William Windom, an American actor whose career spanned seven decades, left an indelible mark on television, film, and stage. While many remember him fondly as Dr. Seth Hazlitt, the "crusty but benign" G.P. of Cabot Cove on "Murder, She Wrote," Windom's contributions to the entertainment industry extended far beyond this iconic role. This article delves into the multifaceted career of William Windom, highlighting his early work, his memorable performances, and the personal life of a dedicated and versatile actor.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in New York City on September 28, 1923, William Windom was a descendant of the United States Secretary of the Treasury of the same name. Before embarking on his acting career, Windom served as a paratrooper with Company B, 1st Battalion 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. After the war, he honed his acting skills at the new American University in Biarritz, France.
Windom's professional acting career began in the 1940s with his Broadway debut in 1947, where he showcased his versatility in a season with the American Repertory Theatre, appearing in productions such as Shakespeare's "Henry VIII," Ibsen's "John Gabriel Borkman," and Shaw's "Androcles and the Lion." His television debut came in 1949 on NBC's "The Philco Television Playhouse," marking the start of a prolific career in the medium.
Transition to Television and Film
In the 1950s, Windom continued to build his television resume with appearances on shows like "Studio One," "Masterpiece Playhouse," and "Kraft Television Theatre." The 1960s saw him guest-starring in a variety of popular series, including "The Twilight Zone," "Gunsmoke," "Mission: Impossible," and "Star Trek." Windom considered his guest appearance in "Five Characters in Search of an Exit," a 1961 episode of "The Twilight Zone," as his West Coast television debut.
Windom's first leading role came in the sitcom "The Farmer's Daughter" (1963-1966), where he played a widowed congressman who falls for his Swedish housekeeper, a role that resonated with him due to his great-grandfather's history as a Minnesota congressman and Secretary of the Treasury.
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Alongside his television work, Windom also appeared in several films. One of his most notable early film roles was in the 1962 classic "To Kill a Mockingbird," where he played the smirking prosecutor opposite Gregory Peck's Atticus Finch. He also took on unsympathetic roles in films such as "Guns of Wyoming," "The Detective," and "The Gypsy Moths."
Memorable Roles and Recurring Characters
Windom's career was marked by a series of memorable roles and recurring characters. In 1967, he played Commodore Matt Decker, commander of the USS Constellation, in the "Star Trek" episode "The Doomsday Machine," a role he reprised nearly 40 years later for "Star Trek: New Voyages." He also starred in the TV movie "Prescription: Murder," the pilot for the "Columbo" series.
One of Windom's most acclaimed roles was as John Monroe in the sitcom "My World and Welcome to It" (1969-1970), based on the writings and cartoons of James Thurber. The show, though short-lived, earned Windom an Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Comedy, solidifying his reputation as a talented comedic actor.
Dr. Seth Hazlitt on "Murder, She Wrote"
In 1985, William Windom joined the cast of "Murder, She Wrote" as Dr. Seth Hazlitt, the trusted friend and confidant of mystery writer Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury). Before becoming a series regular during its second season, he’d completed a guest-turn as an unrelated character, one of a quartet of suspects in “Funeral at 50 Mile,” the series’ Agatha Christie worthy season 1 finale. Dr. Hazlitt was opinionated and stubborn, holding himself in the highest regard as a health care professional and a proud New England history buff. Windom brought great presence and a tenacious Maine accent to the role.
Windom's portrayal of Dr. Hazlitt endeared him to audiences, and he became a series regular, appearing in 52 episodes. He was rarely one to pass up another cup of coffee, a freshly baked cookie, or an extra slice of pie though he was also known to complain to anyone who would listen that his clothes had a tendency toward shrinkage. Indeed, the actor’s weight fluctuated noticeably over his 52 (+1) episode tenure. Per multiple sources, Windom logged the second highest number of appearances on the show of any recurring character, second only to lead Lansbury’s mind-boggling feat of 264 episodes.
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Between scenes, the couple liked to pass the time with William Windom, best known to Murder fans as Cabot Cove’s Dr. Seth Hazlitt.
His character often assisted Jessica and Amos Tupper with murder cases, adding his medical expertise and local knowledge to their investigations.
Other Notable Appearances
In addition to his starring roles, Windom made numerous guest appearances on popular television shows throughout his career. These included roles on "Columbo," "Night Gallery," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Quincy M.E.," "St. Elsewhere," "Magnum, P.I.," "Newhart," "L.A. Law," "Murphy Brown," and "Ally McBeal." He also provided the voice of Uncle Chuck in the animated series "Sonic the Hedgehog."
Windom briefly left "Murder, She Wrote" in 1990 to work on the first television version of "Parenthood," playing the role of patriarch Frank Buckman. He continued to appear in film and TV guest roles during the 1990s and 2000s, including "Sommersby" (1993), "Miracle on 34th Street" (1994), and Clint Eastwood's "True Crime" (1999).
Personal Life
William Windom was married five times throughout his life. He married Carol Keyser in 1947, and they divorced in 1955. In 1958, he married actress Barbara Joyce, and they divorced in 1963. Later that year, he married Barbara Clare, the granddaughter of MGM founder Louis B. Mayer, and they divorced in 1968. In 1969, he married Jacqulyn D. Hopkins, and they had two daughters, Heather Juliet and Hope Teresa. In 1974, he met Patricia (Fehrle) Tunder, who became his fifth wife.
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