Bill Pullman
Birth Place: Hornell, NY, USA
Photos: First Look at Alfred Molina, Denis O'Hare & More in THE BOROUGHS Netflix Series (Feb 25, 2026)
Full Cast Announced for TWELVE HOURS WITH TRACY LETTS for Marathon Reading Event (Feb 19, 2026)
Beanie Feldstein, John Gallagher Jr. and More Join TWELVE HOURS WITH TRACY LETTS (Feb 10, 2026)
BIO
During the 1980s, Pullman worked primarily with theater companies around New York and Los Angeles. His first prominent film role was in Ruthless People, starring Danny DeVito and Bette Midler. Other notable films included the lead in Spaceballs (1987), The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) (with Zakes Mokae), A League of Their Own (1992), Malice (1993), Casper and While You Were Sleeping (both 1995). In 1996, he played the President of the United States in the sci-fi film Independence Day. A year later he had a major role in Lost Highway (1997) and voiced Korso in the animated post-apocalyptic film Titan A.E.
From February 2002 until September 2002, Pullman starred with Mercedes Ruehl in Edward Albee's play The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? on Broadway. It won the 2002 Tony Award for Best Play, the 2002 Drama Desk Award Outstanding New Play, and the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Pullman was nominated for the 2002 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actor in a Play.
He starred as Dr. Richard Massey in the 2005 miniseries Revelations. He appeared in Albee's play Peter and Jerry at off-Broadway's Second Stage Theatre in New York for which he received a second Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Play in 2008.
Pullman is also a creative writer. His first play, Expedition 6, is about the International Space Station mission Expedition 6, in orbit at the time the Space Shuttle Columbia was destroyed on reentry, grounding the U.S. Space Shuttle program and requiring the ISS crew to remain in orbit an additional two months. The play opened at San Francisco's Magic Theater in September 2007.
He also appeared in the Broadway production of David Mamet's Oleanna, co-starring Julia Stiles. It opened at the John Golden Theatre October 11, 2009, and closed on December 6, 2009, after 65 performances.
He is a jury member for the digital studio Filmaka, a platform for undiscovered filmmakers to show their work to industry professionals.
Pullman played Oswald Danes, a pedophile and child killer, in Torchwood: Miracle Day, the fourth series of the BBC/Starz Entertainment television show Torchwood (a spinoff to the BBC series Doctor Who), the former of which began airing in July 2011. For his performance as Danes, he received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor on Television.
From 2012 to 2013, Pullman portrayed the president of the United States in the television comedy series 1600 Penn. He played detective Harry Ambrose in the USA Network mystery series The Sinner, which premiered in 2017 and has aired for four seasons.
In 2023, Pullman portrayed Alex Murdaugh, a South Carolina attorney convicted of murdering his wife and son. The two-part Lifetime series Murdaugh Murders: The Movie premiered on 14 October. In June 2025, Pullman was announced to reprise the role of Lone Star in the sequel to Spaceballs, which is scheduled for release in 2027, and that he would be co-starring alongside his son Lewis Pullman.
Photos
,billpullman(daniel)andakiyahenry(lillian)inmadhouse.photobymarcbrenner..jpg?format=auto&width=600)
inmadhouse.photobymarcbrenner..jpg?format=auto&width=600)
anddavidharbour(michael)inmadhouse.photobymarcbrenner..jpg?format=auto&width=600)
andbillpullman(daniel)inmadhouse.photobymarcbrenner..jpg?format=auto&width=600)
inmadhouserehearsals.photocreditjennyanderson..jpg?format=auto&width=600)
inmadhouserehearsals.photocreditjennyanderson2.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
inmadhouserehearsals.photocreditjennyanderson.1.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
akiyahenry(lillian),billpullman(daniel)andstephenwight(nedward)inmadhouserehearsals.photocreditjennyanderson..jpg?format=auto&width=600)
andbillpullman(joekeller)inallmysonsattheoldvic.photobyjohanpersson(2).jpg?format=auto&width=600)
andbillpullman(joekeller)inallmysonsattheoldvic.photobyjohanpersson(1).jpg?format=auto&width=600)
inallmysonsattheoldvic.photobyjohanpersson(1).jpg?format=auto&width=600)
andjennacoleman(anndeever)inallmysonsattheoldvic.photojohanpersson.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
STAGE CREDITS
Movies
[ 1986 ] Earl
[ 1987 ] Lone Starr
[ 1988 ] Crow Black
[ 1988 ] Dennis Alan
[ 1988 ] Julian Hedge
[ 1989 ] Buck
[ 1990 ] Bob
[ 1990 ] Nichol Meany
[ 1990 ] Rex Martin
[ 1991 ] Biff Banner
[ 1991 ] Paul Kessler
[ 1992 ] Bob Hinson
[ 1992 ] Bryan Denton
[ 1992 ] Dr. Jeffrey Jamison
[ 1992 ] York Daley
[ 1993 ] Andy
[ 1993 ] Orin
[ 1993 ] Walter
[ 1994 ] Clay Gregory
[ 1994 ] Ed Mterson
[ 1994 ] Peter Whiting
[ 1995 ] Dr. Harvey
[ 1995 ] Jack
[ 1996 ] President Thom J. Whitmore
[ 1996 ] Whitman Crawford
[ 1997 ] Fred Madison
[ 1997 ] Mike Max
[ 1998 ] Daryl Zero
[ 1999 ] Hank Greene
[ 1999 ] Harry Howe, Ernie Halliday
[ 1999 ] Jack Wells
[ 2000 ] Callum Crane
[ 2000 ] Det. Pat Lakewood
[ 2000 ] Korso
[ 2000 ] Parking Fcist
[ 2001 ] Deputy Marshal Conor Gallagher
[ 2002 ] Jon
[ 2002 ] The Ticket Clerk
[ 2003 ] Rick O Lette
[ 2004 ] Peter
[ 2005 ] Krugsby
[ 2006 ] Henry Hale
[ 2006 ] Morgan Banner
[ 2007 ] Dave
[ 2007 ] Max Mariner
[ 2008 ] Jim Barrett
[ 2008 ] Peter Lichten
[ 2008 ] Sam Hallaway
[ 2008 ] William J. Frick
[ 2010 ] Billy Boy Walker
[ 2010 ] Edmund French
[ 2010 ] William
[ 2011 ] Kent
[ 2012 ] Lenny
[ 2013 ] Edward
[ 2014 ] Brian Plummer
[ 2014 ] John Webster
[ 2014 ] Sicilius Leonatus
[ 2015 ] Krueger
[ 2016 ] Jerry Turley
[ 2016 ] President Whitmore
[ 2016 ] Senator Ralph Yarborough
[ 2017 ] Ben
[ 2017 ] Bill Pullman
[ 2017 ] Clyde
[ 2017 ] Jack Kramer
[ 2017 ] Lefty Brown
[ 2018 ] Brian Plummer
[ 2019 ] Harry Dietzler
[ 2019 ] Joe Keller
[ 2019 ] Joshua Mansky
[ 2020 ] Max
[ 2025 ] Ross
TV Shows
President Dale Gilchrist
Harry Ambrose
Old Jack
Old Jack
Awards and Nominations
Bill Pullman, Sticks and Bones
Bill Pullman, Sticks and Bones
Bill Pullman, The Jacksonian
Bill Pullman, Peter and Jerry
winner
Bill Pullman, The Goat
Bill Pullman, The Goat
Videos
Video: Watch the Trailer for New HBO Two-Part Mel Brooks Documentary
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-01-08 12:15:42
Video Roundup: COME FROM AWAY, SIX, THE LION KING, and TINA Perform at the 2019 Olivier Awards
by Stephi Wild - 2019-04-12 08:57:14
VIDEO: Watch Patti LuPone Accept Her Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical
by Alan Henry - 2019-04-07 16:01:07
VIDEO: See All The Performances From The Olivier Awards; COME FROM AWAY, SIX, TINA, COMPANY and More!
by Alan Henry - 2019-04-07 15:44:34
VIDEO: Check Out the All-New Trailer for THE EQUALIZER 2 Starring Denzel Washington
by Macon Prickett - 2018-06-25 09:46:24
TV: Watch Denzel Washington Return To One Of His Signature Roles in This Newly Released Trailer for EQUALIZER 2
by Macon Prickett - 2018-04-19 10:45:56
VIDEO: First Look - Emma Stone, Steve Carell Star in THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES
by Caryn Robbins - 2017-05-16 13:43:58
VIDEO: First Look - Jeff Goldblum & More Star in INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE
by Caryn Robbins - 2016-06-06 12:20:23
VIDEO: Tony Winner Steve Kazee Performs 'The F Word' on Last Night's SHAMELESS
by Caryn Robbins - 2016-01-25 08:33:57
VIDEO: First Look- Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, and More in INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE Trailer
by Sally Henry Fuller - 2015-12-13 16:19:15
VIDEO: Margot Robbie Begs Will Smith to Join INDEPENDENCE DAY Sequel on EXTRA
by Sally Henry Fuller - 2015-02-15 18:36:56
TV: Inside New York Stage and Film Winter Gala with Jessie Mueller, Billy Porter & More
by Tyler Peterson - 2014-11-20 14:05:43
TV: Chatting with the Cast of New Group's STICKS AND BONES on Opening Night!
by TV - Opening Night Special - 2014-11-10 16:11:31
News
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 25, 2026
Netflix has unveiled the first look at The Boroughs, a new supernatural series starring stage and screen stars Alfred Molina, Denis O'Hare, Alfre Woodard, and more. Check it out now.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2026
James Caan, Michael Rispoli, Raul Segarra, and Sarah Shapiro will star in the daylong theater reading festival TWELVE HOURS WITH TRACY LETTS, showcasing continuous performances.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2026
Twelve Hours with Tracy Letts, a marathon theater reading festival celebrating the works of Pulitzer Prize winner Letts, has revealed more participating stars, including Beanie Feldstein, John Gallagher Jr. and more.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 21, 2026
On Tuesday, January 20, HBO hosted a red carpet and premiere screening to celebrate the two-part documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, in Los Angeles at the Academy Museum. Check out photos from the event featuring Brooks himself, Josh Gad, Alex Edelman, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2026
Twelve Hours with Tracy Letts, a marathon theater reading festival celebrating the works of Pulitzer Prize winner Letts, will take place at Circle in the Square Theatre.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 8, 2026
The official trailer has been released for the HBO Original two-part documentary about Mel Brooks, the legendary writer behind Broadway's The Producers and Young Frankenstein, along with films like Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, and more. Check it out now.
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 16, 2025
Sleepless in Seattle will be performed live in concert for the very first time on Valentine’s Day 2026 at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The movie will be presented on a huge screen, while its soundtrack is performed live by a full band and orchestra.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2025
Sleepless in Seattle will be performed live in concert for the very first time on Valentine's Day 2026 at London's Royal Festival Hall. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
by - Sep 26, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 26, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 25, 2025
Original Spaceballs cast members Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, and George Wyner are all set to reprise their roles in the long-awaited sequel to the 1987 cult classic from Mel Brooks. Check out a photo of the first table read!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2025
Elliot Norton Award winning Hub Theatre Company of Boston will kick off its highly anticipated 12th season with Theresa Rebeck’s celebrated comedy The Understudy, directed by five time Elliot Norton Award winner Paula Plum.
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025
Hub Theatre Company of Boston will kick off its 12th season with Theresa Rebeck's celebrated comedy The Understudy, directed by five time Elliot Norton Award winner Paula Plum.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2025
Golden Thread Productions will present the world premiere of AZAD (the rabbit and the wolf). Featuring folk music, oral storytelling, video projection, and movement. Learn more!
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 16, 2025
Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) announced the winners of the 2025 Writers Guild Awards for outstanding achievement in writing for film, television, streaming, news, radio/audio, and promotional categories during concurrent ceremonies.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025
Golden Thread Productions and Hakawati NGO will present the world premiere of AZAD (the rabbit and the wolf). Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2025
Shaker Bridge Theatrewill present a one-night-only staged reading of SAMANTHA INSIDE OUT, a new one-woman show written by Marisa Smith, directed by Theresa Rebeck, and starring Jayne Atkinson as part of Shaker Bridge's commitment to developing new work.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2025
Golden Thread Productions, the first American theatre company devoted to the Middle East, has announced its 2025 Season titled “Threads of Solidarity.” Learn more here!
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 17, 2025
It won't be long before Spaceballs 2 blasts into production at ludicrous speed. In a new interview Josh Gad gave an update on the Mel Brooks sequel, revealing that the team is working on assembling a cast for the long-awaited movie.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2024
Chris Noth will star as George Bailey in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at Denver's Elaine Wolf Theater. Experience the holiday classic in a 1940s radio studio setting. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 26, 2024
David Hyde Pierce will join Visionbox Studio in Denver for a public conversation on the importance of theatre today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Bill Pullman has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.
Bill Pullman has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.
Bill Pullman's first West End show was All My Sons which opened in 2019
Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Sticks and Bones, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play (The Lortels) for Sticks and Bones, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Jacksonian, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Peter and Jerry, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Goat and Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Goat.
Bill Pullman won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play for his performance in The Goat.
Videos