Bill Pullman Biography: William Pullman born December 17, 1953)is an American actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. After earning a Master of Fine Arts in theater, he began his career as an adjunct professor at Montana State University before transitioning into acting. Pullman made his film debut in Ruthless People (1986) and gained recognition through roles in Spaceballs (1987), The Accidental Tourist and The Serpent and the Rainbow (both 1988), Newsies (1992), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Wyatt Earp (1994), and While You Were Sleeping (1995). He achieved widespread fame for his role in Independence Day (1996), followed by performances in Lost Highway (1997) and Lake Placid (1999). In 2000, he voiced Captain Joseph Korso in the animated film Titan A.E. Throughout his career, Pullman has made frequent appearances on television, particularly in TV movies.
Bill Pullman Biography
William James Pullman was born in Hornell, New York, and is one of seven siblings. His mother, Johanna (née Blaas), was a nurse of Dutch descent, while his father, James Pullman, was a doctor with English, Northern Irish, and Scottish ancestry. After graduating from high school, Pullman enrolled in a building construction program at SUNY Delhi. He later transferred to the State University of New York College at Oneonta, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater. He went on to receive both a Master of Fine Arts in Theater/Directing and an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While teaching directing at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, Pullman mentored future film director John Dahl, who would later cast him in the neo-noir thriller The Last Seduction.
Bill Pullman Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
William Pullman
December 17, 1953 (age 71)
Hornell, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater |
SUNY Delhi (attended)
SUNY Oneonta (BA, 1975)
University of Massachusetts Amherst (MFA, 1980) |
| Occupation |
Actor |
| Years active |
1986–present |
| Spouse |
Tamara Hurwitz |
| Children |
3; including Lewis |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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About Bill Pullman
William Pullman is an American actor. After graduating with a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater, he was an adjunct professor at Montana State University before deciding to pursue acting.
Bill Pullman Wiki
- Born: 17 December 1953 (age 71 years), Hornell, New York, United States
- Spouse: Tamara Hurwitz (m. 1987)
- Children: Lewis Pullman, Jack Pullman, Maesa Pullman
- Height: 87 m
- Siblings: Jay Pullman
- Parents: Johanna Pullman, James Pullman
Early Life and Education
William Pullman was born in Hornell, New York, on December 17, 1953, to James Pullman Jr., a physician, and Johanna Wilamina Pullman (née Blaas), a nurse. He graduated from Hornell High School in 1971 and attended both SUNY Delhi and SUNY Oneonta during the 1970s. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Studies from SUNY Oneonta in 1975 and later received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1980. He went on to teach theater at SUNY Delhi and served as an adjunct professor at Montana State University’s School of Film and Photography. Encouraged by his students, Pullman eventually pursued a full-time acting career.
Bill Pullman at a Glance
- Category: Richest Celebrities › Actors
- Net Worth: $20 Million
- Birthdate: December 17, 1953 (Age: 71)
- Birthplace: Hornell, New York
- Gender: Male
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.87 m)
- Profession: Actor, Voice Actor, Film Director
- Nationality: American
Film Career Highlights
Pullman started acting professionally in the 1980s, making his big-screen debut in Ruthless People (1986). He gained further recognition as the lead in Mel Brooks’ sci-fi parody Spaceballs (1987). He continued to build his career with roles in The Serpent and the Rainbow, Rocket Gibraltar, The Accidental Tourist, and Cold Feet. Throughout the 1990s, Pullman was a regular on the silver screen with performances in Newsies, Sleepless in Seattle, Wyatt Earp, While You Were Sleeping, Casper, and Independence Day, where he famously portrayed the President of the United States. Other notable films from this era include Lost Highway, Lake Placid, and The Last Seduction. In the 2000s and beyond, Pullman appeared in a wide variety of projects, from thrillers like The Grudge and Surveillance to dramas such as Bottle Shock and Phoebe in Wonderland.
Personal Life
Bill Pullman is married to modern dancer Tamara Hurwitz. The couple has three children: Lewis Pullman, an actor; Maesa Pullman, a singer-songwriter; and Jack Pullman. At age 21, Pullman sustained a head injury after falling during a play rehearsal. As a result, he permanently lost his sense of smell and has reduced sensation in his left elbow. A dedicated fan of the Buffalo Bills, Pullman also co-owns a cattle ranch in Montana near the town of Whitehall, where he resides part-time with his brother. He is actively involved in education and the arts, serving on the board of trustees at Alfred University, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in May 2011. He received a second honorary doctorate from Montana State University in 2018, where he had previously taught theater.
Television Career
Pullman’s TV work spans made-for-TV films and high-profile series. Early in his television career, he appeared in Home Fires Burning, Crazy in Love, and The Tracey Ullman Show. He took on a variety of roles in the 1990s and 2000s, including appearances in Mistrial, Tiger Cruise, and Too Big to Fail. In 2011, he delivered a chilling performance as a villain in Torchwood: Miracle Day. He starred as President Dale Gilchrist in NBC’s 1600 Penn (2012–2013) and gained critical acclaim for his role as Detective Harry Ambrose in the crime anthology series The Sinner (2017–2021). In 2021, he appeared as businessman David J. Mahoney in Netflix’s Halston.
What is Bill Pullman’s Net Worth 2025?
Bill Pullman is an American actor with an estimated net worth of $20 million. He is widely recognized for his roles in hit films like Spaceballs, While You Were Sleeping, Independence Day, and Lost Highway. His television work includes series such as 1600 Penn and The Sinner. In addition to his film and TV career, Pullman has a strong presence on the stage, having performed in several acclaimed Broadway productions.
FAQs
Where does Bill Pullman live now?
Bill Pullman splits his time between Los Angeles and a cattle ranch in Whitehall, Montana, which he co-owns with his brother.
Who is Bill Pullman married to?
Bill Pullman is married to Tamara Hurwitz, a modern dancer. The couple has been together since 1987.
How did Bill Pullman lose his sense of smell?
Pullman lost his sense of smell and feeling in his left elbow after suffering a head injury during a stage rehearsal at the age of 21.
Is Bill Pullman involved in education?
Yes, Bill Pullman serves on the board of trustees at Alfred University and has taught theater at Montana State University, where he also received an honorary doctorate.
Does Bill Pullman have any children in the entertainment industry?
Yes, his son Lewis Pullman is a professional actor, and his daughter Maesa Pullman is a singer-songwriter.
What sports team does Bill Pullman support?
Bill Pullman is an avid fan of the NFL team, the Buffalo Bills.
