William H. Macy, born on March 13, 1950, in Miami, Florida, is an American actor and director known for his skill in portraying complex and nuanced characters. Raised in Georgia and Maryland, Macy discovered his passion for acting during his college years. After studying at Goddard College, he met playwright David Mamet, with whom he established a long and fruitful collaboration. Macy has earned acclaim for his performances in theater, film, and television, becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation.

Interests

Macy is an enthusiast of carpentry and often engages in woodworking projects in his free time. He is also a qualified airplane pilot and has expressed his love for flying on several occasions. Macy is actively involved in various charitable causes and advocates for social awareness.

Major Films

"Fargo" (1996): His portrayal of the desperate car salesman Jerry Lundegaard in this Coen Brothers film earned him an Oscar nomination and solidified his reputation as a talented actor.

"Magnolia" (1999): In this drama, Macy played a former child prodigy, showcasing his ability to bring emotionally complex characters to life.

"The Cooler" (2003): In this film, he played an unlucky man used to "cool down" winning streaks in casinos, a performance that received critical acclaim.

"Shameless" (2011-2021): In the TV series "Shameless," Macy played the role of Frank Gallagher, an alcoholic and dysfunctional father, demonstrating his skill in the dramedy genre.

Filmography

As an Actor:

1996 - "Fargo" (Joel Coen, Ethan Coen)

1997 - "Boogie Nights" (Paul Thomas Anderson)

1999 - "Magnolia" (Paul Thomas Anderson)

1999 - "Mystery Men" (Kinka Usher)

2001 - "Jurassic Park III" (Joe Johnston)

2004 - "Cellular" (David R. Ellis)

2006 - "Bobby" (Emilio Estevez)

2007 - "Wild Hogs" (Walt Becker)

2010 - "The Lincoln Lawyer" (Brad Furman)

2013 - "Room" (Lenny Abrahamson)

As a Director:

2014 - "Rudderless"

As a Screenwriter:

2014 - "Rudderless" (Co-writer)

Awards

Academy Awards:

• Best Supporting Actor nomination for "Fargo" (1996)

Golden Globe Awards:

• Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film for "Door to Door" (2003)

Screen Actors Guild Awards:

• Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie for "Door to Door" (2003)