Hubbry Logo
William Newman (actor)William Newman (actor)Main
Open search
William Newman (actor)
Community hub
William Newman (actor)
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
William Newman (actor)
William Newman (actor)
William Newman (actor)
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

William MacLeod Newman (June 15, 1934 – May 27, 2015) was an American film, television and theatre actor. His professional credits include Mrs. Doubtfire in 1993.

Key Information

Biography

[edit]

Newman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 15, 1934.[1] He moved to Seattle, Washington, with his family in 1937.[1] Newman graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle in 1952 and received a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1956.[1] He was the recipient of a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, which allowed Newman to study advanced writing at Columbia University from 1958 to 1960.[1] Newman also served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the late 1950s and early 1960s.[1] Newman married the former Julia Tayon circa 1959.[1] He later married Margaret Ramsey.[1] He had three children: Liam, Katherine, and Matthew, who died in a fall in 1976.[1] Newman became a Quaker in 1989.[1] In 1965, Newman was hired as an actor at the Seattle Repertory Theatre.[1] He acted at various theater companies throughout the country during his career, including the Baltimore Center Stage, the Minneapolis Guthrie Theater, the Denver Center Theater, and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.[1] He also served as an artist-in-residence at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.[1]

Newman also appeared in numerous film and television roles. His film credits included Brubaker (1980), The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), Silver Bullet (1985), Act of Vengeance (1986), Playing for Keeps (1986), The Mosquito Coast (1986), Funny Farm (1988), Monkey Shines (1988), Hero (1992), Leprechaun (1993), The Stand (1994), Jury Duty (1995), Tom and Huck (1995), The Craft (1996), Santa with Muscles (1996), Brown's Requiem (1998), For Love of the Game (1999) and Teacher's Pet (2000).[1] Newman also appeared in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), opposite Robin Williams and Sally Field.

In 1991, Newman was cast as Kalin Trose in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, The Host.[2] His last television credit was an episode of My Name Is Earl in 2006.[2]

Newman died from vascular dementia at the Hayes Manor Retirement Residence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 27, 2015, at the age of 80.[1] His memorial service was held on June 27, 2015 at Old Haverford Friends Meeting in Havertown, Pennsylvania.[3]

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1976 Squirm Quigley
1980 Brubaker Dunfield, Member of Prison Board
1981 The Postman Always Rings Twice Man From Home Town
1984 Billions for Boris OTB Cashier #2
1985 Silver Bullet Virgil Cuts
1986 Playing for Keeps Joshua
The Mosquito Coast Captain Smalls
1988 The Serpent and the Rainbow French Missionary Doctor
Funny Farm Gus Lotterhand
Monkey Shines Doc Williams
Chattahoochee Jonathan
1992 Hero Millionaire
1993 Leprechaun Sheriff Cronin
Fearless Elderly Man
Mrs. Doubtfire Mr. Sprinkles
1995 Jury Duty Judge D'Angelo
Pie in the Sky Funeral Guest
Tom and Huck Dr. Jonas Robinson
1996 The Craft Street Preacher
Santa with Muscles Chas
No Easy Way Restaurant Patron
1997 Touch Court Clerk
1998 Brown's Requiem Augie
1999 For Love of the Game Fitch
2000 Devil in the Flesh 2 Dr. Thompson
2006 Shadow: Dead Riot Male Guard
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1979 Ryan's Hope FBI Agent Episode #1.1103
Episode #1.1104
1983 Chiefs Mac McKibbon Part 2
1986 The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James Sheriff Timberlake TV movie
Act of Vengeance Ezra Morgan TV movie
1987 A Special Friendship Quaker TV movie
1988 The Murder of Mary Phagan Episode #1.1
Episode #1.2 		miniseries
1989 Dinner at Eight Alf TV movie
1991 Star Trek: The Next Generation Kalin Trose Episode: "The Host"
Matlock Bink Episode: "The Witness Killings" Part 1 and 2
1992 Homefront Mechanic Episode: "No Man Loyal and Neutral"
Eerie, Indiana Father Episode: "Mr. Chaney"
Desperate Choices: To Save My Child Dr. Edwards TV movie
Knots Landing Judge Allen Rifkin / Judge Allan Rifkin 2 episodes
1993 Mad About You The Waiter Episode: "The Wedding Affair"
Picket Fences Arthur Episode: "Be My Valentine"
The Odd Couple: Together Again Sylvester TV movie
1994 Dead Man's Revenge Doctor TV movie
The Stand Dr. Soames miniseries
All-American Girl Customer #1 Episode: "Mommie Nearest"
1995 Something Wilder Unknown Episode: "The Ex Files"
VR.5 Unknown Episode: "Simon's Choice"
Pig Sty Priest Episode: "Leap Into an Open Grave"
Wounded Heart Jedediah TV movie
Women of the House Dave 5 episodes
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman Abner Foley Episode: "Halloween III"
1996 The Drew Carey Show Hammond Episode: "Drew Gets Motivated"
Goode Behavior Unknown Episode: "Goode Golly, Miss Molly"
1997 Party of Five Mr. Langen Episode: "Promises, Promises"
1999 The King of Queens Herb Episode: "Crappy Birthday"
L.A. Doctors Harvey Feingold Episode: "Where the Rubber Meets the Road"
Dharma & Greg Reverend Greeves Episode: "The Very Grateful Dead"
Diagnosis: Murder Chester Chumley Episode: "Gangland: Part 1"
2000 Cover Me: Based on the True Life of an FBI Family Cal Caprita Episode: "Bazooka Joe"
2001 Popular Dr. Meyer Episode: "The Brain Game"
Angel Old Demon Man Episode: "Over the Rainbow"
Philly Judge Fuller Pilot episode
2001-2002 The Tick The Cape 3 episodes
2005 Days of Our Lives Bookstore Clerk Episode #1.10180
2006 My Name Is Earl Unknown Episode: "Larceny of a Kitty Cat", (final appearance)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

William Newman (actor)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
William Newman (June 15, 1934 – May 27, 2015) was an American character actor best known for his supporting roles in films and television during the 1980s and 1990s, often portraying quirky or authoritative figures in genres ranging from comedy to horror. He also had a notable career in theater. Born William MacLeod Newman in Chicago, Illinois, after academic pursuits and military service, he began his acting career in theater in the mid-1960s, appearing at the Seattle Repertory Theatre and other companies. He made his film debut in the horror film Squirm (1976) as Quigley, and later appeared in the prison drama Brubaker (1980) alongside Robert Redford, where he played Dunfield, a member of the prison board. Over his career, Newman amassed over 100 credits, establishing himself as a reliable presence in Hollywood. His early film work included the neo-noir thriller The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), the comedy Tootsie (1982) with Dustin Hoffman, and the Steve Martin vehicle The Man with Two Brains (1983). In the mid-1980s, he appeared in the Western The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James (1986) as a sheriff and George A. Romero's horror film Monkey Shines (1988). Newman's television career was equally prolific, with guest spots on series such as Star Trek: The Next Generation (1989), where he portrayed the diplomat Kalin Trose in the episode "," and the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's (1994) as the postman Ted. He also appeared in films such as the comedy (1993) as the courthouse guard, the horror-comedy (1993), and the supernatural thriller The Craft (1996). Later roles included appearances in (1989), The Freshman (1990), and the TV series (2005–2009) as the Cat Show MC. Newman retired from acting in the mid-2000s and resided in the area until his death from multi-infarct at age 80. Despite not achieving leading-man status, his versatile performances in ensemble casts contributed to a lasting legacy in American cinema and television.

Early life and education

Birth and family background

William MacLeod Newman was born on June 15, 1934, in , . Newman's early family life was rooted in the urban Midwest before relocating to the ; at the age of three, he moved with his family to , Washington, in 1937, where he spent much of his childhood. He had a brother, Stephen Newman, who later resided in .

Academic pursuits

Newman graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Washington, in 1952. He pursued undergraduate studies at the , earning a in 1956. From 1958 to 1960, Newman attended as a recipient of the Fellowship, which supported his advanced studies in writing.

Professional career

Theater work

Newman's professional theater career commenced in 1965 with his engagement at the Repertory Theatre, marking the start of a five-decade commitment to live performance that shaped his reputation as a versatile . Over the years, he built a robust foundation in regional theater, performing with esteemed ensembles such as the Center Stage, the in , the Center Theatre Company, and the Repertory Theatre of . These affiliations allowed him to refine his skills in ensemble-driven repertory work, emphasizing improvisation and character depth in diverse roles across classical and contemporary plays. A pivotal aspect of his early career included his tenure as artist-in-residence at in , around 1969–1970, where he served as a drama instructor and contributed to student productions, fostering the next generation of performers. Notable regional engagements highlighted his range, such as his appearance in Daniel Berrigan's The Trial of the Catonsville Nine at A Contemporary Theatre (ACT) in in 1972, a production that addressed through drama. This work, alongside other repertory staples like in an mounting with the Chelsea Theater Center in 1972, underscored his ability to portray multifaceted supporting characters in politically charged and satirical narratives. Newman's transition to Broadway in the 1970s further solidified his stage credentials, beginning with the musical Over Here! (1974–1975) at the Shubert Theatre, where he originated the role of Sarge, a figure in a World War II-era ensemble comedy. He followed with a brief stint as the Narrator in (1975 revival) and multiple roles—including American Reporter, German Guest, Hotel Manager, and others—in Sherman Yellen's Strangers (1979) at the , a exploring historical figures in exile that ran for just one week but earned praise for its ensemble dynamics. Throughout his theater tenure from 1965 onward, these experiences honed Newman's character acting prowess, providing a live-performance bedrock that later informed his screen work in film and television.

Film roles

William Newman's film career began with a supporting role in the 1976 Squirm, where he portrayed Quigley, a local resident amid a deadly worm infestation in rural Georgia. This debut marked his entry into cinema, following his theater background, and showcased his ability to embody everyday characters in tense, genre-driven narratives. In 1980, Newman appeared as Dunfield, a member of the prison board, in the reform drama Brubaker, directed by Stuart Rosenberg and starring Robert Redford as a idealistic warden uncovering corruption. His role contributed to the film's exploration of systemic prison issues, earning praise for the ensemble's grounded performances in highlighting institutional flaws. Newman's early 1980s work included the part of the Man from Home Town in Bob Rafelson's 1981 neo-noir adaptation The Postman Always Rings Twice, alongside Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange, where he depicted a visitor adding to the story's web of suspicion and infidelity. This role exemplified his knack for subtle, memorable cameos in high-profile thrillers. Throughout the decade, he continued in supporting capacities, such as Virgil Cuts, a townsperson in the 1985 horror , a tale featuring and , where his character helped build the small-town atmosphere of dread. In Peter Weir's 1986 adventure drama The Mosquito Coast, Newman played Captain Smalls, the pragmatic ship captain transporting Harrison Ford's eccentric inventor and family to ; during production, he noted the challenging jungle shoots that tested the cast's endurance. The 1990s saw Newman in more prominent genre roles, starting with Sheriff Cronin in the 1993 horror-comedy , where he investigated mythical killings as a skeptical lawman opposite Davis's titular creature, contributing to the film's appeal through his authoritative yet hapless demeanor. That same year, he embodied the entertainer Mr. Sprinkles in Chris Columbus's blockbuster family comedy , providing in a birthday party scene amid Robin Williams's custody battle antics. Critics noted his timing enhanced the film's heartfelt humor. Newman portrayed Doc Robinson, a compassionate physician, in the 1995 Mark Twain adaptation Tom and Huck, supporting Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Brad Renfro in a tale of boyhood adventure and moral dilemmas. His final major film role came in 1996's supernatural thriller The Craft, as the fiery Street Preacher decrying witchcraft, adding a layer of religious fervor to the story of teen witches starring Robin Tunney and Fairuza Balk. Across his filmography from 1976 to the early , Newman specialized in quirky supporting archetypes—often authority figures like sheriffs, doctors, and officials with eccentric edges or antagonistic undertones—lending authenticity and subtle menace to dramas, horrors, and comedies without overshadowing leads. His contributions were valued for their reliability in ensemble casts, though specific critical acclaim focused more on his enhancement of atmospheric tension than star billing.

Television appearances

Newman's television career spanned several decades, with a focus on guest appearances and limited series that highlighted his ability to portray diverse characters, from authority figures to everyday eccentrics, in episodic storytelling. A standout role came in 1991 when he guest-starred as the diplomatic Pelian emissary Kalin Trose in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "The Host," bringing nuance to an interspecies negotiation plot. In 1994, Newman appeared in the ABC miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's "The Stand," playing the scientist Dr. Soames in the early episodes depicting the outbreak of a deadly plague. His television work extended to other guest spots, such as the quirky Father in the episode "Mr. Chaney" of the supernatural series "Eerie, Indiana" (1992) and various supporting roles in legal dramas like "Matlock" (1991) and family-oriented shows like "Picket Fences" (1992), underscoring his adaptability across genres from mystery to slice-of-life narratives. Newman's final on-screen television appearance was a brief but memorable turn as the Cat Show MC in the 2006 episode "Larceny of a Kitty Cat" from the comedy series "My Name Is Earl," marking the end of his small-screen contributions.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Newman married Julia Tayon circa 1960, and the couple had two children before their divorce. Their son Matthew tragically died in a fatal fall in 1976 at the age of 10. In 1983, Newman married Margaret Ramsey, with whom he remained until his death; they had one child together, bringing the total number of his children to three. The surviving children included son Liam Newman, who resided in , Washington, and daughter Katherine Newman, based in Los Angeles, California. Newman's family life was marked by relocations tied to his acting opportunities, as his career led to residences in cities such as , New York, and , where he and his family eventually settled. These moves reflected the demands of his professional pursuits in theater and film across the .

Religious conversion

In 1989, William Newman underwent a and became a convinced Quaker, marking a significant shift in his spiritual life. This commitment reflected his deepening search for a emphasizing and communal without . Following his conversion, Newman engaged actively with Quaker communities, attending meetings on both the East and West Coasts where he found profound love and support. These gatherings provided a nurturing environment that aligned with his evolving personal philosophy, sustaining him through his later years. His involvement extended to supporting Quaker institutions, as evidenced by suggestions in his obituary for remembrances to be directed to the Friends Council on Education. Newman was remembered by friends and loved ones as a deeply spiritual man whose Quaker affiliation shaped his worldview, fostering a sense of peace and community in his personal life. His memorial service, held on June 27, 2015, at the Old Haverford Friends Meeting in , underscored the centrality of this faith to his identity.

Death and legacy

Illness and passing

Newman retired from acting following his final role as the Cat Show MC in the in 2006, after which he had no further credited performances. In the years leading up to his death, Newman was diagnosed with , also known as multi-infarct dementia, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the resulting from multiple small . The disease progressed over time, leading to significant cognitive and physical decline, though specific details on the timeline of symptoms or treatments are not publicly documented. Newman spent his final years at the Hayes Manor Senior Residence in , , where he received care in a supportive environment tailored for seniors. He passed away there on May 27, 2015, at the age of 80, succumbing to complications from the .

Memorial and tributes

A memorial service for William Newman was held on June 27, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. at the Old Haverford Friends Meeting in , reflecting his deep ties to the Quaker community after his conversion in 1989. In the community, Newman was remembered fondly for his role as the Trill diplomat Kalin Trose in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Host," with the official StarTrek.com site publishing a tribute highlighting his contributions as a veteran and extending condolences to his family and colleagues. Colleagues and former students recalled him as a great and whose "honey-like voice" and infectious laugh brought warmth to rooms, drawing from his extensive work across theater, film, and television. Newman's broader legacy endures as a versatile known for memorable supporting roles in projects like , The Mosquito Coast, and Broadway productions, where his ability to convey depth in limited screen time left a lasting impact on audiences and peers. Family members, including his wife Margaret Ramsey and children and , contributed to preserving his memory through the published , which emphasized his spiritual life and enduring friendships as central to his character.
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.