William Daniels is an actor with a distinguished career spanning over six decades in film, television, and theater. Renowned for his versatility and commanding presence, Daniels is best known for his iconic roles as Dr. Mark Craig in the medical drama St. Elsewhere (1982–1988) and Mr. Feeny in the coming-of-age sitcom Boy Meets World (1993–2000) and its sequel Girl Meets World (2014–2017). His portrayal of the stern yet compassionate Dr. Craig earned him two Emmy Awards, while his role as the wise and beloved teacher Mr. Feeny made him a cultural touchstone for multiple generations.
Daniels began his career on stage, performing in Broadway productions such as Life with Father and A Thousand Clowns. His early television work included roles in anthology series and soap operas, notably The Graduate (1963). In film, he delivered memorable performances as John Adams in the musical 1776 (1972), reprising his acclaimed Broadway role, and as Dustin Hoffman’s father in The Graduate (1967). Other film credits include A Thousand Clowns (1965), Two for the Road (1967), The Parallax View (1974), and Blades of Glory (2007).
On television, Daniels showcased his range in Knight Rider (1982–1986) as the voice of KITT, the sentient car, and appeared in Captain Nice (1967), Trapper John, M.D., and Grey’s Anatomy. His stage work continued with roles in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever and A Little Night Music. Daniels also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1999 to 2001, advocating for actors’ rights. His enduring legacy lies in his ability to bring depth, wit, and humanity to every role, cementing his status as a beloved figure in American entertainment.