William Hall Macy Jr. is an American actor known for playing a wide variety of characters in movies such as 'Boogie Nights', 'Air Force One’ and 'Fargo’ as well as for his long time role in the TV series 'Shameless’. Macy made his big screen debut in the 1980 flick ‘Somewhere in Time’. After starring in a leading role in the movie ‘Homicide’, he got a bigger career boost in 1994 when he joined the cast of the TV drama ‘ER.’ After this, he appeared in a number of films, TV soap operas, and sitcoms. The actor, who has described himself as ‘a kind of Middle American, Lutheran kind of guy,’ is one of the most respected character actors in the industry. Born in Miami, Florida, he is the only child of a World War II bomber pilot. Following his high school graduation in 1968, he proceeded to study veterinary science at West Virginia's Bethany College. However, he changed his mind midway, and transferred to Goddard College in Plainfield to study theater. He began his career as a stage actor and eventually entered the world of films as well. Married to actress Felicity Huffman since 1997, Macy is the father of two young daughters. He currently serves as the national ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy Association.