William Devane was Alfred Hitchcock's first choice for Family Plot (1976), Hitchcock's final film, but Devane was unavailable when shooting began and the role was given to Roy Thinnes. A month after filming started, Hitchcock learned that Devane was free, immediately brought him into the cast and replaced Thinnes. Although some long shots in the film still show Thinnes, all other scenes were reshot with Devane. This change demonstrates how faithful Hitchcock remained to his vision and the trust he placed in Devane's acting.
William Devane appeared in films across a variety of genres throughout his career, but he stated openly that he accepted some projects purely for commercial reasons. He admitted that he took a role in one of them, the comedy Poor White Trash (2000), solely for financial gain. This candid statement shows the actor's realistic approach to the industry and that, alongside artistic concerns, he did not ignore the need to make a living. Even in such productions, Devane maintained his professional attitude and always appeared before audiences as an actor who was ready.
William Devane was best known throughout his career for portraying political figures, largely because of his physical appearance and mannerisms, which recalled John F. Kennedy. As a result, he took on roles as President of the United States in productions such as Stargate SG-1 (1997) and its follow-up film Stargate: Continuum (2008), as well as The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and 24 (2001). He also played the Secretary of State in the series The West Wing (1999). Similarly, his character Greg Sumner in the long-running series Knots Landing began as a politician and over time turned into a powerful businessman. These roles allowed Devane to bring his authoritative and charismatic presence to the screen.
Beyond acting, William Devane also drew attention for his entrepreneurial side; he founded a restaurant chain called Devane's, focused on New York-Italian cuisine. Devane opened his first restaurant in Indio, California, and when business went well he added a branch in Rancho Mirage. In 2008 he planned to open new restaurants in La Quinta and Palm Springs, but due to economic conditions these ventures never materialized and the existing establishments also closed. This venture shows that the actor played an active role not only on screen but also in the business world.
William Devane is known as an actor who spends his free time actively; he is particularly known for his interest in horseback riding and polo. An avid polo player, Devane proved his talent by winning many awards in the sport. Devane, who also fly-fishes, has a nature that loves being in touch with the outdoors. These hobbies reveal that he is a passionate and disciplined personality not only in front of the camera but in other areas of life as well.
William Devane also left a significant mark on his theater career; in 1971, in the first off-Broadway production of the play "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" staged at the Mercer Arts Center, he became the first actor to portray Randall P. McMurphy. This performance laid the foundation for the character who was later adapted to film and immortalized by Jack Nicholson's legendary interpretation. Devane's role revealed his dramatic talent and his success at portraying difficult characters. This experience is regarded as an important turning point in the actor's career.
William Devane achieved a feat rarely seen in cinema history: on August 6, 2000, he starred in two different films that opened in the United States on the same weekend. The first was the science fiction thriller Hollow Man (2000), and the other was the space adventure Space Cowboys (2000). The two productions were quite different from each other in genre and theme; in one, Devane played a character involved in a secret military project, and in the other, a retired astronaut. This simultaneous release is an important example of the actor's versatility and his standing in the industry.
There is an interesting parallel between William Devane's life and his film career: in Alfred Hitchcock's Family Plot (1976) he played the adopted son of a chauffeur, and in real life he is himself the son of a chauffeur. This coincidence may have allowed the actor to form a deeper connection with the role. By choosing characters with such personal connections, Devane managed to add an authentic touch to his performances. This detail shows how sincere and realistic his understanding of acting is.
William Devane completed his acting training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) and graduated in 1961. This well-established institution has brought many important names to the world of theater and cinema; as part of this tradition, Devane built his career on a solid foundation. The training he received during his academy years formed the basis of his success on stage and in front of the camera. This graduation is an indication of the disciplined and serious approach in the actor's professional life.
William Devane had the opportunity to work with important names in his film and television career; one of them was the famous Canadian actor Donald Sutherland. The two appeared together in the 2000 film Space Cowboys, and this experience strengthened Devane's collaboration with Sutherland. Later, he came together with Donald's son Kiefer Sutherland in the series 24 (2001); in this series, Devane played the president while Kiefer played the lead role of agent Jack Bauer. Working with two Sutherlands from different generations shows Devane's broad network of connections and his standing in the industry.
William Devane has an interesting coincidence regarding his birth date: he was born on 5 September 1939, the same day as George Lazenby, who played 007 in the second film of the James Bond series, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969). Although these two actors found fame in different genres and eras, sharing the same birthday places them in a special spot in cinema history. Devane often mentioned this coincidence throughout his career and wryly noted this connection with Lazenby. This detail endures in memory as a colorful anecdote about the actor's life.