought maybe the book should be called 'A Tale Told by an Idiot,' because I did play a lot of idiot parts." What the criticism misses is that almost none of them are stupid on screen. Sebastian is a genius. Farnum is a coward, not a fool. Sanderson's gift was to take a part written as a type and give it a private life the script had not asked for. He published the autobiography in 2019 and stopped acting around 2020. Nobody will build a retrospective around him, and nobody should. But the next time *Blade Runner* is on, watch the scene in which Sebastian opens his door. Everything he could do is in it. ## Biography William Sanderson (also credited as Bill Sanderson) is an American actor. He was born on 10 January 1944 in Memphis, Tennessee. He played J.F. Sebastian in the film *Blade Runner* (1982). Sanderson trained in New York after earning BBA and JD degrees from Memphis State University and serving in the US Army. He began his career in off-Broadway productions. He is known for regular television roles as Larry on *Newhart* (1982–1990), E.B. Farnum on *Deadwood* (2004–2006, 2019) and Sheriff Bud Dearborne on *True Blood* (2008–2010, 2012). He has also appeared in *Lost*, *The X-Files*, *Bones* and voiced characters in *Batman: The Animated Series*. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (8) - *True Blood* (2008), Fi1m 71, as Bud Dearborne — [page](https://film.one/tv/true-blood.md) - *Deadwood* (2004), Fi1m 91, as E. B. Farnum — [page](https://film.one/tv/deadwood.md) - *Smallville* (2001), Fi1m 66, as Brent — [page](https://film.one/tv/smallville.md) - *The Client* (1994), Fi1m 72, as Wally Boxx — [page](https://film.one/film/the-client.md) - *The X-Files* (1993), Fi1m 84, as Edward Funsch — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md) - *Fletch* (1985), Fi1m 71, as Jim Swarthout — [page](https://film.one/film/fletch.md) - *Blade Runner* (1982), Fi1m 85, as Sebastian — [page](https://film.one/film/blade-runner.md) - *Coal Miner's Daughter* (1980), Fi1m 81, as Lee Dollarhide — [page](https://film.one/film/coal-miners-daughter.md) ## Complete filmography (111) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Pastacolypse* (2023), as Al Dente Bob (voice) - *Deadwood: The Movie* (2019), as E. B. Farnum - *The Griddle House* (2018), as Gus - *American Gods* (2017), series, as The Bookkeeper - *A Merry Friggin' Christmas* (2014), as Father Jugo - *Bar Karma* (2011), series, Actor - *Mike & Molly* (2010), series, as Dennis - *Trauma* (2009), series, Actor - *The Face is Familiar* (2009), Actor - *Pretty Ugly People* (2008), as Sam - *True Blood* (2008), series, as Bud Dearborne — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/tv/true-blood.md) - *Life* (2007), series, as Holt Easley - *Disappearances* (2007), as Rat Kinneson - *Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!* (2007), series, as Jim - *The Treasure of Painted Forest* (2006), as Paul - *Beyond the Wall of Sleep* (2006), as Joe Slaader - *Bones* (2005), series, as Norbert Mobley — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/bones.md) - *Lost* (2004), series, as Oldham — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/lost.md) - *Cyber Wars* (2004), as Riley - *Promised Land* (2004), as Clark - *Deadwood* (2004), series, as E. B. Farnum — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/tv/deadwood.md) - *The Low Budget Time Machine* (2003), as The Prospector - *Gods and Generals* (2003), as Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill - *Monte Walsh* (2003), as Skimpy Eagens - *Without a Trace* (2002), series, as Wally Sykes - *Monk* (2002), series, as Joshua Skinner - *Monkey Love* (2002), as Bradley Chalmers - *Smallville* (2001), series, as Brent — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/smallville.md) - *Dying on the Edge* (2001), as Tommy - *Crossfire Trail* (2001), as Dewey - *Stanley's Gig* (2000), as Stanley Myer - *Stageghost* (2000), as Jack Butler - *Psyko Ferret* (2000), as Stan Veinous (voice) - *Nice Guys Sleep Alone* (1999), as Rufus - *L.A. Heat* (1999), series, Actor - *Maximum Bob* (1998), series, as Dicky Crowe - *Babylon 5: Thirdspace* (1998), as Deuce - *Dharma & Greg* (1997), series, as Mike - *George & Leo* (1997), series, Actor - *George Wallace* (1997), as T.Y. Odum - *George Wallace* (1997), series, as T.Y. Odum - *The Practice* (1997), series, as Mr. Simmons - *Forest Warrior* (1996), as Paul Carpio - *Last Man Standing* (1996), as Joe Monday - *The Pretender* (1996), series, as Roy Abbot - *Jumanji* (1996), series, as Professor J.S. Ibsen (voice) - *Andersonville* (1996), as Munn - *Andersonville* (1996), series, as Munn - *Hologram Man* (1995), as Manny / Giggles - *Siringo* (1995), as Tully - *Phoenix* (1995), as Miro - *Santo Bugito* (1995), series, as Clem (voice) - *ER* (1994), series, as Mr. Percy — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md) - *Wagons East!* (1994), as Zeke - *The Client* (1994), as Wally Boxx — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/the-client.md) - *Mirror Mirror 2: Raven Dance* (1994), as Roger - *Babylon 5* (1994), series, as Deuce — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/babylon-5.md) - *Man's Best Friend* (1993), as Ray - *Return to Lonesome Dove* (1993), series, as Lippy Jones - *Skeeter* (1993), as Gordon Perry - *The X-Files* (1993), series, as Edward Funsch — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md) - *Walker, Texas Ranger* (1993), series, as Will Stanton, Mayor - *Batman: The Animated Series* (1992), series, as Karl Rossum (voice) - *The Bob Newhart Show 19th Anniversary Special* (1991), as Larry - *The Rocketeer* (1991), as Skeets - *Sometimes They Come Back* (1991), as Mueller - *The Giant of Thunder Mountain* (1990), as Percey Crow - *Mirror Mirror* (1990), as Mr. Veze - *Thunderground* (1989), as Ratman - *Deadly Weapon* (1989), as Reverend Smith - *Coach* (1989), series, as Jesse, Larry - *Lonesome Dove* (1989), series, as Lippy Jones - *The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains* (1987), as Trump - *Last Man Standing* (1987), as Casper - *Married... with Children* (1987), series, as Cousin Eb - *Dead Aim* (1987), as Brennan - *Dalton: Code of Vengeance II* (1986), as Bobby Fuller - *Matlock* (1986), series, as Mickey Sanders - *Black Moon Rising* (1986), as Tyke Thayden - *The Defiant Ones* (1986), as Mason - *Streets of Justice* (1985), as Weasel - *The Twilight Zone* (1985), series, Actor - *Fletch* (1985), as Jim Swarthout — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/fletch.md) - *City Heat* (1984), as Lonnie Ash - *Imps** (1983), as Carl - *Women of San Quentin* (1983), as Countee - *Nightmares* (1983), as Gas station attendant (segment "Terror in Topanga") (uncredited) - *The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez* (1983), as Cowboy - *Lone Wolf McQuade* (1983), as Snow - *China Lake* (1983), as Little Germ - *Who Will Love My Children?* (1983), as Cleve Shelby - *It Takes Two* (1982), series, Actor - *Newhart* (1982), series, as Larry - *Knight Rider* (1982), series, as The Rev - *Blade Runner* (1982), as Sebastian — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/blade-runner.md) - *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Cowboy - *The Luck of Roaring Camp* (1982), as Grub - *Bret Maverick* (1981), series, Actor - *Raggedy Man* (1981), as Calvin - *Death Hunt* (1981), as Ned Warren - *Scared Straight! Another Story* (1980), as Harlan - *Seed of Innocence* (1980), as Randy Webb - *Coal Miner's Daughter* (1980), as Lee Dollarhide — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/coal-miners-daughter.md) - *The Onion Field* (1979), as Young Con - *The Other Side of Victory* (1979), as Ben Oakley - *Savage Weekend* (1979), as Otis - *Blue Nude* (1978), as Guy In Jail · Thanks - *Fight for Your Life* (1977), as Jessie Lee Kane - *Battle of the Network Stars* (1976), series, Actor - *Quincy, M.E.* (1976), series, Actor - *Starsky & Hutch* (1975), series, as Weirdo ## Gallery - ![Mid Atlantic Nostalgia conv Hunt Valley M.D. Sept 2019](https://film.one/media/person/59566/gallery-8b5a893cc0a2.jpg) Mid Atlantic Nostalgia conv Hunt Valley M.D. Sept 2019 — John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/William_Sandersen_1_%2848729294571%29.jpg/1280px-William_Sandersen_1_%2848729294571%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![William Sanderson](https://film.one/media/person/59566/gallery-6135b1d4c365.jpg) William Sanderson — John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/William_Sandersen_2019.jpg/1280px-William_Sandersen_2019.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Mid Atlantic Nostalgia conv Hunt Valley M.D. Sept 2019](https://film.one/media/person/59566/gallery-d479cd136352.jpg) Mid Atlantic Nostalgia conv Hunt Valley M.D. Sept 2019 — John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/William_Sandersen_and_wife_Sharon_Sandersen.jpg/1280px-William_Sandersen_and_wife_Sharon_Sandersen.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) --- © 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-sanderson