A stage-trained actor with a trademark toothy grin and a feral, sinister quality, William Devane has often played members of the Kennedy clan as well as other political figures or authoritarian characters. The Albany, New York native trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and began his career in bit roles in New York Shakespeare Festival productions. His first role of substance was as the Robert Kennedy-inspired character battling with the title character (played by Stacy Keach) and his wife (Rue McClanahan) in the 1967 Off-Broadway satire "MacBird!". Devane earned widespread
Began acting in neighborhood theater while attending high school in Albany, New York
Worked in construction and as apprentice electrician before moving to NYC
Professional stage debut as spear carrier in New York Shakespeare production of "The Merchant of Venice"; also worked behind the scenes at NYSF as a member of the construction crew and truck-driving staff
1967
Played character inspired by Robert F Kennedy in Off-Broadway production "MacBird!", a satire of politics based on Shakespeare's "Macbeth"
1967
Starred as a political activist who, with his wife, leaves the city to begin anew "In the Country" (65-minute black-and-white film)
