William Duell (William Duell)

William Duell

Actor. Best remembered by movie audiences for playing Sefelt in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975). His first experience on stage was in a production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” while attending Green Mountain College (Vermont). Following service as a medic with the US Navy during World War II, Duell attained his master’s degree from Yale Drama School and while there he met a young Paul Newman (which led to a small part in Newman’s picture “The Hustler” in 1961) who was also training for his acting career. He initiated what was to become an extensive association with Broadway, beginning with “Threepenny Opera” (1954), while experiencing his TV introduction in the series “Kraft Theatre” (1956). His first role of substance was playing Andrew McNair in the Broadway play “1776” (1969 TO 1972), a part he repeated in the 1972 motion picture adaptation. Duell may be most identifiable to TV audiences for playing Johnny (the street smart shoe-shiner) in the short-lived series “Police Squad” (1982). (bio by: C.S.)

Born

  • August, 30, 1923
  • USA

Died

  • December, 12, 2011
  • USA

Cemetery

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