William H Macy Movies and TV Shows Life William H. Macy is a talented actor whose career spans decades, with an impressive range of roles in both movies and television. Known for his ability to play both comedic and dramatic characters with equal skill, Macy has become one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. In this article, we’ll explore his most notable movies and TV shows, organized into columns and rows for easy reference.
William H Macy Movies
| Movie Title | Role | Release Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | Jerry Lundegaard | 1996 | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Boogie Nights | The Colonel | 1997 | Drama |
| Magnolia | Frank T.J. Mackey | 1999 | Drama |
| Panic | Jim | 2000 | Drama, Thriller |
| Seabiscuit | Tick Tock McGlaughlin | 2003 | Drama, Sports |
| The Cooler | Bernie Lootz | 2003 | Drama, Romance |
| Wild Hogs | Dudley Frank | 2007 | Comedy |
| The Lincoln Lawyer | Detective Lankford | 2011 | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| The Founder | Harry Sonneborn | 2016 | Biography, Drama |
| Krystal | Martin Krystal | 2017 | Drama, Romance |
William H Macy TV Shows
| TV Show Title | Role | Release Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| ER | Dr. David Morgenstern | 1994-1997 | Medical Drama |
| Sports Night | Jeremy Goodwin | 1998-2000 | Comedy, Drama |
| Shameless | Frank Gallagher | 2011-2021 | Comedy, Drama |
| The Simpsons | Various Guest Roles | Various | Animated Comedy |
| Fargo (TV Series) | Con Man | 2014-2015 | Crime, Drama |
| The Mindy Project | Will | 2012-2017 | Comedy |
| The Looming Tower | John O’Neill | 2018 | Drama, Thriller |
Notable Movies
Macy has starred in a diverse range of films, often delivering memorable and award-winning performances. Here are some of his most notable movies:
1. Fargo (1996)
Macy’s role as Jerry Lundegaard in the Coen Brothers’ Fargo is arguably his most iconic performance. He plays a desperate car salesman who becomes involved in a botched kidnapping scheme, leading to a series of disastrous events. Macy’s portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
2. Boogie Nights (1997)
In Boogie Nights, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Macy played the character of Little Bill, a pornographic film director struggling with personal demons. His performance, marked by emotional depth and vulnerability, helped solidify his reputation as a talented character actor.
3. Magnolia (1999)
Another collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson, Magnolia features Macy as the lonely and disillusioned police officer, Jim Kurring. The film showcases his ability to convey deep emotional complexity, and he is part of an ensemble cast that includes Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Julianne Moore.
4. Seabiscuit (2003)
In Seabiscuit, a film about the underdog racehorse of the same name, Macy plays Red Pollard, the horse’s jockey. This heartwarming drama, set during the Great Depression, sees Macy deliver a strong, empathetic performance, and the film became a critical and commercial success.
5. The Cooler (2003)
In The Cooler, Macy plays Bernie Lootz, a down-on-his-luck casino “cooler” whose bad luck seems to rub off on gamblers. His portrayal of a man who finds redemption in unexpected ways earned him critical praise, and he won several awards for his performance.
6. Jurassic Park III (2001)
Macy appeared in Jurassic Park III as Paul Kirby, a businessman who becomes trapped on the island of dangerous dinosaurs. While the film was not as well-received as its predecessors, Macy’s performance added a touch of levity to the action-packed adventure.
7. Air Force One (1997)
In Air Force One, Macy had a supporting role as an aide to the U.S. President. Though not a major part, his role in this high-stakes action thriller helped round out a star-studded ensemble cast that included Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman.
8. Wild Hogs (2007)
In the comedy Wild Hogs, Macy plays a more lighthearted role as the shy and quirky Dudley. The film follows a group of middle-aged men who embark on a cross-country motorcycle trip, and Macy’s comedic timing provides a key element of the film’s charm.
Notable TV Shows
William H. Macy has also left a significant mark on television. His most prominent TV role came with the acclaimed series Shameless, but he has been involved in other notable projects as well.
1. Shameless (2011–2021)
Macy’s performance as Frank Gallagher in Shameless is one of his most enduring and beloved roles. Frank is a wildly irresponsible and often despicable patriarch of a dysfunctional family. The series, which ran for 11 seasons, was widely praised for its sharp writing, humor, and Macy’s deeply flawed yet occasionally sympathetic character. His performance earned him multiple award nominations and cemented his status as a television icon.
2. The Simpsons (Multiple Episodes)
Macy voiced a character in The Simpsons in several episodes, showcasing his comedic talent in animated form. His appearances as different characters contributed to the show’s long-standing tradition of celebrity guest stars.
3. The Riches (2007–2008)
In The Riches, Macy starred as Wayne Malloy, a member of a family of con artists who assume the identities of a wealthy couple in order to scam their way into a luxurious life. While the show only lasted two seasons, Macy’s performance was lauded for its complexity and depth.
4. ER (2004–2005)
Though his role on ER was brief, Macy appeared in a memorable guest spot as a patient named Mr. Smith. His character’s story was an emotional and dramatic one, showcasing his range even in a short-term role on a show known for its high-stakes medical drama.
5. Sports Night (1999–2000)
Macy had a recurring role on Sports Night, Aaron Sorkin’s critically acclaimed series about a sports network. Macy portrayed the character of “The Boss,” a tough executive. Though the show lasted only two seasons, Macy’s role added a layer of corporate drama to the mix.
Awards and Recognition
William H. Macy’s career has been consistently recognized by the industry. In addition to his Academy Award nomination for Fargo, he has won a variety of awards, including:
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Shameless.
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Series for Shameless.
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series.
Personal Life
Macy is married to actress Felicity Huffman, with whom he shares a daughter. The couple’s private life has occasionally made headlines, but they have remained dedicated to their family and respective careers. Macy’s long-lasting marriage and partnership with Huffman have been an enduring element of his personal life.
Conclusion
William H. Macy’s filmography and television credits showcase his incredible versatility, from his role as the hapless Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo to his unforgettable portrayal of Frank Gallagher in Shameless. Whether playing a victim of circumstance, a charming con artist, or a complex antihero, Macy consistently delivers memorable performances that have earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. If you’re a fan of dynamic characters and powerful performances, William H. Macy’s work is a must-watch.