William Windom Net Worth: Key Facts About Height, Net Worth, Age
Quick Bio: William Windom Net Worth
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Windom |
| Birth Date | September 28, 1923 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Date of Death | August 16, 2012 |
| Age at Death | 88 years old |
| Profession | Actor |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $5 Million |
| Education | Williams College, Army Specialized Training Program |
| Marriages | Five marriages |
| Children | Four |
| Notable Works | “My World and Welcome to It”, “Star Trek”, “Murder, She Wrote” |
Early Life and Background
William Windom was born on September 28, 1923, in New York City. His heritage and upbringing laid the foundation for a life filled with art, intellectualism, and dramatic flair. Named after his great-grandfather, William Windom (a former U.S. congressman and Secretary of the Treasury), the younger William inherited not just a name but a legacy of public attention and social presence.
Raised during the Great Depression, Windom’s formative years were shaped by hardship, classical education, and an early appreciation for performance. He showed an early inclination towards oratory and acting, performing in school plays and demonstrating a keen interest in literature and storytelling.
His early exposure to stage drama, combined with a solid academic upbringing, propelled him towards what would become a remarkable and versatile career spanning over five decades.
Age and Physical Appearance
At the time of his death in 2012, William Windom was 88 years old. Over the years, he maintained a classic and distinguished appearance. He had a commanding presence, often cast in roles that required gravitas, intellect, and a touch of charisma.
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Hair Color: Light brown (turned grey with age)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Physique: Slim to medium build, which suited his frequent portrayals of academics, military men, and judges.
Even in his later years, Windom’s expressive face and sharp voice made him a memorable figure on screen. His appearance aged gracefully, often complimenting the dignified characters he portrayed.
Education
William Windom’s educational background was both rich and eclectic. He attended Williams College, a liberal arts institution known for its academic rigor. During World War II, he was also part of the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), a program designed to identify and educate soldiers with high academic aptitude in technical and scientific fields.
His education wasn’t just about degrees—it was about building a worldview. He was known among peers for being well-read, articulate, and curious, traits that would serve him well in the theater and on television.
Windom often attributed his success in character acting to the critical thinking and interpretive skills he gained through his education.
His Father
William Windom’s father was Paul Windom, a prominent architect. Paul played an influential role in young William’s upbringing. He was a man of structure—both literally in his profession and figuratively in his parenting. Paul encouraged intellectual discussion at home and was deeply supportive of the arts.
Though not directly connected to show business, Paul Windom’s appreciation for detail, design, and presentation may have subconsciously influenced his son’s later craft in the performing arts.
His Mother
Windom’s mother, Isabel Wells, was a schoolteacher with a deep love for literature and education. She was instrumental in cultivating his love for storytelling. A compassionate and intelligent woman, Isabel often read to William and his siblings, introducing them to Shakespeare, Twain, and Dickens at an early age.
It was from his mother that William inherited his literary flair, which he later translated into roles that demanded nuanced emotional delivery and depth of thought.
Children
William Windom was married five times and had four children. His family life, although marked by multiple marriages, was reportedly warm and affectionate. His children remained largely out of the spotlight, with Windom choosing to protect their privacy.
He often spoke fondly of his children in interviews and credited them with keeping him grounded amid Hollywood’s chaotic energy. In one interview, he humorously remarked that his children “don’t care what shows I’m in as long as I’m home for dinner.”
Who Is William Windom?
To answer the question “Who is William Windom?”, one must look beyond his resume.
William Windom was an Emmy-winning American actor best known for his work in television, film, and stage. His most iconic role was in the television series “My World and Welcome to It” (1969-70), where he played John Monroe, a character based on the literary style of James Thurber. The role earned him an Emmy Award and critical acclaim.
But his career was anything but one-dimensional. Windom appeared in:
- “Star Trek” (1967) as Commodore Matt Decker in the famous episode “The Doomsday Machine”
- “Murder, She Wrote” where he played Dr. Seth Hazlitt for over 50 episodes
- Guest appearances in “The Twilight Zone”, “Columbo”, “All in the Family”, and many others
Windom was known in the industry as a “character actor,” a term used to describe performers who may not be household names but are indispensable to the narrative and depth of the story.
Career Highlights and Achievements
William Windom’s career is a masterclass in versatility. Over 50 years, he worked in almost every medium available to an actor:
Television
Television was where Windom found his niche. He appeared in hundreds of episodes across different genres—sci-fi, drama, comedy, and mystery. Highlights include:
- “My World and Welcome to It” (1969–1970) – Emmy Award winner
- “Murder, She Wrote” – Recurring role as Dr. Seth Hazlitt
- “Star Trek: The Original Series” – One of the most memorable one-episode characters
- “The Twilight Zone”, “The Farmer’s Daughter”, and “Night Gallery”
Film
While he was most famous for TV, Windom had memorable roles in films as well:
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) – He played the prosecutor against Gregory Peck’s Atticus Finch
- “Escape from the Planet of the Apes” (1971)
- “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” (1987)
Stage
Windom never left his roots in theater. In fact, he often toured with a one-man show based on the works of James Thurber, which critics praised for its wit and literary depth.
Net Worth
When it comes to William Windom’s net worth, estimates place it around $5 million at the time of his death in 2012.
How Did He Earn His Net Worth?
- Television Roles: A prolific TV actor, Windom appeared in over 200 television programs. His steady work meant consistent pay.
- Film Appearances: Though not a major box-office draw, his roles in popular films added to his earnings.
- Stage Performances: His live performances, especially the Thurber tour, brought in income and critical acclaim.
- Residuals and Royalties: From reruns of shows like Murder, She Wrote and Star Trek, Windom earned residual payments.
Real Estate and Investments
Though he lived a relatively modest lifestyle, Windom owned property in California and maintained a comfortable standard of living. He wasn’t known for lavish spending or extravagant tastes.
Current Life
As William Windom passed away in 2012, there is no “current life” in the literal sense. However, his legacy continues to live on through:
- Television reruns
- Streaming platforms showcasing his work
- Film history discussions
- Tributes from fellow actors and fans
His influence remains alive in the world of character acting. Younger actors and industry veterans often cite Windom as a master of his craft—an actor’s actor.
Conclusion
William Windom’s life and career exemplify the journey of a true performer—one who wasn’t driven by celebrity, but by a passion for storytelling, intellect, and performance.
From his early days in New York to a celebrated career on the stage and screen, he lived a full and inspiring life. Whether you remember him as the earnest Dr. Seth Hazlitt, the literary John Monroe, or Commodore Decker fighting the Doomsday Machine, Windom left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
His net worth, while a tangible indicator of success, is only a small part of the story. His real wealth was in the legacy he left behind—hundreds of roles, critical acclaim, and a timeless influence on television.
FAQ’s: William Windom Net Worth
1. What was William Windom’s net worth at the time of his death?
William Windom’s estimated net worth was around $5 million.
2. What was William Windom’s most famous role?
He is best known for his role as John Monroe in “My World and Welcome to It”, and also as Dr. Seth Hazlitt in “Murder, She Wrote”.
3. How many children did William Windom have?
He had four children from different marriages.
4. What was William Windom’s height?
He stood at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
5. Was William Windom related to the politician William Windom?
Yes, he was the great-grandson of the 19th-century U.S. politician William Windom, who served as Secretary of the Treasury.
6. What awards did William Windom win?
He won an Emmy Award in 1970 for “My World and Welcome to It.”
7. When and how did William Windom die?
He died on August 16, 2012, due to congestive heart failure, in Woodacre, California.
8. Is William Windom’s work still available to watch?
Yes, many of his shows and films are available on streaming platforms and DVD collections.
