William Devane Net Worth

William Devane’s Net Worth: A Comprehensive Look at the Actor’s Career and Finances

Introduction: The Versatile Career of William Devane

William Devane, a celebrated actor with a career spanning film, television, and theatre, has captivated audiences for decades. Best known for his roles in iconic series like “Knots Landing” and the action-packed drama “24,” Devane’s acting prowess has earned him a dedicated following and a substantial net worth. This article delves into William Devane’s net worth, exploring his career milestones, notable performances, and the financial success he has achieved throughout his illustrious career. As of the latest estimations, William Devane’s net worth is approximately $5 million.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on September 5, 1939, in Albany, New York, William Devane’s early life laid the foundation for his future success. His father, Joseph Devane, served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s chauffeur, providing a unique perspective on American history. Devane’s heritage is a blend of Irish, German, and Dutch ancestry. He pursued his passion for acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, graduating in 1962. This formal training set the stage for his professional debut with the New York Shakespeare Festival, where he honed his skills in 15 plays. Devane’s early career also included a notable role as Robert F. Kennedy in the off-Broadway satire “MacBird!” in 1966. His television debut came with appearances on the police drama “N.Y.P.D.” from 1967 to 1969, marking the beginning of his extensive television work.

Television Career: The 70s and 80s

The 1970s marked a prolific period for William Devane in television. He appeared in numerous series and television films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Early in the decade, he made guest appearances on medical dramas such as “Medical Center” and “Young Dr. Kildare,” as well as the Western series “Gunsmoke.” Other notable appearances included roles in “Mannix” and “Hawaii Five-O.” Devane also made his mark in television movies, including “The Bait,” “Fear on Trial,” “Red Alert,” and “Black Beauty.” A significant role during this time was in the three-part miniseries remake of “From Here to Eternity.” His portrayal of President John F. Kennedy in the 1974 television film “The Missiles of October” was particularly memorable, demonstrating his ability to embody historical figures.

In 1980, following “From Here to Eternity,” Devane continued to gain recognition with roles in television films such as “Red Flag: The Ultimate Game,” “The Other Victim,” “Jane Doe,” and “With Intent to Kill.” His most iconic role came in 1983 when he joined the cast of the primetime soap opera “Knots Landing” as politician Greg Sumner. This role, which he played until the show’s conclusion in 1993, solidified his status as a television star. In 1987, Devane starred in the science-fiction horror television film “Timestalkers,” further showcasing his range as an actor.

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Television and Film Career: The 90s and 2000s

The 1990s saw William Devane continuing his success in both television and film. While still involved with “Knots Landing,” he starred in the television film “Murder C.O.D.” and the biographical miniseries “A Woman Named Jackie,” portraying a role alongside Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. He then starred alongside Judith Light and Angela Goethals in the short-lived sitcom “Phenom.” Devane’s versatility was evident as he took on the role of Al Capone in a 1994 episode of “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.” That same year, he also appeared in the television film “For the Love of Nancy.”

The actor continued his television work with three television movies in 1995: “Falling from the Sky: Flight 174,” “Virus,” and “Night Watch.” He also starred on the short-lived primetime soap opera “The Monroes.” To end the decade, Devane took on a recurring role on the fantasy series “Early Edition” and had a main role on the police drama series “Turks.” During the 2000s and 2010s, Devane continued to work in both television and film. His television credits included appearances on “The Michael Richards Show,” “The West Wing,” and “Stargate SG-1.” In 2006, he co-starred in the sitcom “Crumbs” and had a recurring role in the dramedy “What About Brian?” One of his most significant roles was as James Heller on the action drama “24” from 2005 to 2007, a role he reprised in the 2014 limited series “24: Live Another Day.” In 2015, Devane starred in the legal comedy “The Grinder,” showcasing his ability to excel across genres. Other credits include “Psych,” “NCIS,” and “Revenge,” as well as the “Jesse Stone” series of mystery movies.

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Film Career Highlights

William Devane’s film career began in 1971, a breakthrough year for him on the big screen. He appeared in five films that year: “The Pursuit of Happiness,” “The 300 Year Weekend,” “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” “My Old Man’s Place,” and “Lady Liberty.” He followed this with roles in the crime dramas “The Irish Whiskey Rebellion” and “Report to the Commissioner.” 1976 was a significant year, featuring roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s final film, “Family Plot,” and John Schlesinger’s thriller “Marathon Man.” Further film credits include “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training,” “Rolling Thunder,” “The Dark,” and “Yanks.” Devane reunited with Schlesinger in 1981 for “Honky Tonk Freeway.” He also appeared in “Testament” and “Hadley’s Rebellion.”

In the 1990s, Devane was featured in “Vital Signs,” “Exception to the Rule,” and the Mel Gibson action thriller “Payback.” The next decade saw him in films such as Clint Eastwood’s “Space Cowboys” and Paul Verhoeven’s “Hollow Man.” He continued to take on roles in “Race to Space,” “The Badge,” “Stargate Continuum,” “The Least Among You,” “Chasing the Green,” and “The River Why.” In 2012, he had a notable supporting role as the President of the United States in Christopher Nolan’s superhero sequel “The Dark Knight Rises.” More recent roles included “Bad Turn Worse” and “50 to 1,” and he reunited with Nolan for the science-fiction film “Interstellar,” which was released in 2014.

Personal Life and Legacy

William Devane’s personal life includes his marriage to Eugenie Devane, which took place in 1961. They had two sons, Joshua and Bill; sadly, Bill passed away due to an accident. Devane’s acting legacy is marked by his versatility, ability to portray complex characters, and longevity in the entertainment industry. His contributions have solidified his place as a respected and admired figure in the world of acting.

Conclusion: Assessing William Devane’s Net Worth and Career Impact

William Devane’s net worth of $5 million reflects a career filled with successful roles in television and film. From his early days in theatre to his iconic roles in “Knots Landing” and “24,” Devane has consistently delivered memorable performances. His ability to adapt to various genres and his enduring presence in the entertainment industry have contributed significantly to his financial success. William Devane’s legacy is secured not only by his net worth, but by the impact of his acting on audiences and the respect he has earned from his peers.