William Finley
Biography
William Finley was an American actor. He graduated from Columbia University in 1963. Finley appeared in various films, including Simon, Silent Rage, Phantom of the Paradise, Sisters, and The Wedding Party. He collaborated with director Brian De Palma, beginning with the student films Woton's Wake and Murder à la Mod. Finley also wrote the screenplay for the 1983 film The First Time under the name W. Franklin Finley. He made a cameo appearance in De Palma's 2006 release The Black Dahlia. Finley resided in New York City with his wife and son. He passed away on April 14, 2012.
Career overview
William Finley was an American actor who appeared in various films throughout his career. He had a long-running collaboration with director Brian De Palma, beginning with the student films Woton's Wake and Murder à la Mod. Finley's work with De Palma spanned multiple decades, with a notable cameo in the 2006 release The Black Dahlia.
Finley's filmography includes titles such as Simon, Silent Rage, Phantom of the Paradise, Sisters, and The Wedding Party. He also contributed to the 1983 film The First Time under the pseudonym W. Franklin Finley, serving as the screenplay's author. Finley's acting credits span 26 known titles, although specific roles and details are not provided.
Finley's career was marked by his versatility and collaboration with notable directors. His work with Brian De Palma, in particular, highlights his ability to adapt to different projects and styles. Finley's contributions to the film industry are notable, even if specific details about his roles and performances are not well-documented.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
26 titles- The Weird World Of Weird: Volume 2 (2011) as Woton’s Wake
- The Black Dahlia (2006) as George Tilden
- Sick Girl (2006) as Husband
- Paradise Regained: Brian de Palma's 'Phantom of the Paradise' (2006) as Himself
- The Autopsy (2004) as Self
- Brian De Palma : Les Années 60 (2003)
- Night Terrors (1993) as Dr. Matteson
- Double Negative (1985) as Milt
- The First Time (1983) Screenplay
- Silent Rage (1982) as Dr. Paul Vaughn
- The Funhouse (1981) as Marco the Magnificent
- Dressed to Kill (1980) as Bobbi (voice) (uncredited)
- Simon (1980) as Fichandler
- Wise Blood (1979) as Man (uncredited)
- The Fury (1978) as Raymond Dunwoodie
- Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976) as Dr. Elvin McCabe
- Eaten Alive (1976) as Roy
- Last Hours Before Morning (1975) as Elmo
- Phantom of the Paradise (1974) as Winslow Leach / The Phantom
- Sisters (1973) as Emil Breton
- Dionysus in '69 (1970) as Self/Dionysus
- The Wedding Party (1969) as Alistair
- Murder à la Mod (1968) as Otto
- Woton's Wake (1963) as Woton
- Meatcleaver Sharkfuck as Robert Johnson
- Zelenka as Zelenka
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is William Finley best known for?
William Finley is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including KPop Demon Hunters Bonus Content (2026), The Black Dahlia (2006), Silent Rage (1982), The Funhouse (1981).
When and where was William Finley born?
William Finley was born on September 20, 1942 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. They passed away on April 14, 2012.
How many credits does William Finley have?
William Finley has accumulated over 26 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1963 to 2011.
What is William Finley's background in cinema and television?
William Finley was an American actor. He graduated from Columbia University in 1963. Finley appeared in various films, including Simon, Silent Rage, Phantom of the Paradise, Sisters, and The Wedding Party. He collaborated with director Brian De Palma, beginning with the student films Woton's Wake and Murder à la Mod. F...
William Finley by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Phantom of the Paradise (1974) as Winslow Leach / The Phantom — aged about 31
- Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976) as Dr. Elvin McCabe — aged about 33
- Dressed to Kill (1980) as Bobbi (voice) (uncredited) — aged about 37
- Sisters (1973) as Emil Breton — aged about 30
- Wise Blood (1979) as Man (uncredited) — aged about 36
- Woton's Wake (1963) as Woton — aged about 20
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