Hubbry Logo
Billy WarlockBilly WarlockMain
Open search
Billy Warlock
Community hub
Billy Warlock
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Billy Warlock
Billy Warlock
from Wikipedia

William Alan Warlock (né Leming; born March 26, 1961) is a retired American actor known for playing Eddie Kramer, a lifeguard on the first three seasons of Baywatch and in the reunion movie in 2003, as well as for numerous daytime roles, most notably Frankie Brady on Days of Our Lives and A.J. Quartermaine on General Hospital. His last known acting credit was in 2011.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Billy Warlock was born William Alan Leming in Gardena, California, the oldest of three siblings. He has a brother, Lance, and a sister, Rhonda. Their father, Dick Warlock ( Richard Anthony Leming), was a successful Hollywood stunt man (who did stunts for Kurt Russell and was the stunt driver in the Disney picture, The Love Bug).

After graduation from Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California in 1979, Warlock's father landed him a stunt job as Robin Williams's stunt double in a Mork & Mindy episode, one that was produced by Garry Marshall.[1] Several months later, Warlock auditioned for Marshall and won his first major television role as Leopold "Flip" Phillips, Roger (Ted McGinley)'s brother and Marion Cunningham (Marion Ross)'s younger nephew, in the ninth and tenth seasons of Happy Days.[1]

Career

[edit]

As a young adult, Warlock had a small role in Halloween II (1981), and Lovely But Deadly (1981), directed by David Sheldon. He later appeared in Hotshot (1987), directed by Rick King, and played the lead role in the horror film Society (1989), directed by Brian Yuzna. The same year, Warlock appeared as an original cast member of Baywatch, where he played lifeguard Eddie Kramer for the first three seasons. In the early 1990s, he also was on the short-lived TV Series The Hat Squad, with Nestor Serrano and Don Michael Paul from 1992 to 1993, and portrayed Lyle Menendez in the 1994 television movie Honor Thy Father and Mother: The True Story of the Menendez Murders.

Warlock starred on soap operas such as Days of Our Lives and General Hospital. In the latter, he portrayed A. J. Quartermaine from June 13, 1997, to December 11, 2003, and for several visits in 2005 from February 4 to February 11, when his character was presumed dead. He reprised the role from March 15 until April 26 when his character was actually murdered in his hospital room by Dr. Asher Thomas (Larry Poindexter) after he kidnapped his biological son, Michael Corinthos (Dylan Cash). On Days of Our Lives, Warlock portrayed Frankie Brady from 1986 to 1988, from 1990 to 1991, and again beginning in June 2005. In 1988, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series at the 15th Daytime Emmy Awards for his performance on the series.[2] He was let go from the soap and his final airdate was November 2006. In spring 2007, he joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in the role of Ben Hollander, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman)'s campaign manager. Warlock appeared on the show from May 2007 to January 2008.[3]

In 2003, Warlock reprised his role of Eddie Kramer in the Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding television film. The following year, he appeared in an off-Broadway revival production of The Normal Heart at the Public Theater in New York City.[4] Charles Isherwood of Variety praised his performance as "sincere and nicely understated."[4] During the summer of 2010, Warlock appeared on As the World Turns as Anthony Blackthorn.

Personal life

[edit]

Warlock was once engaged to his Baywatch co-star Erika Eleniak, who had played his character Eddie's love interest on the show, Shauni McClain, as well.[5] Warlock was married to soap actress Marcy Walker but they later divorced. He married former Days of our Lives and As the World Turns co-star Julie Pinson on August 26, 2006, in Las Vegas, Nevada.[6]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1981 Halloween II Craig As Bill Warlock[7]
Lovely But Deadly Boy on Beach As Bill Warlock
1987 Hotshot Vinnie Fortino
1989 Society Bill Whitney
1995 Mr. Payback Payton Bach Interactive film
1997 Opposite Corners Bryant Donatello
Steel Sharks Bob Rogers
2004 The Thing Below Captain Jack Griffin
2006 Fatwa Vince
2009 Hatchet Man Boss Short film[8]
2011 Discedo Robert (voice) Short film

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1982–1983 Happy Days Leopold "Flip" Phillips 13 episodes[7]
1983 ABC Afterschool Special Craig Foster Episode: "But It's Not My Fault"
Lottery! Billy Episode: "Los Angeles: Bigger Volume"
Six Pack Duffy Akins Television film
1984 Capitol Ricky Driscoll Episode: "November 1, 1984"
1986 2 12 Dads Danny Selzer Television film
1986–2006 Days of Our Lives Frankie Brady Main cast (589 episodes)

Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series

1987 Rags to Riches Tommy Episode: "Pilot"
1989 Swimsuit Chris Television film
Baywatch: Panic at Malibu Pier Eddie Kramer Television film
21 Jump Street Ron Green Episode: "Come from the Shadows"
Class Cruise Sam McBride Television film
1989–1992 Baywatch Eddie Kramer Main cast (45 episodes)
1990 TV or Not TV? Student Television special
1992–1993 The Hat Squad Matty Matheson Main cast (13 episodes)
1994 Honor Thy Father and Mother: The True Story of the Menendez Murders Lyle Menendez Television film
1994–1996 Silk Stalkings Brent/Jason Hemmings 2 episodes
1995 Marker Shawn Episode: "Snowballs in Hawaii"
NYPD Blue Mike Barnett Episode: "One Big Happy Family"
1996 Baywatch Nights Eddie Kramer Episode: "Backup"
Panic in the Skies! Matt Eisenhauer Television film
1997–2005 General Hospital A. J. Quartermaine Main cast (308 episodes)
1999 Diagnosis: Murder Derek Shaw 2 episodes
2003 Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding Eddie Kramer Television film
2007–2008 The Young and the Restless Ben Hollander 32 episodes[9]
2009 Damages Undercover Customer #2 Episode: "New York Sucks"[10]
2010 As the World Turns Anthony Blackthorn 15 episodes
One Life to Live Ross Rayburn 18 episodes[11]

Stage credits

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2004 The Normal Heart Felix Turner The Public Theater[4]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Billy Warlock (born March 26, 1961) is an American best known for his prominent roles in daytime soap operas and prime-time television, including the character of on from 1986 to 1988 and in multiple returns thereafter, on from 1997 to 2003, and lifeguard Eddie Kramer on from 1989 to 1992. Born in Gardena, California, Warlock grew up in Southern California aspiring to become a stuntman like his father, who worked as a stunt double for actors including Kurt Russell. He began his entertainment career in stunts, doubling for Robin Williams on the sitcom Mork & Mindy, before transitioning to acting with guest spots on shows like Happy Days, where he portrayed Flip Phillips, and early film roles such as Bud in Halloween II (1981). His breakthrough in soaps came with the role of troubled teen Frankie Brady on Days of Our Lives, earning him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 1988. Following his initial run on Days, Warlock joined the cast of Baywatch as Eddie Kramer, a role that showcased his swimming prowess as a former all-city competitor in Los Angeles schools. Warlock's soap opera career continued with his portrayal of the troubled A.J. Quartermaine on General Hospital, where he appeared in over 200 episodes across several stints, including returns in 2004, 2010, and 2012. He later took on roles such as Ross Rayburn on One Life to Live (2010) and Ben Hollander on The Young and the Restless (2007), while also appearing in films like the cult horror Society (1989). In his personal life, Warlock has been married to actress Julie Pinson, known for playing Billie Reed on Days of Our Lives, since August 26, 2006; his previous marriage to actress Marcy Walker lasted from 1985 to 1987. He resides in Colorado, where he enjoys skiing and reading when not working.

Early life

Family background

Billy Warlock was born William Alan Leming on March 26, 1961, in . He is the son of stuntman and actor , born Richard Anthony Leming, who was a prominent figure in Hollywood known for his extensive stunt work, including serving as Kurt Russell's personal stunt double for over 25 years on films such as (1981). His mother is Janet Rae Warlock. Warlock has a younger brother named Lance and a sister named Rhonda. Raised in , Warlock grew up immersed in the entertainment industry due to his father's career, which exposed him to the world of stunts and from an early age. He later adopted the professional "Billy Warlock," inspired by his father, as he began pursuing opportunities in shortly after graduating high school in 1979.

Entry into entertainment

Inspired by his father's successful career as a Hollywood stuntman, Billy Warlock initially set his sights on entering the entertainment industry through work. Following his graduation from in , California, in 1979, Warlock's father, , arranged his son's debut professional gig as a stunt double for in the ABC sitcom Mork & Mindy. Specifically, he performed in the 1980 episode "Dueling Skates," marking his first credited behind-the-scenes role in television production. This experience opened doors to further stunt opportunities in the early 1980s, building his skills in high-risk action sequences typical of the era's film and TV projects. After gaining practical expertise in stunts, Warlock chose to shift his focus toward on-camera performing, adopting the stage name Billy Warlock—derived from his father's professional moniker—to better align with his evolving ambitions in the industry.

Career

Early acting roles

Warlock transitioned from stunt work to acting in the early 1980s, inspired by his experience doubling for Robin Williams on an episode of Mork & Mindy in 1980, which led him to pursue on-camera roles instead of following his father's stunt career path. His film debut came in 1981 with the horror sequel Halloween II, where he played Craig, a minor character and friend of Laurie Strode, while his father, Dick Warlock, performed stunts as Michael Myers. This role marked his initial step into acting, blending his physical background with performance, though he continued taking smaller stunt-related opportunities early on. In 1982, Warlock secured his first significant television part as Leopold "Flip" Phillips, a rebellious teen, on the tenth and final season of Happy Days, appearing in 13 episodes and gaining visibility in a fading but iconic sitcom. These early gigs often highlighted his youthful energy and physicality, reflecting the challenges of establishing himself beyond stunt work amid typecasting as a supporting player in action-oriented or teen-focused projects. Warlock's breakthrough into serialized television arrived in 1986 when he was cast as on the soap opera , portraying the street-smart foster brother to the Brady siblings who integrated into the family dynamic after being taken in by Shawn and Caroline Brady. He played the character from July 1986 to October 1988, earning acclaim for depicting Frankie's rebellious yet loyal nature during storylines involving family bonds and personal growth. This role solidified his presence in , though it required balancing the demands of ongoing stunt aspirations with the emotional depth of acting.

Soap opera career

Warlock first gained prominence in daytime television with his portrayal of Frankie Brady on Days of Our Lives, debuting in July 1986 as the rebellious, streetwise younger brother adopted into the Brady family alongside his biological brother Max. During his initial stint from 1986 to 1988, Frankie's character navigated complex family dynamics, including tensions with his adoptive parents Shawn and Caroline Brady and protective interactions with siblings like Kayla Brady, while grappling with his outsider status in the affluent Salem community. A pivotal storyline involved Frankie's deepening bond with Kayla, marked by sibling loyalty amid her tumultuous marriage to Steve Johnson, which highlighted themes of family resilience and support within the Brady clan. The character's most iconic arc, however, centered on his romance with , evolving from a high school friendship into a heartfelt love story fraught with misunderstandings, external threats, and challenges that solidified Frankie and Jennifer as a beloved among viewers. Warlock's performance earned critical acclaim for capturing Frankie's vulnerability and growth, contributing to the soap's appeal to younger audiences in the late . He departed the series in October 1988 due to creative differences over the character's direction, but returned briefly from November 1990 to July 1991 to wrap up unresolved family threads, including aiding in crises involving . Warlock reprised the role more extensively from June 2005 to November 2006, often tied to family emergencies such as Jack Deveraux's storyline and support for Jennifer during personal losses, reinforcing Frankie's role as the steadfast family anchor. These returns were driven by fan demand and the show's need for legacy character integration, with Warlock citing the enduring popularity of the Brady family as a key factor in his decisions to return. His extended tenure as Frankie, spanning nearly three decades, underscored Warlock's impact on the genre, fostering deep fan loyalty through authentic portrayals of emotional depth and relational complexity. In addition to Days of Our Lives, Warlock took on the recurring role of on ABC's from 1997 to 2003, with a brief return in 2005. , the troubled son of and Lila Quartermaine, was depicted as battling severe that strained family ties, leading to conflicts with his parents, cousin , and ex-wife Carly over custody of their son Michael. Warlock's interpretation emphasized A.J.'s redemption efforts and internal turmoil, resonating with audiences through storylines exploring addiction's toll on privilege and legacy. His exit in 2003 stemmed from contract negotiations and the character's narrative pivot, though the role's fan-favorite status prompted the brief 2005 return amid ongoing Quartermaine power struggles. Warlock also made guest appearances on other soaps. Overall, Warlock's soap career amplified the genre's focus on familial bonds and personal redemption, with his characters' arcs inspiring viewer investment and influencing casting trends for multi-generational storytelling.

Baywatch and prime-time television

Billy Warlock transitioned to prime-time television in 1989 with his casting as , a rookie on the action-drama series , marking a shift from his soap opera work on . Born into a family—his father, (born Richard Anthony Leming), was a renowned Hollywood stuntman who doubled for [Kurt Russell](/page/Kurt Russell) and served as the stunt driver in (1968)—Warlock had early experience in stunts, including doubling for on an episode of Mork & Mindy in 1980 shortly after high school graduation. This background, combined with his competitive prowess as an all-city butterfly backstroke swimmer in schools, prepared him for the physically demanding role, which involved intense ocean rescues, beach patrols, and high-stakes action sequences that emphasized heroism. As , Warlock portrayed a dedicated but initially inexperienced who matured through perilous duties, including saving drowning victims and confronting beach threats during the show's first two seasons (1989–1992). A key storyline arc featured a romance with fellow Shauni McClain, played by , evolving from flirtation to a committed on-screen relationship that mirrored their real-life engagement. Warlock and Eleniak departed the series together after season 2 due to contract disputes amid 's syndication boom, including pay cuts; Warlock later reflected that the role offered more dramatic depth than expected, blending action with emotional growth drawn from his soap experience. In the 1990s, Warlock pursued guest spots on various prime-time series, showcasing his versatility beyond soaps and beach action. Notable appearances included playing Mike Barnett in an episode of NYPD Blue (1995), Shawn in Marker (1995), Jason Hemmings in Silk Stalkings (1996), and Derek Shaw in Diagnosis: Murder (1999), where he tackled crime procedural narratives. He reprised Eddie Kramer in the 2003 reunion TV movie Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding, which brought back the core cast for Mitch Buchannon's (David Hasselhoff) nuptials threatened by an old enemy; the film depicted Eddie's post-Baywatch evolution, including his separation from Shauni and a budding romance with another ex-lifeguard, Lani McKenzie (Carmen Electra). Warlock's tenure significantly amplified his fame, contributing to the series' status as a global cultural phenomenon that drew over 1 billion weekly viewers at its peak and popularized the image of glamorous, heroic lifeguards. His portrayal of the earnest Eddie helped cement 's blend of and adrenaline, boosting Warlock's profile during the show's syndication explosion, though he ultimately returned to for stability.

Later roles and retirement

Warlock returned to Days of Our Lives in June 2005, reprising the role of Frankie Brady after a 14-year absence, amid storylines centered on family reunions and support for loved ones. In particular, Frankie aided , who believed he had a , by agreeing to look after and reconnecting with the Brady family during periods of grief and reconciliation. His run concluded in November 2006, with Frankie departing Salem to take a position at a in . Warlock portrayed Ben Hollander on from 2007 to 2008. Warlock's final on-screen acting role came in 2010 on , where he portrayed Ross Rayburn in a short-term capacity from August to October, stepping in as an emergency recast for the scheming character involved in corporate intrigue. Following this appearance, he stepped away from acting in 2011 to prioritize family life, relocating to with his wife, actress . In retirement, Warlock has occasionally engaged with media reflecting on his career highlights. He participated in the 2024 Hulu docuseries After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, sharing insights on the cultural impact and behind-the-scenes dynamics of Baywatch, including its emphasis on ensemble camaraderie and physical demands. This project coincided with ongoing discussions around a Baywatch television reboot slated for the 2026-2027 season, featuring a new cast of rising stars while honoring the original series' legacy. Warlock now works at a ski resort in .

Personal life

Marriages

Billy Warlock's first marriage was to actress Marcy Walker, whom he began dating in 1983 while both were establishing careers in daytime television. They wed on November 2, 1985, in a ceremony that drew attention within the soap opera community due to their rising profiles—Walker as Eden Capwell on Santa Barbara and Warlock as Frankie Brady on Days of Our Lives. The couple's union lasted until 1987, ending in divorce amid the demanding schedules of their respective shows, which Warlock later cited as contributing to the strain, including Walker's relocation for work that led to her abrupt announcement from Santa Fe that she no longer wished to be married. Warlock's second marriage is to actress Julie Pinson, another soap opera veteran. The pair first met in 1999 and became engaged, but called off the wedding shortly before the planned date. They rekindled their relationship in 2005 while co-starring on Days of Our Lives, where Pinson portrayed Billie Reed opposite Warlock's Frankie Brady, fostering a natural on-set chemistry rooted in their shared experiences in the genre. On August 26, 2006, they married in an intimate ceremony at the Little Chapel of the West in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Pinson wearing her original 1999 Vera Wang ivory duchess satin gown accented with pink details; their representative confirmed the nuptials exclusively to People magazine. As of 2025, the couple remains married, and their professional collaboration on Days of Our Lives not only reignited their romance but also highlighted the interpersonal dynamics common among soap actors, without affecting their on-screen portrayals.

Relationships and family

Warlock's most notable non-marital relationship was with his co-star , which began as an on-set romance during the show's late production and evolved into a high-profile off-screen pairing. The two portrayed lovers Eddie and Shauni McClain, mirroring their real-life dynamic, and they left the series together after two seasons amid contract disputes. Their romance culminated in an engagement announced in 1993, though it ended the following year. Post-breakup, Eleniak described Warlock fondly as a "great guy" with whom she shared "wonderful years," indicating they maintained a positive . In the early 2000s, Warlock was engaged to Tolan Clark, with whom he dated for two years starting in 2000 before the engagement in late 2002; the relationship concluded in 2004. No other significant romantic involvements with co-stars have been publicly documented beyond these. Warlock has no children from any of his relationships or marriages. Following his retirement from acting, Warlock and his wife relocated from Hollywood to , where they have established a low-key life together, prioritizing privacy in their personal matters.

Awards and nominations

Daytime Emmy Awards

Billy Warlock received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in 1987 for Outstanding Younger in a Series for his portrayal of on . He was nominated alongside for on , for Dustin Donovan on , Jon Hensley for on , and for Rick Hyde on . The following year, Warlock won the Daytime Emmy in the same category at the 15th Annual , held on June 29, 1988, at the Waldorf Astoria in and broadcast on . This victory recognized his compelling performance as during a pivotal storyline involving romance and family drama on . Warlock's 1988 Emmy win solidified his reputation as a standout talent in , highlighting the critical acclaim for his work on and contributing to his prominence among young actors in the genre during the late . No further Daytime Emmy nominations or wins for Warlock have been recorded.

Filmography

Television

Billy Warlock's television career spans several decades, featuring recurring and guest roles in soap operas, action series, and dramas. His credits include long-running stints on daytime soaps and notable appearances in popular prime-time programs.
Year(s)TitleRoleNotes
1982–1983Happy DaysLeopold "Flip" Phillips13 episodes; recurring role as a high school student.
1984CapitolRicky DriscollDaytime soap role for one year.
1986–1988Days of Our LivesFrankie BradyEmmy-winning portrayal of the troubled Brady brother; initial stint.
1989Class CruiseSam McBrideTV movie.
1989–1992BaywatchEddie KramerMain role in 45 episodes across first three seasons.
1990–1991Days of Our LivesFrankie BradyReturn as Frankie Brady for 156 episodes.
1991Full HouseAndyGuest appearance in 1 episode.
1993MatlockDanGuest role in 1 episode.
1993NYPD BlueMike BarnettGuest star in 1 episode.
1995MarkerJimmyRecurring role.
1995Silk StalkingsJoey BeeneGuest in 1 episode.
1997As the World TurnsAnthony BlackthornBrief recurring appearance.
1997–2003, 2005General HospitalA.J. QuartermaineOver 200 episodes as the Quartermaine heir; brief return in 2005.
2003Baywatch: Hawaiian WeddingEddie KramerReunion TV movie.
2005–2006Days of Our LivesFrankie BradyReturn after 14-year absence; 100+ episodes supporting family storylines.
2007–2008The Young and the RestlessBen HollanderRecurring role.
2009DamagesUndercover Customer #2Guest in 1 episode.
2010One Life to LiveRoss RayburnRecurring role as Ross Rayburn, 18 episodes (August–October 2010).
Warlock's roles, particularly as and , represent his most extensive television work, totaling thousands of episodes across multiple returns. No further television credits have been reported since 2010. As of 2025, Warlock appears to be retired from acting.

Film

Billy Warlock's foray into feature films occurred during the early , shortly after his transition from stunt work, where he took on minor roles in low-budget productions spanning horror and action genres. His debut came with uncredited and small supporting parts that showcased his versatility in high-energy scenes, before he secured lead roles in independent films blending horror and satire. Warlock's early stunt experience, inherited from his father —a veteran performer in films like (1968)—influenced his initial involvement, though specific pre- stunt credits in theatrical releases remain limited in documentation. The following table outlines his key credits, presented chronologically with roles and genres for context:
YearTitleRoleGenreNotes
1981Lovely But DeadlyBoy on Beach (as Bill Warlock)Action/ThrillerMinor role in David Sheldon's exploitation about a cheerleader's revenge quest.
1981Halloween IICraigHorrorSupporting part in Rick Rosenthal's slasher sequel, playing a orderly during Michael Myers' rampage.
1986HotshotVinnie FortinoSports/ComedySupporting role alongside in Rick King's underdog soccer tale.
1989Bill WhitneyHorror/ComedyLead role in Brian Yuzna's cult satire critiquing upper-class excess through elements.
1995Mr. PaybackPayton Bach (Mr. Payback)Action/InteractiveLead role in independent interactive movie.
These appearances highlight Warlock's range across horror staples and lighter fare, though his film output remained sparse compared to his extensive television work, with no major theatrical releases after 1989.

Stage credits

Theater productions

Billy Warlock made his notable stage debut in professional theater with the revival of Larry Kramer's at in . He portrayed Felix Turner, the fashion editor and love interest of protagonist Ned Weeks, in a production directed by David Esbjornson that featured a cast including as Ned. The play, which addressed the early AIDS crisis in 1980s New York, opened on April 21, 2004, following 13 previews, and ran for 63 performances before closing on June 29, 2004. Warlock's performance as Felix, a character who contracts AIDS and navigates the personal and societal impacts of the disease, marked a significant departure from his television roles and showcased his dramatic range in a high-profile ensemble production originally premiered at the same venue in 1985. The revival received attention for its timely relevance amid ongoing HIV/AIDS advocacy, with Warlock's role highlighting themes of love, loss, and activism.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.