Hubbry Logo
William UtayWilliam UtayMain
Open search
William Utay
Community hub
William Utay
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
William Utay
William Utay
William Utay
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

William Madans Utay (born September 7, 1947)[1] is an American film, stage and television actor. He is perhaps best known for playing "Dr. Wilhelm Rolf" in the American soap opera television series Days of Our Lives.[1][2]

Key Information

Life and career

[edit]

Utay was born in Dallas, Texas.[1] He performed on stage productions,[1] in which he studied about theatre while attending at Southern Methodist University.[2][3] After attending, Utay moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he performed at the Charles Playhouse, from which he then moved to California, in 1979.[2][3] Utay began his film and television career in 1982, first appearing in the sitcom television series Filthy Rich, where he played the role of a butler. In 1984, he played the recurring role of the homeless man Phil Sanders in the NBC sitcom television series Night Court,[1] in which his character was later killed in an accident, being crushed by a piano.[4] After his character was killed, Utay played Will Sanders, the crooked evil twin of his character Phil Sanders.[4]

Utay guest-starred in television programs including Dave's World, Married... with Children, Who's the Boss?, The John Larroquette Show, Hunter, Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, ER, Highway to Heaven, L.A. Law, Star Trek: Enterprise, Seinfeld, Murder, She Wrote, Designing Women, What's Happening Now!! and The Drew Carey Show. He also co-starred and appeared in films such as The Runestone, Two Idiots in Hollywood, Play It to the Bone, Dark Blue, Ali, 'Til There Was You, Tin Cup, Bodily Harm and Harlem Nights.[1]

Utay then appeared in the soap opera television series Days of Our Lives, first appearing in 1995, where he played Larry. In 1997, he played the role of the mad scientist "Dr. Wilhelm Rolf".[2][5][6] Utay then retired from playing the character on June 10, 2003, later returning to play the role from June 4, 2007, to September 25, 2008.[1] In 2017, he returned in Days of Our Lives for the third time, where he returned in the episode that aired on October 23, 2017.[1] Utay was interested in appearing on episodes of Days of Our Lives, after being asked from the people who worked on the soap opera.[7]

References

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

William Utay

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
William Utay (born September 7, 1947) is an American recognized for his extensive work in television, film, and stage productions, with a career spanning over four decades. Best known for his recurring role as the Dr. Wilhelm Rolf on the , Utay portrayed the character in multiple stints from September 19, 1997–June 12, 2003; June 4, 2007–September 25, 2008; and 2017–2021, before the role was recast in July 2022. Born in , , Utay began his acting career in the 1980s, gaining early recognition for his recurring appearances on the sitcom (1984–1992), where he played multiple characters, including the eccentric derelict Phil Sanders (seasons 2–7) and his twin brother Will Sanders (seasons 8–9). His television credits also include guest roles on popular series such as (1994, as Dr. Korval in the episode ""), (1985), (1991), (2014), and Star Trek: The Next Generation (1993, as the Bok in "Bloodlines"). In film, Utay has appeared in notable projects like (1989, as a police officer), Cobb (1994, directed by ), (1995, as Colleague), Future Kick (1991, as Dr. Turner), (2001), and Dark Blue (2002). Beyond acting, Utay has maintained a presence in theater and enjoys as a personal hobby alongside his wife, , a professional . His portrayals often feature him in character roles involving authority figures, scientists, or quirky supporting parts, contributing to his reputation as a versatile performer in ensemble casts.

Early life and education

Early years

William Madans Utay was born on September 7, 1947, in , . Details about Utay's family background, including his parents and any siblings, remain largely private, with limited public information available.

Education

Utay attended (SMU) in , , his hometown, where he immersed himself in theater studies during the mid-1960s. He enrolled in the university's professional program, which provided rigorous training in performance techniques and essential for aspiring actors. This structured curriculum equipped him with foundational skills in character development and . During his time at SMU, Utay actively participated in student theater productions, gaining practical experience on stage. In October 1966, he appeared in a campus play, taking on the role of in a cast that included fellow students like Albert Sanders and Lynne Gannaway. Such involvement allowed him to hone his craft through collaborative rehearsals and live performances, contributing to his early development as a versatile performer. While specific courses or mentors from the program are not detailed in available records, the focus of SMU's theater department emphasized classical and contemporary works, preparing students for opportunities beyond academia.

Career

Early career

Utay began his professional acting career following his theater studies at in , , where he participated in various stage productions. After graduation, he continued performing in regional theater, including productions in the area. Notable early roles included Sefton in and appearances in the musical at Theatre Three. He also acted at the Charles Playhouse in , , gaining experience in live performances before transitioning to screen work. Seeking broader opportunities, Utay relocated to , to pursue acting professionally, later moving to in 1979. This shift allowed him to build his resume through initial auditions and minor roles in the competitive market. His on-screen debut came in 1982 with a as the Butler in the episode "The Kidnapping of Stanley" on the sitcom Filthy Rich. Throughout the early , Utay secured additional guest spots, including a waiter on Bring 'Em Back Alive in 1983 and a reporter on The New Mike Hammer in 1984, marking his entry into television amid the era's growing demand for character actors.

Television roles

Utay first gained prominence in television through his recurring role as Phil Sanders, an eccentric homeless man and former stockbroker who often wandered into the night court for , on the sitcom from 1984 to 1992. The character appeared across multiple seasons, contributing to the show's ensemble of quirky defendants and witnesses. In a notable storyline arc, Phil was killed off, after which Utay returned as Will Sanders, Phil's scheming and a crooked , extending the role's presence into later episodes. One of Utay's most enduring television portrayals was as Dr. Wilhelm , the to , on the . Introduced in 1997, was central to numerous plotlines involving unethical experiments, resurrections of deceased characters such as and others through advanced scientific means, and brainwashing schemes, including attempts to reprogram Hope Brady's memories. Utay played the role from 1997 to 2003, with returns in 2007–2008 and 2017, during which continued his villainous pursuits, such as developing serums for mind control and aiding in dramatic revivals amid Salem's ongoing intrigues. These appearances solidified as a staple in the series' lore of scientific mischief. Beyond these recurring parts, Utay made several notable guest appearances that showcased his versatility in both comedy and drama. He portrayed Dr. Korval in the Seinfeld episode "The Chinese Woman" (1994). In ER, he appeared as Dr. Seymour Lassally in a 1995 episode. Utay played Vulcan Captain Vanik in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode "Breaking the Ice" (2001), delivering a stoic performance amid the series' exploration of interstellar diplomacy. On Modern Family, he guest-starred as the magician The Great Majesto in the 2017 episode "Do You Believe in Magic." Earlier, in Knight Rider, Utay appeared as Harry in the 1986 episode "Deadly Knightshade," supporting the action-driven narrative. He also had two roles on Married... with Children: a bum in the 1987 episode "The Poker Game" and Dean in the 1996 episode "Bud Hits the Books." These television roles, particularly the long-running commitments to and , underscored Utay's career longevity, allowing him to reprise characters like Dr. Rolf across decades and maintain a steady presence in episodic television. His early TV debut came in 1982 as a butler on the short-lived sitcom Filthy Rich.

Film and other media

Utay's film career featured a series of supporting roles that highlighted his ability to portray authoritative or eccentric characters in diverse genres. In 1989, he appeared as a cop in Eddie Murphy's comedy , directed by Murphy himself, contributing to the film's ensemble of Harlem gangsters and hustlers. His performance added to the movie's blend of humor and action set against the backdrop of 1930s Harlem. In the 1994 biographical drama Cobb, directed by , Utay played Jameson, a figure in the turbulent life of baseball legend , portrayed by . The film explored Cobb's volatile personality and relationships, with Utay's role supporting the narrative's focus on the athlete's later years and controversies. Similarly, in the 1995 science fiction horror , Utay portrayed a colleague in the team racing to contain an alien-human hybrid, emphasizing his knack for scientific and tense ensemble scenes. The movie, starring , received attention for its special effects and thriller elements, grossing over $113 million worldwide. Utay continued with smaller but memorable parts in sports comedies and dramas. He served as Roy's Stand-in #1 in the 1996 romantic comedy Tin Cup, starring as a golf pro, where his brief appearance underscored the film's lighthearted competition and romance. Later, in Michael Mann's 2001 biopic Ali, Utay depicted The Doctor, a medical figure in the story of Muhammad Ali's career and personal struggles, alongside in the lead role. The film earned Oscar nominations for its depiction of 1960s civil rights and boxing history. In 2002's neo-noir crime thriller Dark Blue, directed by , Utay played Detective Sapin, a LAPD officer amid the , adding depth to the ensemble exploring . The movie received praise for Kurt Russell's lead performance and its timely social commentary. Beyond live-action cinema, Utay ventured into , lending his voice to the Tinkerer, a tech-savvy , in the 2008 Spider-Man: Web of Shadows. This role showcased his versatility in animated media, aligning with the game's symbiote invasion storyline featuring navigating alliances. In a more recent project, Utay provided the voice of Immortal Wuliang in the 2025 animated fantasy Ne Zha II, a sequel drawing from and continuing the adventures of the titular deity. This appearance marked his ongoing involvement in voice work for international co-productions.

Personal life

Marriage and family

William Utay is married to Susan Utay, a professional photographer. The couple shares a common interest in photography, which they pursue together during Utay's time away from acting commitments. No public information is available regarding children or other immediate family members, such as siblings. As of 2022, Utay and his wife continued to reside in the Los Angeles area, maintaining a private family life that has supported his long career in television. Their marriage remains ongoing, with no reports of separation or divorce as of late 2024.

Later years

In the mid-2010s, Utay continued to take on guest roles in television, including an appearance as The Great Majesto in the "Do You Believe in Magic" episode of Modern Family, which aired on February 8, 2017. Utay reprised his signature role as Dr. Wilhelm Rolf on Days of Our Lives multiple times during this period. He returned to the soap opera on October 23, 2017, marking his third stint in the character after previous runs in the late 1990s–early 2000s and 2007–2008. He made additional appearances in 2018, including episodes tied to storylines involving Clyde Weston. He returned again starting September 3, 2019, for further episodes. Utay returned once more in September 2020, portraying Rolf in scenes related to brainwashing plots and resurrections, with his final episode airing on January 21, 2021. In July 2022, the role of Dr. Rolf was recast with actor Richard Wharton, who has since continued the character in subsequent story arcs, including appearances as recent as November 2023 and October 2024. Following his last Days of Our Lives appearance, Utay stepped back from on-screen work for several years, with no major acting credits reported between 2021 and 2024. In 2025, he voiced the character Immortal Wuliang in the English-dubbed version of the animated film Ne Zha 2, a sequel to the 2019 hit that explores mythological tales from Chinese folklore. Utay, who has long resided in the Los Angeles area, has not publicly announced retirement and remains open to select projects.

References

  1. https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/dr-rolf-days-of-our-lives-william-utay-144153/
  2. https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/actors/william-utay/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0882491/
  4. https://daysofourlives1965totoday.fandom.com/wiki/Wilhelm_Rolf
  5. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/102580-william-utay?language=en-US
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0882491/bio/
  7. https://soapoperanews.net/william-utay-celebrates-birthday/
  8. https://www.filmreference.com/film/11/William-Utay.html
  9. https://www.theatre3dallas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tartuffe_3.pdf
  10. https://newspaperarchive.com/dallas-smu-campus-oct-25-1966-p-3/
  11. https://www.theatre3dallas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tea-and-sympathy.pdf
  12. https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/William_Utay
  13. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/102580-william-utay
  14. https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/characters/dr-wilhelm-rolf/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0697676/
  16. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/william-utay/credits/3030209733/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0620810/
  18. http://tviv.org/William_Utay
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097481/fullcredits/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114508/fullcredits/
  21. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/8489-ali/cast?language=en-US
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279331/characters/nm0882491/
  23. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Spider-Man-Web-of-Shadows/Tinkerer/
  24. http://www.filmreference.com/film/11/William-Utay.html
  25. https://www.metacritic.com/person/william-utay/
  26. https://modernfamily.fandom.com/wiki/Do_You_Believe_in_Magic
  27. https://daysofourlives.fandom.com/wiki/William_Utay
  28. https://www.jason47.com/days/weeklyguests18.html
  29. https://soapoperanews.net/william-utay-returns-to-days-of-our-2/
  30. https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/comings-and-goings/558040/william-utay-return-days-of-our-lives-dr-rolf/
  31. https://daysofourlives.fandom.com/wiki/Wilhelm_Rolf
  32. https://michaelfairmantv.com/richard-wharton-replaces-william-utay-as-days-of-our-lives-dr-rolf/2022/07/19/
  33. https://michaelfairmantv.com/richard-wharton-returns-days-of-our-lives-dr-rolf/2024/09/28/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34956443/fullcredits/
  35. https://www.slashfilm.com/1518863/only-major-actors-still-alive-night-court/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.