William Daniels is an accomplished American actor whose career spans over seven decades, making him one of the most versatile and enduring figures in television and film. From his early beginnings in theater to his iconic roles on television, Daniels has left a lasting impression on audiences around the world. He is best known for his portrayal of Mr. George Feeny in Boy Meets World, his role as Dr. Mark Craig in St. Elsewhere, and as the voice of KITT in Knight Rider. Daniels’ unique combination of talent, intelligence, and charisma has made him a beloved figure in American entertainment.
Born on March 31, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, William Daniels began performing at a young age. His early work in theater set the stage for a successful career in both film and television, where he has been known for his precise diction, commanding presence, and ability to bring gravitas to a wide range of characters. Daniels has earned multiple accolades throughout his career, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a special place in the hearts of viewers.
Early Life and Entry into Show Business
William Daniels grew up in a working-class family in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest of five children, and his interest in performing arts was encouraged by his mother, Irene, who worked as a secretary. By the time Daniels was four years old, he was already performing as part of a song-and-dance act with his siblings, known as the Daniels Family.
His early exposure to the entertainment industry helped him develop a deep passion for acting, and as a teenager, Daniels pursued his interest in the craft by studying at Northwestern University, where he earned a degree in liberal arts. While attending college, Daniels honed his acting skills and participated in numerous theatrical productions, which led to his early involvement in Broadway.
Early Broadway Career and Theater Success
William Daniels’ first significant success came in the world of theater. He made his Broadway debut in the 1943 play Life with Father while still in his teens. Over the next several years, Daniels continued to build a strong stage presence, appearing in various productions throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
One of Daniels’ most notable roles came in the 1960s when he starred as John Adams in the Broadway musical 1776. His performance as the fiery, principled Founding Father earned him widespread acclaim and helped solidify his reputation as a talented stage actor. 1776 was a landmark production, and Daniels’ portrayal of Adams became iconic, showcasing his ability to command attention with his sharp wit and strong stage presence.
Daniels would later reprise his role as John Adams in the 1972 film adaptation of 1776, bringing his Broadway success to the big screen. His portrayal of Adams is still regarded as one of the best performances of the historical figure, demonstrating Daniels’ versatility as both a stage and screen actor.
Film Career and Early Television Work
In addition to his stage success, William Daniels ventured into film and television during the 1960s and 1970s. He appeared in a variety of film roles, including in the acclaimed 1967 classic The Graduate, where he played Mr. Braddock, the father of Dustin Hoffman’s character. Although a supporting role, Daniels’ performance was memorable for its comedic timing and the way he subtly embodied the disillusionment of the older generation in contrast to the film’s youthful protagonist.
Daniels continued to make appearances in films such as Two for the Road (1967) and A Thousand Clowns (1965), but his true breakthrough would come in television, where he found roles that perfectly suited his talents. Daniels’ early television roles included guest appearances on popular shows like The Defenders, The Fugitive, and The Twilight Zone. These roles allowed him to demonstrate his dramatic range and adaptability, setting the stage for his future television success.
Iconic Role as Dr. Mark Craig in St. Elsewhere
One of William Daniels’ most celebrated television roles came in 1982 when he was cast as Dr. Mark Craig in the medical drama St. Elsewhere. The show, which aired on NBC for six seasons, followed the lives and work of doctors and staff at St. Eligius, a rundown teaching hospital in Boston. Dr. Mark Craig, portrayed by Daniels, was a brilliant but egotistical cardiothoracic surgeon known for his sharp tongue and exacting standards.
Daniels’ portrayal of Dr. Craig earned him critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1985 and 1986. His ability to balance the character’s arrogance with moments of vulnerability made Dr. Craig one of the most compelling figures on St. Elsewhere, and his performance helped elevate the show to cult status.
Dr. Mark Craig remains one of Daniels’ signature roles, and his work on St. Elsewhere is often cited as one of the finest performances in medical drama history. Daniels’ portrayal set the standard for complex, multidimensional characters in television dramas, earning him a lasting legacy in the genre.
Voice of KITT in Knight Rider
While St. Elsewhere solidified Daniels’ reputation as a dramatic actor, he also became known to a wider audience through his voice work on the popular action series Knight Rider (1982–1986). In the show, Daniels provided the voice for KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand), the artificially intelligent, self-aware car driven by Michael Knight, played by David Hasselhoff.
KITT’s calm, authoritative voice became one of the most recognizable aspects of the show, and Daniels’ voice performance added a layer of sophistication to the character. Despite never appearing on-screen, Daniels’ contribution to Knight Rider helped make KITT one of television’s most iconic vehicles, and the show itself became a pop culture phenomenon. Daniels’ ability to bring humanity and wit to a non-human character showcased his versatility as an actor and further expanded his fan base.
George Feeny in Boy Meets World
In the 1990s, William Daniels took on another role that would endear him to a whole new generation of viewers: Mr. George Feeny in the beloved ABC sitcom Boy Meets World (1993–2000). As the wise and patient teacher, mentor, and later principal, Mr. Feeny guided young Cory Matthews (played by Ben Savage) and his friends through the trials and tribulations of adolescence and early adulthood.
Daniels’ portrayal of Mr. Feeny became iconic, and the character’s life lessons and advice often formed the moral backbone of the show. Mr. Feeny’s relationships with the students, particularly Cory, provided many of the show’s most emotional and impactful moments. Daniels’ performance was praised for its warmth, intelligence, and sincerity, making Mr. Feeny one of television’s most beloved teachers.
The role of Mr. Feeny became so popular that Daniels reprised the character in the Boy Meets World spin-off Girl Meets World (2014–2017), where he once again served as a mentor, this time to Cory’s daughter Riley.
Later Career and Personal Life
Even in his later years, William Daniels has continued to work in television and film, appearing in guest roles on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs, and The Closer. His enduring presence on screen and his ability to captivate audiences across generations speak to his talent and dedication to his craft.
Daniels has been married to actress Bonnie Bartlett since 1951, and the couple has enjoyed a long and successful marriage, often working together on projects, including St. Elsewhere, where Bartlett played his on-screen wife. Their relationship has been a source of inspiration, both professionally and personally.
Throughout his career, William Daniels has remained a steadfast presence in American entertainment, known for his intelligence, versatility, and ability to bring depth to his roles. From his early days on Broadway to his unforgettable work in television and film, Daniels’ contributions to the industry have made him a timeless and respected figure in Hollywood.