In contrast to marking birth and death anniversaries recently, we’re more than happy to mark a real birthday! William Reynolds, the last surviving male lead character of The FBI, turns 88 today.
Born 9 December 1931 in Los Angeles as William deClerq Regnolds, his movie career began in 1951, a year after he married Molly Sinclair. After a brief interruption due to the Korean War, he appeared in both movies and television. It was the latter medium where he found more success on a professional level, especially with The Gallant Men (1962-1963).
And, of course, The FBI. Appearing in all nine seasons in a span from 1966 to 1974, Mr. Reynolds played Special Agent Tom Colby as a series lead from 1967 to 1973, and as a guest performer in Season 9.
Even before the series started, William Reynolds was finding that roles tended to dry up. He stated that he had more talent than ambition. Since he had a family to support by 1960, he went on for more education, which would serve him well.
Aside of two roles, one in 1978 and another in 1989, he had left show business to work in industry. He remained married to Molly Sinclair until her death in 1992, and has a daughter, Carrie and son Eric. With the passing of Efrem Zimbalist Jr. in 2014, he is the last surviving male lead actor for the series.
Mr. Reynolds, wishing you all the best on this day and for the holidays! May you have many more!