Bill Pullman

Bill Pullman (also credited as William Pullman and William James Pullman) is an American screen and stage actor born on December 17, 1953, in Hornell, New York. Trained in theatre to the master’s level, he initially worked in academia—teaching at Montana State University—before committing fully to a performing career.

He broke into film in the mid-1980s and quickly proved his range, moving from sharp comedy to grounded drama. Pullman became widely recognizable through roles like Lone Starr in Spaceballs, Walter in Sleepless in Seattle, and Jack Callaghan in While You Were Sleeping. He later delivered one of his most iconic performances as President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day, and took darker turns in films such as Lost Highway (as Fred Madison) and Malice (as Andy Sarafian).

Beyond cinema, Pullman has maintained a steady television presence, often in prominent parts, including leading work on 1600 Penn and a celebrated run on The Sinner. His career also extends to voice acting and a long-standing commitment to the stage, with notable appearances on Broadway, including Edward Albee’s The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?.