William Smithers, Veteran Actor Known for ‘Dallas’ and ‘Papillon,’ Dies at 98

William Smithers, the distinguished character actor renowned for his portrayal of the ruthless oilman Jeremy Wendell on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas, has passed away at the age of 98. His contributions to the entertainment industry spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on both television and film.

Early Career and Stage Beginnings

Born Marion Wilkinson Smithers Jr. on July 10, 1927, in Richmond, Virginia, Smithers began his acting career on stage. He made his Broadway debut alongside Olivia de Havilland in a 1951 production of Romeo and Juliet. A member of The Actors Studio, he honed his craft in various theatrical productions throughout the 1950s, including Legend of Lovers and The Square Root of Wonderful.

After serving 14 months in the U.S. Navy, Smithers pursued further education at Hampden-Sydney College and Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He moved to New York in 1950, where he worked as an usher at the Alvin Theatre while striving to establish his acting career.

Notable Television Roles

Smithers gained prominence in television, notably portraying David Schuster, the owner of Peyton Mill, on ABC’s Peyton Place from 1965 to 1966. His most memorable role came in 1981 when he joined Dallas as Jeremy Wendell, chairman of WestStar Oil. His character was a formidable adversary to J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, and Smithers appeared in 50 episodes until 1989.

Smithers described working with Hagman as a stimulating challenge, emphasizing the competitive nature of their characters. He stated that he felt compelled to perform at his best alongside such a strong actor.

Film Appearances

In addition to his television work, Smithers made significant contributions to film. He debuted in Robert Aldrich’s Attack (1956) as a principled infantry officer. His filmography includes roles as a police captain in Trouble Man (1972), a spy in Scorpio (1973), and the unyielding Warden Barrot in Papillon (1973). The character of Barrot delivered a chilling monologue about the harsh realities of prison life, which has become iconic in cinematic history.

Legal Battles and Industry Impact

In 1976, while starring in the short-lived CBS drama Executive Suite, Smithers engaged in a high-profile legal battle against MGM. He claimed the studio violated his contract, which stipulated that no other cast member could receive better billing or compensation than he did. Despite threats of blacklisting from an MGM executive, Smithers pursued the case, ultimately winning in court. The case, known as Smithers vs. MGM, is now a notable example in entertainment law courses.

Personal Life and Legacy

Smithers’ personal life included a brief but intense relationship with actress Barbara Barrie during a summer at the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Connecticut. He later worked alongside Charles Boyer in London and on Broadway in Man and Boy.

Despite his success, Smithers expressed dissatisfaction with his pay on Dallas, leading to his departure from the series due to a contractual dispute. He had hoped for a better financial arrangement, but negotiations did not meet his expectations.

Throughout his career, Smithers appeared in numerous television shows, including The Defenders, Mission: Impossible, and Walker, Texas Ranger, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Smithers’ legacy endures through his memorable performances and the impact he made on the entertainment industry. His portrayal of complex characters, particularly in Dallas and Papillon, solidified his status as a respected figure in acting.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-06-16 16:39:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk