William H. Macy
ActingAbout William H. Macy
William H. Macy (born March 13, 1950) is an American actor and writer. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo. He is also a teacher and director in theater, film and television. His film career has been built mostly on his appearances in small, independent films, though he has appeared in summer action films as well. Macy has described his screen persona as "sort of a Middle American, WASPy, Lutheran kind of guy... Everyman". He has won two Emmy Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award, being nominated for nine Emmy Awards and seven Screen Actors Guild Awards in total. He is also a three-time Golden Globe Award nominee.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of William H. Macy reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of William H. Macy's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 90% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William H. Macy remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Heath Ledger: A Tribute, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best William H. Macy Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William H. Macy's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William H. Macy.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Running Man | Molie Jernigan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | Train Dreams | Arn Peeples | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | Soul on Fire | Jack Buck | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes | Trevathan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Ricky Stanicky | Summerhayes | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Room | Robert | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Rudderless | Trill | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | The Sessions | Father Brendan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Curious George: Saves the Day | The Narrator (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Portraits in Dramatic Time | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | The Lincoln Lawyer | Frank Levin | Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Return to Jurassic Park | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Heath Ledger: A Tribute | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | He Was a Quiet Man | Gene Shelby | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Curious George: Rocket Ride and Other Adventures | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Inland Empire | Announcer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Bobby | Paul Ebbers | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Thank You for Smoking | Senator Ortolan Finistirre | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Cellular | Sgt. Bob Mooney | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Cooler | Bernie Lootz | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Seabiscuit | Tick Tock McGlaughlin | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Minnesota Nice | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex 'n' Drugs 'n' Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood | Self - Narrator (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Door to Door | Bill Porter | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Psycho Path | Self - Actor / Milton Arbogast | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | That Moment: Magnolia Diary | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Magnolia | Quiz Kid Donnie Smith | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Batman Beyond: Tech Wars and Disappearing Inque | Aaron Herbst | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | A Civil Action | James Gordon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Pleasantville | George Parker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Wag the Dog | CIA Agent Charles Young | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Boogie Nights | Little Bill | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Air Force One | Major Caldwell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Ghosts of Mississippi | Charlie Crisco | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Fargo | Jerry Lundegaard | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Andersonville | Col. Chandler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Down Periscope | Captain Knox | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Mr. Holland's Opus | Vice Principal Gene Wolters | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Above Suspicion | Pros. Atty. Schultz | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Murder in the First | Bill McNeill | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Client | Dr. Greenway | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Searching for Bobby Fischer | Tunafish Father | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Benny & Joon | Randy Burch | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Shadows and Fog | Cop | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Barton Fink | Navy Sailor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | House of Games | Sgt. John Moran | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Radio Days | Radio Voice (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Last Dragon | J.J. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | WarGames | NORAD Officer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Somewhere in Time | Critic | Super Hit | Similar → |
William H. Macy - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of William H. Macy?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William H. Macy is "Heath Ledger: A Tribute" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has William H. Macy acted in?
William H. Macy has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by William H. Macy?
Other notable films include "Curious George: Rocket Ride and Other Adventures", "Curious George: Saves the Day", and "Room".