William Smithers, a distinguished figure in both television and theatre, has passed away at the age of 98. The Santa Barbara Independent confirmed that he died on May 26, marking the end of a long and impactful life that spanned almost a century.
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Best recognised for his role as Jeremy Wendell on the iconic television series Dallas, Smithers also made significant contributions to the legal landscape of the entertainment industry. His landmark lawsuit against MGM remains a critical case studied in law classrooms today. This pivotal moment in Smithers’ career came during his tenure on the CBS show Executive Suite in the late 1970s.
In 1976, Smithers initiated legal action against MGM, alleging a breach of contract that outlined his status as a leading actor on Executive Suite. The contract specified that no other actors in the series — with a few exceptions — could receive higher pay or better billing than him. His accusations were fuelled by intimidation tactics allegedly employed by an MGM executive, who reportedly hinted that pursuing the matter could jeopardise Smithers’ future roles with CBS.
Initially, Smithers acquiesced to these pressures, but as contract violations continued, he decided to take a stand. Despite warnings from his legal counsel about potential repercussions to his career, he pressed ahead with the lawsuit. Ultimately, both a jury and the California Supreme Court ruled in his favour, a victory he later characterised as a significant triumph for him and, by extension, for actors facing similar injustices.
The fallout from Smithers’ case has influenced the entertainment industry significantly, cementing the significance of actors’ contracts and their enforcement. Today, Smithers vs. MGM is a prominent example cited in entertainment law courses across the country, highlighting the power dynamics between studios and performers.
On screen, Smithers found fame in Dallas, which premiered on April 2, 1978, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The soap opera not only dominated ratings for over a decade but also catapulted various actors into stardom, including the likes of Larry Hagman and Linda Gray. Smithers portrayed the formidable oilman Jeremy Wendell, who provided a notable adversarial presence for Hagman’s iconic character, J.R. Ewing.
Aside from his role on Dallas, Smithers enjoyed a prolific career comprising numerous television shows and films. His earlier appearances included roles in the influential series Peyton Place and Guiding Light, as well as guest spots in iconic shows like Hawaii Five-O and Star Trek. Smithers’ talent also extended to film; he appeared in notable works such as Scorpio and the cult classic Death Sport.
Perhaps his most memorable film role came in the 1973 adaptation of Papillon, where he portrayed Warden Barrot. His performance included a chilling monologue about the harsh realities of prison life, delivering a powerful commentary on the dehumanisation many prisoners experience. This role solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of taking on complex and formidable characters.
Smithers’ professional journey was complemented by his personal life. He was married to esteemed acting teacher S. Loraine Hull, who predeceased him in 2022. Their shared dedication to the arts underscored a life well-lived in pursuit of creative expression.
As Smithers departs from the world, he leaves behind a rich legacy that encapsulates both his artistic contributions and his influence on media law. His career serves as a testament to the dual power of performance and advocacy in the entertainment industry, ensuring that both his on-screen and off-screen achievements will be remembered for years to come.