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William Preston

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
16Total Films
7.3 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 26, 1921
Birth Place: Columbia, Pennsylvania, USA

About William Preston

William Preston started an acting career late in his life, giving up his career as a book keeper in a Philadelphia trucking firm to begin acting at age 47. He had extensive stage experience, performing in over 60 Shakespeare productions as well as being nominated for Florida's state supporting actor award. Among his many movie roles, he played John, the bum, from Fisher King - Le roi pêcheur (1991), a blacksmith in Horizons lointains (1992), and the flask mourner in Family Business (1989). He later appeared inWaterworld (1995), Reckless (1995/I), Brooklyn Boogie (1995), and La chasse aux sorcières (1996). William was born on August 26, 1921 in Columbia, PA. He had a Master's degree in English literature from Penn State. In July 10, 1998 Preston died. - IMDb Mini Biography

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of William Preston reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 16 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of William Preston'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 38% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William Preston remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Fisher King, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best William Preston Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from William Preston's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William Preston.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1997 Destination Anywhere Homeless Man Hit Similar →
1996 I'm Not Rappaport Jake Average Similar →
1996 The Crucible George Jacobs Hit Similar →
1996 Joe's Apartment Complaint Handler Average Similar →
1995 Reckless Porter Hit Similar →
1995 Waterworld Depth Gauge Average Similar →
1994 It Runs in the Family Grandpa Bumpus Flop Similar →
1994 No Exit Homeless Man Flop Similar →
1993 Me and Veronica Old Man Flop Similar →
1992 Far and Away Blacksmith Hit Similar →
1991 The Fisher King John the Bum Hit Similar →
1990 The Exorcist III Old Man in Wheelchair Average Similar →
1989 Lady in a Corner E. B. Bennett Flop Similar →
1989 Family Business Flask Mourner Average Similar →
1985 Stone Pillow Homeless Man in Street (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1973 Malatesta’s Carnival of Blood Sticker Average Similar →

William Preston - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of William Preston?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Preston is "The Fisher King" with a rating of 7.3/10.

How many movies has William Preston acted in?

William Preston has been featured in at least 16 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by William Preston?

Other notable films include "Destination Anywhere", "Far and Away", and "Stone Pillow".