Veteran Actor, Known for ‘Dallas’ Role, Dies at 98

William Smithers, the veteran character actor recognized for portraying powerful and often ruthless figures, has passed away at the age of 98.

Smithers was best known to television audiences for his role as Jeremy Wendell, the tough and calculating oil executive who frequently challenged J.R. Ewing on the popular CBS drama Dallas. His death was reported by the Santa Barbara Independent. He had been living in Santa Barbara, California.

Throughout his decades-long career, Smithers developed a reputation for playing commanding characters across television, movies, and theater. One of his memorable appearances came in the original Star Trek series episode “Bread and Circuses” in 1968, where he played Captain R.M. Merik, a former Federation officer involved in overseeing gladiator-style competitions in a Roman-inspired society.

A respected member of The Actors Studio, Smithers began his professional journey on stage. He made his Broadway debut in 1951 alongside Olivia de Havilland in Romeo and Juliet, a performance that earned him a Theater World Award. He continued working in theater for years, appearing in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including The Seagull, which earned him an Obie Award in 1957.

Born Marion Wilkinson Smithers Jr. on July 10, 1927, in Richmond, Virginia, he served in the U.S. Navy before continuing his education at Hampden-Sydney College and The Catholic University of America. In 1950, he moved to New York to pursue acting, initially working as a theater usher while searching for opportunities.

Smithers made the transition to television during the 1960s. One of his early major roles was playing David Schuster on ABC’s serialized drama Peyton Place from 1965 to 1966.

His film career included appearances in movies such as Attack! (1956), Trouble Man (1972), Scorpio (1973), and Papillon (1973), where he portrayed the strict prison official Barrot. Over the years, he also appeared in many television shows, including Mission: Impossible, Mannix, Ironside, Barnaby Jones, Cannon, and Walker, Texas Ranger.

In 1981, Smithers joined Dallas during the show’s fourth season as Jeremy Wendell, the chairman of WestStar Oil. He remained part of the series until 1989, appearing in 50 episodes and becoming one of J.R. Ewing’s most notable opponents.

Smithers later reflected on his scenes with Larry Hagman, describing their professional relationship as challenging but rewarding because of the intense rivalry between their characters.

Beyond acting, Smithers was also involved in a notable entertainment industry legal battle in 1976. He challenged MGM over contract and billing issues related to the CBS series Executive Suite and won the case, which later became a frequently referenced example in discussions of entertainment law.

His wife, acting instructor S. Loraine Hull Smithers, passed away in January 2022. Together, the couple hosted and produced the local television interview program Just Between Us!.

Smithers leaves behind a legacy defined by a commanding presence, memorable performances, and a career that spanned stage, film, and television for more than half a century.