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William Self
Biography:
William Self was born June 21, 1921 in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science in 1943. Mr. Self worked a year in advertising before beginning a career in acting in 1944. Between 1944 and 1952 he acted in over thirty movies, one of his largest roles being Corporal Barnes in Howard Hawk's film The Thing From Another World.In 1952 Self began his producing career as an Assistant Producer on the TV series China Smith. Later that same year he was named... more
William Self was born June 21, 1921 in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science in 1943. Mr. Self worked a year in advertising before beginning a career in acting in 1944. Between 1944 and 1952 he acted in over thirty movies, one of his largest roles being Corporal Barnes in Howard Hawk's film The Thing From Another World.In 1952 Self began his producing career as an Assistant Producer on the TV series China Smith. Later that same year he was named Associate Producer of the Schlitz Playhouse of Stars which aired on CBS. In 1953, his title was elevated to Producer, reflecting the fact that there had never been any other producer during his time on the series. During his tenure, he produced 208 episodes. He also directed four episodes: The Last Out, The Careless Cadet, The Night They Won the Oscar, and The Letter.In 1957, Self produced the Frank Sinatra Show on ABC. On completion of that project, he was employed by CBS as a program executive. His first job was to produce the pilot for The Twilight Zone.In 1958, he moved to 20th Century-Fox Television as an Executive Producer. Over a period of 15 years with Fox, Self was promoted to Vice President in Charge of Production Fox Television, to Executive Vice President Fox Television, to President 20th Century-Fox Television,and finally to Vice President 20th Century-Fox Corporation. During this period, Fox supplied 44 series to the networks including MASH, Batman, Peyton Place, Lost in Space, AND Twelve O'Clock High.In 1975, Self joined Mike Frankovich in forming Frankovich/Self Productions. The partnership resulted in two feature films: The Shootist starring John Wayne, Lauren Bacall and Jimmy Stewart, and From Noon Till Three starring Charles Bronson.Self returned to CBS in 1975 as Vice President Head of the West Coast. Later, he was named Vice President in Charge of Movies and Miniseries. While in this position, he produced over 250 movies and many miniseries. In 1982, he was offered the position of President of CBS Theatrical Film Division. Ten films were produced under his supervision.In 1985, he left CBS to form Self Productions, Inc.. Hallmark Hall of Fame sponsored his first production: The Tenth Man starring Anthony Hopkins. Later, Self partnered with Glenn Close in forming a new production company, Sarah Productions. This company provided Hallmark Hall of Fame with three television movies: Sarah, Plain and Tall, Sylark, and Winter's End.Bill married Margaret Flynn in 1941. They remained together until her death in 2007. He has two children, Edwin and Barbara. Self is a Trustee of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, the John Tracy Clinic for Deaf Children, and The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the Directors Guild of America, and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
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