Introduction
William Atherton is an American actor, best known for his roles in popular movies like Ghostbusters, Die Hard, and The Last Samurai. Born in 1947 in Orange, Connecticut, Atherton has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. In this blog post, we will explore his life, movies, family, and any updates on his career today.
Biography
Early Life
William Atherton was born on July 30, 1947, in Orange, Connecticut. His parents, William Atherton Sr. and Alice Stewart, were both prominent figures in the local community. Atherton attended the Foote School in New Haven and later graduated from the Pomfret School in Pomfret, Connecticut. He went on to study drama at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Career Beginnings
After graduation, William Atherton moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He made his Broadway debut in the play The American Clock in 1980. Atherton then went on to appear in several off-Broadway productions before transitioning to film and television roles. His first movie role was in the 1972 film The New Centurions, and he later appeared in the 1976 movie The Day of the Locust.
Movies
Ghostbusters
William Atherton is perhaps best known for his role as Walter Peck in the 1984 movie Ghostbusters. In the film, Atherton plays an EPA agent who tries to shut down the Ghostbusters’ business. His character is widely regarded as one of the most memorable villains in movie history.
Die Hard
In 1988, Atherton appeared in the action movie Die Hard, where he played the role of Richard Thornburg, a sleazy journalist who tries to exploit the hostage situation at the Nakatomi Plaza for his own gain. The film was a massive success and helped solidify Atherton’s status as a talented character actor.
The Last Samurai
In 2003, William Atherton appeared in the epic war movie The Last Samurai, where he played the role of Winchester Rep. In the film, Atherton’s character represents the interests of the American arms industry and is portrayed as a greedy and ruthless businessman. The movie was a critical and commercial success and earned Atherton widespread acclaim for his performance.
Family
William Atherton’s Wife
William Atherton has been married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Bobbi Goldin, a writer and producer, in 1972. The couple had two children together, but they eventually divorced in 1984. Atherton later married Bobbi’s sister, Jennifer, in 1989. The couple has been together ever since and currently resides in Massachusetts.
William and Ted Atherton
William Atherton has a younger brother named Ted, who is also an actor. Ted Atherton has appeared in several movies and TV shows, including Max Payne, The Expanse, and The Border. The two brothers have worked together on several occasions, including the 1992 movie Oscar, where they played father and son.
Today’s Updates
William Atherton’s Recent Work
William Atherton has continued to work in the entertainment industry in recent years, appearing in several movies and TV shows. In 2019, he appeared in the movie The Report, where he played the role of Senator Richard Shelby. He also had a recurring role in the TV series Defending Jacob, which premiered in 2020.
William Atherton’s Legacy
William Atherton has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, spanning over five decades. He has appeared in some of the most iconic movies of all time and has earned a reputation as a talented character actor. Atherton’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers for years to come.
