William S. Burroughs
Biography
William Seward Burroughs II was an American writer and visual artist born on February 5, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Known for his work in writing, he is widely recognized as a primary figure of the Beat Generation and a major postmodern author whose work influenced literature and popular culture. During his career, he wrote eighteen novels and novellas, six short story collections, four essay collections, and five books consisting of interviews and correspondences. He also used the pen name William Lee early in his career. Burroughs collaborated on various recordings and projects with musicians and performers, appeared in multiple films, and created thousands of visual artworks, which included his celebrated shotgun art. He passed away on August 2, 1997, at the age of 83.
Career overview
William Seward Burroughs II was an American writer and visual artist born on February 5, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is widely considered a primary figure of the Beat Generation and a major postmodern author who influenced popular culture and literature. During his career, he wrote eighteen novels and novellas, six collections of short stories, and four collections of essays, while five books of his interviews and correspondences have also been published. Initially, he was briefly known by the pen name William Lee.
In addition to his written works, Burroughs collaborated on projects and recordings with numerous performers and musicians, made many appearances in films, and created and exhibited thousands of visual artworks, including his celebrated Shotgun Art. His extensive body of work established him as a significant cultural figure with ninety known credits recorded in his professional profile. He passed away on August 2, 1997, at the age of eighty-three.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
99 titles- Nova '78 (2026) as Self (archive footage)
- This Is Buzz (2026) as Self (archive footage)
- Queer (2024) Novel
- Robert Wilson: The Beauty of the Mysterious (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- Take Your Pills (2018) as Self (archive footage)
- Uncle Howard (2017) as Self
- The Wild Boys (2017) Original Story
- Don't Blink - Robert Frank (2015) as Self (archive footage)
- William S. Burroughs in the Dreamachine (2015) as Self
- Robert E. Fulton III Edit of Burroughs: The Movie (2015)
- William S. Burroughs: The Possessed (2015)
- William S. Burroughs Birthday Bash (2014) Writer
- Coda II (2013) as Self (voice) (archive sound)
- Coda I (2013) as Self (voice) (archive sound)
- Coda I + Coda II (2013) as Self (voice) (archive sound)
- For No Good Reason (2012) as Self (archive footage)
- The Beat Hotel (2012) as Self (archive footage)
- The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye (2012)
- Fix: The Ministry Movie (2011) as Self
- William S. Burroughs: A Man Within (2010) as Self
- Joy Division (2009)
- FLicKeR (2009) as Self
- Nova Express (2009) as Narrator (voice)
- Nova Express (2009) Writer
- Ma bande magnétique arrière (2009) Writer
- Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press (2008) as Self (archive footage)
- The Japanese Sandman (2008) Writer
- Words of Advice: William S. Burroughs On the Road (2007)
- Wanderlust (2006) as Tom the Priest
- Pantelia (2006) as Self
- The Battle for 'I Am Curious-Yellow' (2003) as Self (archive footage)
- The Last Words of Dutch Schultz (2001) Writer
- Condo Painting (2000) as Self (archive footage)
- The Source (1999) as Self (archive footage)
- The Making of Drugstore Cowboy (1999)
- Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles (1999) as Self (archive footage)
- The Book of Life (1998) as Preacher on Radio (voice)
- Destroy All Rational Thought (1998) as Self
- Good Will Hunting (1997) In Memory Of
- Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1994) as Self
- The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg (1994) as Self
- September Songs: The Music of Kurt Weill (1994) as Self
- Ah Pook Is Here. (1994) as Narrator
- Ah Pook Is Here. (1994) Novel
- Glitterbug (1994) as Self
- Relics: Einstein's Brain (1994) as Self
- The Junky's Christmas (1993) as Narrator
- The Junky's Christmas (1993) Novel
- Naked Making Lunch (1992) as Self
- Naked Lunch (1991) Novel
- Thanksgiving Prayer (1991) as A Speaker
- Thanksgiving Prayer (1991) Writer
- Wax, or The Discovery of Television Among the Bees (1991) as James "Hive" Maker
- William S. Burroughs: Commissioner of Sewers (1991) as Self
- The Black Rider (1990) Writer
- The Black Rider (1990) as Himself
- Drugstore Cowboy (1989) as Tom the Priest
- Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989) as Butler
- Twister (1989) as Man in Barn
- Heavy Petting (1989) as Self
- Gang of Souls: A Generation of Beat Poets (1989) as Self
- Ornette: Made in America (1986) as Self
- Home of the Brave: A Film by Laurie Anderson (1986) as Self
- It Don't Pay to Be an Honest Citizen (1985) as Mafioso
- Decoder (1984) as Old Man
- Burroughs: The Movie (1984) as Self
- The Final Academy Documents (1984)
- Pirate Tape (1983)
- This Song for Jack (1983) as Self
- American Playhouse (1982) as Butler
- Taking Tiger Mountain (1982) Writer
- Poetry in Motion (1982) as Self
- The Discipline of D.E. (1982) Story
- Pirates: William Burroughs in London (1982)
- Ghost at No. 9 (1982)
- Ghost at No. 9 (1982) Writer
- Energy and How to Get It (1981)
- Chelsea Hotel (1981) as Self (uncredited)
- Shamans of the Blind Country (1981) as Narrator (voice)
- Fried Shoes Cooked Diamonds (1979) as Self
- Thot-Fal'N (1978) as Self
- Underground and Emigrants (1976) as Self
- Une semaine dans la vie de camarades (1976)
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self
- Bill and Tony (1972) as Self
- Bill and Tony (1972) Writer
- Ice Cream (1970) Writer
- Cain's Film (1969) as Self
- Chicago (1968) as Self
- Witchcraft Through the Ages (1968) as Narrator
- Witchcraft Through the Ages (1968) Writer
- Poem Posters (1967) as Self
- Chappaqua (1966) as Opium Jones
- The Cut-Ups (1966)
- The Cut-Ups (1966) Story
- Towers Open Fire (1963)
- Towers Open Fire (1963) Writer
- William Buys a Parrot (1963) as Self
- William Buys a Parrot (1963) Writer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is William S. Burroughs best known for?
William S. Burroughs is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Nova '78 (2026), Queer (2024), Adventure Time (2010), Condo Painting (2000).
When and where was William S. Burroughs born?
William S. Burroughs was born on February 5, 1914 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. They passed away on August 2, 1997.
How many credits does William S. Burroughs have?
William S. Burroughs has accumulated over 99 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1963 to 2026.
What is William S. Burroughs's background in cinema and television?
William Seward Burroughs II was an American writer and visual artist born on February 5, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Known for his work in writing, he is widely recognized as a primary figure of the Beat Generation and a major postmodern author whose work influenced literature and popular culture. During his car...
William S. Burroughs by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Condo Painting (2000) as Self (archive footage) — aged about 86
- Drugstore Cowboy (1989) as Tom the Priest — aged about 75
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self — aged about 61
- American Playhouse (1982) as Butler — aged about 68
- Thanksgiving Prayer (1991) as A Speaker — aged about 77
- Twister (1989) as Man in Barn — aged about 75
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