William H. Macy

William H. Macy Profile Photo

Characters played by William H. Macy

Frank Gallagher — Shameless (2011)

Alcoholic father and nominal head of the dysfunctional Gallagher family. Freeloads on Sheila's disability checks, is revealed as Liam's biological father, and faces severe consequences after Karen's revenge video triggers Eddie's suicide.

Major Caldwell — Air Force One (1997)

A military officer aboard Air Force One who assists James Marshall and Lloyd Shepherd during the attempt to evacuate the hostages by parachute. He is captured after the deception is discovered, later helps direct the damaged aircraft, and is killed when Agent Gibbs reveals his betrayal.

Trevathan — Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Human who serves Proximus Caesar and helps maintain his power

Jerry Lundegaard — Fargo (1996)

An executive sales manager desperate for money who plans and orchestrates his wife's kidnapping to extort his father-in-law. He lies to the police and family, fails to cancel the plot, and is arrested while fleeing.

Arn Peeples — Train Dreams (2025)

Arn Peeples is Robert's fellow logger and becomes one of the men who leave a lasting impression on him. Robert grows close to Arn during the logging work, but Arn is severely injured by a falling branch and dies several days later, adding another painful loss to Robert's experience.

Summerhayes — Ricky Stanicky (2024)

The trio's boss who initially values Ricky's fabricated achievements. Hires Rod to lead a major corporate merger after being impressed by his unconventional charm and insights. Originally intends to fire Dean but changes his mind after World River executives endorse Ricky's leadership.

Little Bill — Boogie Nights (1997)

Little Bill is an assistant director working in Jack Horner's porn-film circle. During a New Year's Eve party at Jack's house, he discovers his wife having sex with another man in front of spectators. Exhausted by repeated infidelity, Little Bill kills both of them and then takes his own life.

Sgt. Bob Mooney — Cellular (2004)

A police sergeant who first receives Ryan's kidnapping report and initially doubts the emergency after meeting Dana at the Martin home. Mooney later recognizes the deception, kills Dana in self-defense, overhears the plan against the family, and returns to help Ryan stop Ethan.

Bill McNeill — Murder in the First (1995)

Bill McNeill is the district attorney prosecuting Henri Young for first-degree murder. He treats the case as effectively settled and objects when James Stamphill introduces evidence about Alcatraz’s unlawful confinement and mistreatment, making him a principal opponent of the defense’s effort to put the prison on trial.

Quiz Kid Donnie Smith — Magnolia (1999)

A former quiz-show champion whose parents took his prize money. Fired from his job and infatuated with a bartender, he steals money for dental work, then tries to return it and is rescued after falling from a utility pole.

Sam — Maybe I Do (2023)

Sam is Monica's husband and Allen's father. He meets Grace at a cinema and spends the evening talking with her, forming a cerebral connection that leads to a confession. He later confronts Howard, recognizes his own capacity to love again, and separates from Monica.

Frank Levin — The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

Mickey Haller's investigator, who helps analyze evidence linking Louis Roulet to an earlier prostitute murder. Frank later discovers a parking ticket that could free Jesus Martinez, but he is shot after leaving Mickey a message about finding Martinez's way out of prison.

Career Overview

William H. Macy has 191 screen credits in a career dating back to 1953. Their work spans 7 cinematic universes — most prominently Planet of the Apes with 1 titles. Signature works include Shameless, The Running Man, Air Force One. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
191
Birth Date
1950-03-13
Birth Place
Miami, Florida, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 7 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q224159), public domain (CC0).