Bill Macy

Actor Bill Macy was born Wolf Martin Garber in Revere Massachusetts, and was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Macy worked for ten years in New York City as a cabdriver before getting his big break when he was cast as Walter Matthau's understudy in the play "Once More with Feeling." He appeared in a number of stage productions including the 1969 Off-Broadway sex-focused play "Oh! Calcutta!" in which he performed nude along with the rest of the shows cast. Television producer Normal Lear was amused by Macy's comedic timing in the play and cast him in a small part on the well-loved series "All in the Family" (CBS, 1971-79). Following his appearance on that show, he was cast as Walter Findlay, the husband of the titular Maude in the series "Maude" (CBS, 1972-78). Bea Arthur played Maude, and the story was based on Normal Lear's own wife. In addition to his work on TV, Macy appeared in some popular movies, including the 1967 production of "The Producers," and the Steve Martin comedy "The Jerk" (1979). During the run of "Oh! Calcutta!" Macy met Samantha Harper whom he married in 1975. Macy died on October 17, 2019, survived by his wife.