William Preston
ActingAbout 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.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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".




