William H. MacyBirth Chart

William H. Macy is an American actor and filmmaker whose career was built in David Mamet’s theater, independent film, and notable roles in mainstream productions. He won critical acclaim and several awards — including two Emmys and four SAG Awards — and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Fargo (1996), a role that brought him wider recognition and established him as a portrayer of troubled, complex men.

Over the decades, Macy moved between auteur films and major studio projects, appearing in Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Air Force One, Jurassic Park III and Room, as well as maintaining frequent television work such as the role of Frank Gallagher in Shameless (2011–2021) and guest appearances on ER. He also wrote and starred in Door to Door, which earned him an Emmy both for his performance and for the screenplay.

In addition to acting, he has directed films including Rudderless and The Layover, and taught dramatic technique as resident director at the Atlantic Theater Company, where he promotes the Practical Aesthetics method. Off-screen, he is known for interests such as woodworking and motorcycling, and for his involvement with causes including the United Cerebral Palsy Association.