Bill Pullman

Biography

Bill Pullman, born on December 17, 1953, in Hornell, New York, is a celebrated American actor known for his diverse roles in film, television, and theater. Pullman’s everyman charm and ability to seamlessly transition between genres have earned him a lasting place in Hollywood.

Early Life and Education

The youngest of seven children, Pullman grew up in a working-class family. His father, James Pullman, was a physician, and his mother, Johanna Blaas, was a nurse of Dutch ancestry.

Pullman initially pursued a career in engineering but discovered his passion for acting during his college years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the State University of New York at Oneonta and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Pullman briefly taught theater at Montana State University before deciding to pursue acting full-time.

Breakthrough in Hollywood

Pullman made his film debut in Ruthless People (1986), a dark comedy starring Danny DeVito and Bette Midler. His comedic timing and screen presence quickly gained attention. This was followed by roles in the science fiction parody Spaceballs (1987) and the romantic thriller The Accidental Tourist (1988), showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Rise to Stardom

Pullman became a household name in the 1990s with a string of memorable performances. In 1993, he starred alongside Meg Ryan in the beloved romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle. However, his defining role came in the blockbuster Independence Day (1996), where he played President Thomas J. Whitmore, delivering one of cinema’s most iconic rallying speeches.

Other notable films from this era include While You Were Sleeping (1995), opposite Sandra Bullock, and the psychological thriller Lost Highway (1997), directed by David Lynch.

Theater and Television Success

In addition to his film career, Pullman has made significant contributions to the theater. He has appeared on Broadway in productions such as The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? (2002), for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination, and The Other Place (2013).

Pullman’s television credits are equally impressive. He starred in the critically acclaimed miniseries Torchwood: Miracle Day (2011) and received widespread praise for his role as Detective Harry Ambrose in the crime anthology series The Sinner (2017–2021). His portrayal of the troubled detective earned him several award nominations and showcased his ability to tackle complex characters.

Recent Work

Pullman continues to work across mediums, maintaining a strong presence in film and television. He reprised his role as President Whitmore in Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) and appeared in films like Battle of the Sexes (2017) and The Ballad of Lefty Brown (2017), further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor.

Personal Life

Pullman has been married to modern dancer Tamara Hurwitz since 1987. The couple has three children: Lewis, Maesa, and Jack. Lewis Pullman has followed in his father’s footsteps, establishing a career as an actor.