William Smithers, the esteemed character actor renowned for his portrayal of Jeremy Wendell in the iconic television series Dallas, has passed away at the age of 98. His death was reported by the Santa Barbara Independent, with the tragic news breaking on Tuesday, May 26.
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Born in Richmond, Virginia, Smithers made his mark in the entertainment industry through a diverse array of roles across film, television, and theatre. He enjoyed a successful run on Dallas from 1981 to 1989, where he became a fixture as the shrewd CEO of WestStar Oil. His debut on the show came in the fifth season’s episode “Executive Wife.” A career spanning several decades, Smithers also appeared in a variety of other television programmes, including Star Trek, ABC’s Peyton Place, and Hawaii Five-O, as well as films such as Papillon, which featured legends Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, and Trouble Man.
The actor’s educational background laid the foundation for his illustrious career. Smithers made his Broadway debut in 1951, taking on the role of Tybalt in a production of Romeo and Juliet that starred the celebrated Olivia de Havilland. A year later, he became a member of The Actors Studio, an esteemed incubator for dramatic talent.
His early television career included significant roles, such as playing David Schuster in Peyton Place between 1965 and 1966, continuing his television journey with appearances in various series, including Executive Suite and the Star Trek episode titled “Bread and Circuses” in which he portrayed Capt. R.M. Merik.
Despite his successes, Smithers faced challenges in the industry. Notably, he expressed dissatisfaction over his compensation during his tenure on Dallas, recounting that he was “paid very little.” Smithers had anticipated a pay increase but was disillusioned when his agent’s negotiations did not meet his expectations, leading to his departure from the show.
In addition to his acting career, Smithers was involved in a landmark legal case that has become a significant reference in entertainment law. During his role in Executive Suite in 1976, he sued MGM, alleging contract violations. Successfully winning the case, the ruling is now commonly taught in law courses concerning Hollywood contracts.
Throughout his career, Smithers showcased a knack for both dramatic and comedic roles. He made memorable appearances across genres, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and his peers. Beyond the screen, he also embraced writing, authoring the e-book The Wizard of Sacramento: Governor Jerry Brown in 2018, which illustrates his interest in political figures and storytelling.
Smithers’ legacy will be remembered not only for his talent on screen but also for the legal strides he made for actors in the industry. He resided in Santa Barbara, California, at the time of his passing, and his contributions to film and television will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. As tributes pour in, the entertainment community reflects on the life and work of a true character actor who navigated both the art of performance and the complexities of the industry with remarkable grace.
His family and friends are likely to cherish the rich tapestry of his long career, filled with a multitude of roles that showcased his range and dedication to the craft, ensuring that the name William Smithers endures within the annals of television history.