William Sylvester
Biography
William Sylvester was an American actor born on January 31, 1922, in Oakland, California. He gained top billing in one of his first films, House of Blackmail, directed by Maurice Elvey in 1953. Sylvester also appeared in What Every Woman Wants the following year, also directed by Elvey. He is known for his work in British B films, which were often made with American and Canadian actors to appeal to a US audience. Sylvester's most notable film credit is Dr. Heywood Floyd in Stanley Kubrick's 2001 A Space Odyssey. He was married to British actress Veronica Hurst and passed away on January 25, 1995, at the age of 72.
Career overview
William Sylvester was an American TV and film actor. He began his career in British B films after moving to England after the Second World War. At the time, American and Canadian actors were in high demand to give indigenous films appeal in the US. As a result, he gained top billing in one of his early films, House of Blackmail, directed by Maurice Elvey in 1953. He also appeared in What Every Woman Wants the following year, also directed by Elvey.
Sylvester's career continued with a variety of film and television roles. He is perhaps best known for his work in Stanley Kubrick's 2001 A Space Odyssey, where he played the role of Dr. Heywood Floyd. This 1968 film is one of his most famous credits. His work in British B films and later in more prominent productions showcased his versatility as an actor.
Throughout his career, Sylvester appeared in numerous films and television shows. He gained recognition for his performances in a range of genres, from drama to science fiction. His contributions to British cinema and beyond have left a lasting impact on the film industry.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
65 titles- The 9th Wonder of the World: The Making of 'Gorgo' (2013) as Sam Slade (archive footage)
- 2001: The Making of a Myth (2001) as Dr. Heywood R. Floyd (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Roger Moore: A Matter of Class (1995) as Self (archive footage)
- First Family (1980) as TV Commentator Howard
- Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979) as Lt. General Preston Myers
- Big Shamus, Little Shamus (1979)
- Heaven Can Wait (1978) as Nuclear Reporter
- The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977)
- What Really Happened to the Class of '65? (1977)
- Quincy, M.E. (1976) as Joe Crawford
- Gemini Man (1976) as Leonard Driscoll
- Riding with Death (1976) as Leonard Driscoll
- Switch (1975) as Ellis
- The Hindenburg (1975) as Luftwaffe Colonel
- The Six Million Dollar Man (1974) as Frederick Collins
- The Six Million Dollar Man (1974) as Admiral Prescott
- Harry O (1974)
- Busting (1974) as Mr. Weldman
- The Magician (1973) as Peter Hayden
- Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1973) as Tom Henderson
- Banacek (1972) as Dr. Stahl
- Cannon (1971)
- McCloud (1970)
- San Francisco International Airport (1970) as Colonel Wilkins
- The Lawyer (1970) as Paul Harrison
- The Challengers (1970) as Brad York
- Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969) as Paul Berwick
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) as Dr. Heywood Floyd
- The Hand of Night (1968) as Paul Carver
- Red and Blue (1968) as Trumpeter
- The Syndicate (1968) as Burt Hickey
- The High Chaparral (1967) as Jack Simmons
- The High Chaparral (1967) as Lafe Croswell
- You Only Live Twice (1967) as Pentagon Official (uncredited)
- Green Acres (1965) as Dr. Hoffman
- The F.B.I. (1965) as Tom Barber
- The Troubleshooters (1965) as Al Stevens
- Devils of Darkness (1965) as Paul Baxter
- Blind Corner (1964) as Paul Gregory
- Devil Doll (1964) as Mark English
- Ring of Spies (1964) as Gordon Lonsdale
- Incident at Midnight (1963) as Vince Warren
- The Saint (1962) as Foots Fortunati
- The Saint (1962) as Ralph Damien
- Drama 61-67 (1961) as Mark Lander
- Gorgo (1961) as Sam Slade
- Offbeat (1961) as Layton / Steve Ross
- Information Received (1961) as Rick Hogan
- Danger Man (1960) as James Carpenter / Oscar Schumak
- Whirlpool (1959) as Hermann
- The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (1958)
- Dublin Nightmare (1958) as John Kevin
- High Tide at Noon (1957) as Alec Douglas
- Armchair Theatre (1956)
- Armchair Theatre (1956) as Ed Norman
- Armchair Theatre (1956) as Sergeant O'Hara
- Portrait of Alison (1955) as Dave Forrester
- The Stranger Came Home (1954) as Philip Vickers
- What Every Woman Wants (1954) as Jim Barnes
- House of Blackmail (1953) as Jimmy
- Appointment in London (1953) as Mac
- The Yellow Balloon (1953) as Len Turner
- Albert R.N. (1953) as Texas
- They Were Not Divided (1950) as American Soldier (uncredited)
- Give Us This Day (1949) as Giovanni
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is William Sylvester best known for?
William Sylvester is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979), Heaven Can Wait (1978), The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977), What Really Happened to the Class of '65? (1977).
When and where was William Sylvester born?
William Sylvester was born on January 31, 1922 in Oakland, California, USA. They passed away on January 25, 1995.
How many credits does William Sylvester have?
William Sylvester has accumulated over 65 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1949 to 2013.
What is William Sylvester's background in cinema and television?
William Sylvester was an American actor born on January 31, 1922, in Oakland, California. He gained top billing in one of his first films, House of Blackmail, directed by Maurice Elvey in 1953. Sylvester also appeared in What Every Woman Wants the following year, also directed by Elvey. He is known for his work in Brit...