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{{short description|American actor (1930–1989)}}
:''For the artist, see [[Bill Traylor]].''
{{For|the artist|Bill Traylor}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = William Traylor
| name = William Traylor
| image = William Traylor.jpg
| image = William Traylor.jpg
| caption =
| caption = Traylor in 1978
| birth_name = William Hurley Traylor, Jr.
| birth_name = William Hurley Traylor Jr.
| birth_date = {{birth date|1930|10|8}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1930|10|8}}
| birth_place = [[Kirksville, Missouri]]
| birth_place = [[Kirksville, Missouri]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|1989|9|23|1930|10|8}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1989|9|23|1930|10|8}}
| death_place = [[Los Angeles, California]]
| death_place = [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
| other_names = Blll Traylor, William Hurley Traylor
| other_names = Blll Traylor, William Hurley Traylor
| occupation = Actor, acting coach.
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1954–1989
| years_active = 1954–1989
| spouse = Peggy Feury <br>(m.1961&ndash;1985; her death)
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Peggy Feury]]|1961|1985|end=died}}
| children = 2, including [[Susan Traylor]]
| partner =
| children = 2
| website =
}}
}}


'''William Hurley "Bill" Traylor, Jr.''' (October 8, 1930 &ndash; September 23, 1989) was an American television, theater, and motion picture actor. He was also, along with his wife, [[Peggy Feury]], an acting coach and founder of The Loft Studio, an acting school attended by such major stars as [[Sean Penn]], [[Anjelica Huston]] and [[Nicolas Cage]].<ref name="imdb.com"/> He is the father of actresses Stephanie Feury<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0275445/|title=Stephanie Feury|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref> and Susan Traylor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005503/|title=Susan Traylor|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref>
'''William Hurley Traylor Jr.''' (October 8, 1930 September 23, 1989) was an American film, stage, and television actor. He was also, along with his wife, [[Peggy Feury]], an acting coach and founder of The Loft Studio, an acting school attended by such major stars as [[Sean Penn]], [[Anjelica Huston]] and [[Nicolas Cage]].<ref name="imdb.com" /> He is the father of actresses Stephanie Feury<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0275445/ |title=Stephanie Feury |website=[[IMDb]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref> and [[Susan Traylor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005503/ |title=Susan Traylor |website=[[IMDb]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref>


==Early life==
== Early life ==
He was born William Hurley Traylor, Jr. in [[Kirksville, Missouri]], to parents Edna Mae (Singleton) and William Hurley Traylor, Sr. Kirksville had a population of 8,293 at the time. A fellow member of the Actors Studio, [[Geraldine Page]], was also born in Kirksville.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0656183/bio|title=Geraldine Page|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref> Traylor and his two siblings, sisters Patricia (Traylor) Weber and Lucille (Traylor) Jorgenson, were raised in the [[Brashear, Missouri]] area, where William Sr. operated an oil business and service station.<ref>''Kirksville Daily Express''. Edna Traylor obituary. Published 19 December 1991.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.answers.com/topic/william-traylor|title=Answers - The Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref> Brashear is a small farm town with the Hog Branch stream running through one corner of it. When Traylor lived there, it had a population of only about 438 people, though it has shrunk considerable since then.<ref>A Book Of Adair County History, Published by the Adair County Bicentennial Committee, 1976.</ref>
He was born William Hurley Traylor Jr. in [[Kirksville, Missouri]], to parents Edna Mae (Singleton) and William Hurley Traylor Sr. Kirksville had a population of 8,293 at the time. A fellow member of the Actors Studio, [[Geraldine Page]], was also born in Kirksville.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0656183/bio |title=Geraldine Page |website=[[IMDb]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref> Traylor and his two siblings, sisters Patricia (Traylor) Weber and Lucille (Traylor) Jorgenson, were raised in the [[Brashear, Missouri]] area, where William Sr. operated an oil business and service station.<ref>''Kirksville Daily Express''. Edna Traylor obituary. Published December 19, 1991.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.answers.com/topic/william-traylor |title=Answers The Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions |website=[[Answers.com]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref> Brashear is a small farm town with the Hog Branch stream running through one corner of it. When Traylor lived there, it had a population of only about 438 people, though it has shrunk considerably since then.<ref>A Book Of Adair County History, Published by the Adair County Bicentennial Committee, 1976.</ref>


==Actors Studio==
== Actors Studio ==
In his twenties, William Traylor arrived in New York City, where he studied acting, and soon became a member of the [[Actors Studio]]. The Actors Studio was founded in 1947 by [[Elia Kazan]], [[Cheryl Crawford]], [[Robert Lewis (director)|Robert Lewis]] and [[Anna Sokolow]], to provide training for actors. [[Lee Strasberg]] joined later and became its director in 1951. The Actors Studio is known for teaching method acting, as it evolved out of the [[Group Theatre (New York)|Group Theatre]] in the 1930s and the ideas of [[Constantin Stanislavski]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Wrv4wAbVP9EC&pg=PA89&lpg=PA89&dq=anna+sokolow+spirit+actors+studio&source=bl&ots=rqPZBHOtzn&sig=FNDaUwUExXdoQMMDhQ6_MNm_P0w&hl=en&ei=kx4pSs2zIJ-5jAeFuJz4Cg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1 ''Anna Sokolow The Rebelious Spirit''] by Larry Warren pages 89–94: The Actors Studio. {{ISBN|90-5702-185-4}}</ref>
In his twenties, William Traylor arrived in New York City, where he studied acting, and soon became a member of the [[Actors Studio]]. The Actors Studio was founded in 1947 by [[Elia Kazan]], [[Cheryl Crawford]], [[Robert Lewis (director)|Robert Lewis]] and [[Anna Sokolow]], to provide training for actors. [[Lee Strasberg]] joined later and became its director in 1951. The Actors Studio is known for teaching method acting, as it evolved out of the [[Group Theatre (New York)|Group Theatre]] in the 1930s and the ideas of [[Constantin Stanislavski]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Wrv4wAbVP9EC&dq=anna+sokolow+spirit+actors+studio&pg=PA89 ''Anna Sokolow The Rebellious Spirit''] by Larry Warren pages 89–94: The Actors Studio. {{ISBN|90-5702-185-4}}</ref>


As a member of the Actors Studio in New York, Traylor, along with others, participated in a program to record and archive work that was being done there, including performances of scenes from dramatic literature. Traylor participated in these recordings from 1961 to 1968. These recordings have been archived as part of the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections.<ref>[http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;cc=wiarchives;q1=actors%20studio;rgn=main;view=text;didno=uw-whs-tape00339a University of Wisconsin Digital Collections]</ref>
As a member of the Actors Studio in New York, Traylor, along with others, participated in a program to record and archive work that was being done there, including performances of scenes from dramatic literature. Traylor participated in these recordings from 1961 to 1968. These recordings have been archived as part of the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections.<ref>[http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;cc=wiarchives;q1=actors%20studio;rgn=main;view=text;didno=uw-whs-tape00339a University of Wisconsin Digital Collections]</ref>


==Television==
== Television ==
As an actor in New York, Traylor began appearing in roles in television dramas during what has become known as the [[Golden Age]] of television. He appeared in ''[[Screen Directors Playhouse]], [[Highway Patrol]], [[I Led 3 Lives]], [[The Alcoa Hour]], [[Goodyear Playhouse]], [[Father Knows Best]], [[Naked City (TV series)|Naked City]]'', and others.<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0871501/|title=William Traylor|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref>
As an actor in New York, Traylor began appearing in roles in television dramas during what has become known as the [[Golden Age]] of television. He appeared in ''[[Screen Directors Playhouse]], [[Highway Patrol (U.S. TV series)|Highway Patrol]], [[I Led 3 Lives]], [[The Alcoa Hour]], [[Goodyear Playhouse]], [[Flipper (1964 TV series)|Flipper]], [[Father Knows Best]], [[Naked City (TV series)|Naked City]]'', and others.<ref name="imdb.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0871501/ |title=William Traylor |website=[[IMDb]] |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref>


==Theatre==
== Theatre ==
He also performed on stage in theatres on Broadway as well as off Broadway, and in theatres in the region. His debut on Broadway was a remarkable opportunity: Two comedies written by and starring theatre legend, [[Noël Coward]]. The plays were produced together, but on different nights in repertory: ''[[Nude With Violin]]'', and ''[[Present Laughter]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=101290|title=William Traylor – Broadway Cast & Staff - IBDB|first=The Broadway|last=League|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/Cast/10818/Present-Laughter-at-Belasco-Theatre Coward, Noel. ''Present Laughter''. Playbill program]</ref><ref name="playbillvault.com">[http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/Whos_who/10819/33553/Nude-with-Violin Coward, Noel. ''Nude with Violin''. Playbill program]</ref><ref name="playbillvault.com"/>
He also performed on stage in theatres on Broadway as well as off Broadway, and in theatres in the region. His debut on Broadway occurred on November 14, 1957 at the [[Belasco Theatre]], and was a remarkable opportunity: Two comedies written by and starring theatre legend, [[Noël Coward]]: ''[[Present Laughter]]'' with Traylor appearing as Roland Maule, and ''[[Nude With Violin]]'' with Traylor appearing as Clinton Preminger. Other cast members included [[Eva Gabor]], [[Morris Carnovsky]], [[Joyce Carey]], and [[Mona Washbourne]]. The plays were produced together, and performed on different nights in repertory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=101290 |title=William Traylor – Broadway Cast & Staff IBDB |first=The Broadway |last=League |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/Cast/10818/Present-Laughter-at-Belasco-Theatre Coward, Noel. ''Present Laughter''. Playbill program]</ref><ref name="playbillvault.com">[http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/Whos_who/10819/33553/Nude-with-Violin Coward, Noel. ''Nude with Violin''. Playbill program]</ref> Traylor received positive personal notices for his Broadway debut.<ref>Peterson, Camilla. "'LAUGHTER'
Noel Coward Play Provides 'A Good Time'". ''Stanford Daily''. February 27, 1958. [http://stanforddailyarchive.com/cgi-bin/stanford?a=d&d=stanford19580227-01.2.25&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------#]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.newyorker.com/?iid=16935&startpage=page0000004#folio=CV1 |title=The New Yorker Digital Edition : Nov 23, 1957 |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref>


As described in biographies of Coward, this experience was unfortunately marred by a backstage contretemps, in which Traylor had to fend off the ferociously insistent lustful predations of the author and leading-man. This, as described, caused extreme anxiety to Traylor.<ref>Hoare, Phillip. ''Noel Coward: A Biography of Noel Coward''. Simon and Schuster (2013) {{ISBN|9781476737492}}. [https://books.google.com/books?id=BEOqd8OMleMC&pg=PT498&lpg=PT498&dq=%22bill+traylor%22+%22actors+studio%22&source=bl&ots=-iuPuDq_TP&sig=2BplTfGedb_AGolT87i70ixUg38&hl=en&sa=X&ei=aEyTVIWkJdPIsQS61YCAAw&ved=0CDsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=%22bill%20traylor%22%20%22actors%20studio%22&f=false]</ref><ref>Coward, Noel. ''Coward Plays: 6: Semi-Monde; Point Valaine; South Sea Bubble; Nude With Violin''. World Classics. (2013) {{ISBN|9781408177365}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=uacYAAAAQBAJ&pg=PP17&lpg=PP17&dq=%22bill+traylor%22+acting&source=bl&ots=5qmkcW64uA&sig=n5TdbNAlSyx13rz5cfXPO0rCHhA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=406TVPWGIqfjsATJt4KADQ&ved=0CEEQ6AEwBzgK#v=onepage&q=%22bill%20traylor%22%20acting&f=false]</ref>
During that production Traylor had a problematic and apparently sexual relationship with Coward, which caused them both anguish, and resulted in an apparent suicide attempt by Traylor. The run of show ended soon after, and the company dispersed.<ref>Hoare, Phillip. ''Noel Coward: A Biography of Noel Coward''. Simon and Schuster (2013) {{ISBN|9781476737492}}. [https://books.google.com/books?id=BEOqd8OMleMC&dq=%22bill+traylor%22+%22actors+studio%22&pg=PT498]</ref><ref>Coward, Noel. ''Coward Plays: 6: Semi-Monde; Point Valaine; South Sea Bubble; Nude With Violin''. World Classics. (2013) {{ISBN|9781408177365}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=uacYAAAAQBAJ&dq=%22bill+traylor%22+acting&pg=PP17]</ref> In 2013, British playwright, [[James Martin Charlton]], used this episode as the basis for a fictionalized theatrical dramatization, entitled ''Coward''. According to the press and the reviews of the production, the names of the characters, and the setting, and the period were all changed in the manner of a ''roman à clef'', and none of the fictional characters were portrayed in an especially positive light by the playwright.<ref>Wainwright, Jon. "Coward – White Bear Theatre, London." ''The Public Reviews''. October 25, 2013.
[http://www.thepublicreviews.com/coward-white-bear-theatre-london/]</ref><ref>O'Shaughnessy, Chris. "The rationality of evil: ''Coward'' at the White Bear Theatre". October 25, 2013. [http://onestoparts.com/review-coward-white-bear-theatre]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://everything-theatre.co.uk/2013/10/coward-white-bear-theatre-review.html |title=Coward, White Bear Theatre – Review |date=October 26, 2013 |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref>


Traylor went on to appear on Broadway in ''[[The Glass Menagerie]], [[Show Boat]]'', and ''Of Love Remembered'', which was directed by [[Burgess Meredith]].<ref>[http://www.rnh.com/photos.html?img=3957&gallery=165&ipg=8 Playbill program. ''Showboat''. 1966. Schubert Theatre]</ref><ref>[http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/Whos_who/5297/32899/Of-Love-Remembered ''Of Love Remembered''. Playbill program]</ref>
In 2013, British playwright, James Martin Charlton, used this painful episode as the basis for a fictionalized theatrical dramatization, entitled ''Coward''. According to the press and the reviews of the production, the names of the characters, and the setting, and the period were all changed in the manner of a ''roman à clef'', and none of the fictional characters were portrayed in an especially positive light by the playwright.<ref>Wainwright, Jon. “Coward – White Bear Theatre, London." ''The Public Reviews''. 25 October 2013.
[http://www.thepublicreviews.com/coward-white-bear-theatre-london/]</ref><ref>O’Shaughnessy, Chris. "The rationality of evil: ''Coward'' at the White Bear Theatre". 25 October 2013. [http://onestoparts.com/review-coward-white-bear-theatre]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://everything-theatre.co.uk/2013/10/coward-white-bear-theatre-review.html|title=Coward, White Bear Theatre – Review|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref>


== Los Angeles ==
Traylor survived and got some positive personal notices for his Broadway debut.<ref>Peterson, Camilla. “'LAUGHTER'
He met and married a fellow Actors Studio member, the actress [[Peggy Feury]] in 1961. Eventually, professional opportunities drew Traylor to Los Angeles. His family, which now included two young children, Stephanie and Susan, left New York to join him in Los Angeles. On September 23, 1989, just 14 days before his 59th birthday, he suddenly died from a [[heart attack]] at his home.
Noel Coward Play Provides 'A Good Time’”. ''Stanford Daily''. 27 February 1958. [http://stanforddailyarchive.com/cgi-bin/stanford?a=d&d=stanford19580227-01.2.25&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------#]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.newyorker.com/?iid=16935&startpage=page0000004#folio=CV1|title=The New Yorker Digital Edition : Nov 23, 1957|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref> He then went on to appear on Broadway in ''[[The Glass Menagerie]], [[Showboat]]'', and ''Of Love Remembered'', which was directed by [[Burgess Meredith]].<ref>[http://www.rnh.com/photos.html?img=3957&gallery=165&ipg=8 Playbill program. ''Showboat''. 1966. Schubert Theatre]</ref><ref>[http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/Whos_who/5297/32899/Of-Love-Remembered ''Of Love Remembered''. Playbill program]</ref>


In Los Angeles, he appeared in television dramas and series, including ''[[Adam-12]]'', ''[[Bracken's World]]'', ''[[The F.B.I. (TV series)|The F.B.I.]]'', ''[[McMillan & Wife]]'', ''[[Mannix]]'', ''[[Kung Fu (1972 TV series)|Kung Fu]]'' and ''[[The Execution of Private Slovik]]''.<ref name="imdb.com" />
==Los Angeles==
He met and married a fellow Actors Studio member, the actress [[Peggy Feury]]. Eventually, professional opportunities drew Traylor to Los Angeles. His family, which now included two young children, Stephanie and Susan, left New York to join him in Los Angeles.


== Films ==
In Los Angeles, he appeared in television dramas and series, including ''[[Adam-12]], [[Bracken's World]], [[The F.B.I.]], [[McMillan & Wife]], [[Mannix]], [[Kung Fu]], [[The Execution of Private Slovik]]'', and others.<ref name="imdb.com"/>
His film work includes ''[[Cisco Pike]]'' (1972), ''[[The Towering Inferno]]'' (1974), ''[[Smile (1975 film)|Smile]]'' (1975), ''[[S*H*E]]'' (1980), ''[[The Long Riders]]'' (1980), ''[[The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981 film)|The Postman Always Rings Twice]]'' (1981), ''[[The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension]]'' (1984), ''[[Fletch (film)|Fletch]]'' (1985) (for which he is best remembered as the uptight Mr. Underhill) and others.<ref name="imdb.com" />
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
|1955|| ''[[The Last Frontier (1955 film)|The Last Frontier]]'' || Soldier || Uncredited
|-
|1961|| ''One Plus One'' || Hollister || ("Honeymoon' segment)
|-
|1964|| ''[[Diary of a Bachelor]]'' || The Bachelor ||
|-
|1968|| ''Windflowers'' || FBI Agent #1 ||
|-
|1968|| ''[[The Boston Strangler (film)|The Boston Strangler]]'' || Arnie Carr ||
|-
|1970|| ''[[Colossus: The Forbin Project]]'' || Party Guest || Uncredited
|-
|1972|| ''[[Cisco Pike]]'' || Jack ||
|-
|1972|| ''The Legend of Hillbilly John'' || Reverend Millen ||
|-
|1974|| ''[[The Towering Inferno]]'' || Security Guard in Control Room || Uncredited
|-
|1975|| ''[[Smile (1975 film)|Smile]]'' || Ray Brandy ||
|-
|1980|| ''[[S*H*E]]'' || Lacey ||
|-
|1980|| ''[[The Long Riders]]'' || Pinkerton ||
|-
|1981|| ''[[The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981 film)|The Postman Always Rings Twice]]'' || Sackett ||
|-
|1983|| ''[[The Man with Two Brains]]'' || Inspector ||
|-
|1984|| ''[[The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension]]'' || General Catburd ||
|-
|1985|| ''[[Fletch (film)|Fletch]]'' || rowspan="2"|Ted Underhill ||
|-
|1989|| ''[[Fletch Lives]]'' ||
|-
|1989|| ''[[Dead Bang]]'' || Elton Tremmel || (final film role)
|}


==Films==
== Teacher ==
He and his wife, Peggy Feury, together founded the Loft Studio to teach acting.<ref>Oakley, James. [http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/susan-traylor-the-casserole-club/#_ "Susan Traylor's LA Story"]. ''Interview Magazine''. July 11, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1985/11/26/arts/peggy-feury.html] Peggy Feury. ''New York Times''. November 26, 1985</ref> The Loft Studio became a greatly admired acting studio, where Traylor and Feury brought the precepts of Stanislavski, and lessons from their own experiences at the Actors Studio, and the [[Neighborhood Playhouse]] in New York. They taught a remarkable roster of actors, including [[Sean Penn]],<ref>Abramowitz, Rachel. "Don't Get Him Started". ''Los Angeles Times''. January 6, 2002. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121019001902/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/jan/06/entertainment/ca-abram6/3]</ref><ref>Parker, Sachi. ''Lucky Me: My Life With--and Without--My Mom, Shirley MacLaine''. Penguin (2013) {{ISBN|9781101616567}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=nWft3FzeKecC&dq=%22peggy+feury%22+teacher&pg=PT225]</ref> [[Johnny Depp]],<ref>Blitz, Michael. Krasniewicz, Louise. ''Johnny Depp: A Biography''. Greenwood Publishing Group (2007) Page 20. {{ISBN|9780313343001}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=cxAxufxMH0QC&q=feury&pg=PA20]</ref> [[Ellen Burstyn]],<ref>Burstyn, Ellen. ''Lessons in Becoming Myself''
His film work includes ''[[Cisco Pike]]'' (1972), ''[[The Towering Inferno]]'' (1974), ''[[Smile (1975 film)|Smile]]'' (1975), ''[[S*H*E]]'' (1980), ''[[The Long Riders]]'' (1980), ''[[The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981 film)|The Postman Always Rings Twice]]'' (1981), ''[[The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension]]'' (1984), ''[[Fletch (film)|Fletch]]'' (1985), and others.<ref name="imdb.com"/>
By Ellen Burstyn [https://books.google.com/books?id=wDYv5SAog3sC&dq=%22peggy+feury%22&pg=PT164]</ref> [[Jeff Goldblum]],<ref>DiMarco, Damon. ''The Quotable Actor: 1001 Pearls of Wisdom from Actors Talking About Acting''. Santa Monica Press. (2009) Page 133. {{ISBN|978-1-59580-044-2}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ur2PBQAAQBAJ&dq=%22peggy+feury%22+technique&pg=PA132]</ref> [[Lily Tomlin]], [[Joanna Kerns]],<ref>Ardmore, Jane. "Growing a Delight for Joanna Kerns". February 4, 1987. Lawrence Journal-World. Page 4. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19870204&id=Pk8yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RuYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=7046,904377]</ref> [[Annette O'Toole]],<ref>Densmore, John. ''Riders on the Storm: My Life with Jim Morrison and the Doors''. Random House Publishing Group (2009) [https://books.google.com/books?id=_XIxmn-_70IC&dq=%22Annette+O%27Toole%22+%22peggy+feury%22&pg=PT215]</ref> [[John Mayall]], [[Anjelica Huston]],<ref>Kozlowski, Carl. Fleischauer, Robert. ''Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston hits the Alex Theatre'' Nov 20 to discuss her memoir 'Watch Me'. ''Pasadena Weekly''. November 13, 2014. [http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/cms/story/detail/?id=13795]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/058-4/ |title=Academy Awards Acceptance Speeches Search Results Margaret Herrick Library Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences |publisher= |accessdate=January 10, 2017}}</ref> [[Meg Tilly]],<ref>White, Nancy J. "International Women's Day: Behind every great woman — there's a woman". ''Toronto Star''. March 7, 2014. [https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/03/07/international_womens_day_behind_every_great_woman_theres_a_woman.html]</ref> [[Nicolas Cage]],<ref>Hoare, Philip. Noel Coward: A Biography of Noel Coward. Simon and Schuster (2013) {{ISBN|9781476737492}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=BEOqd8OMleMC&dq=%22Nicholas+Cage%22+%22peggy+feury%22&pg=PT498]</ref> [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]<ref>Parker, Sachi. Lucky Me: My Life With--and Without--My Mom, Shirley MacLaine. Penguin (2013) {{ISBN|9781101616567}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=nWft3FzeKecC&dq=%22peggy+feury%22+teacher&pg=PT225]</ref> and [[Callie Khouri]] — who wrote the film ''[[Thelma and Louise]]''.<ref>Field, Syd. ''Four Screenplays: Studies in the American Screenplay''. Random House. (2009) {{ISBN|9780307569523}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=JaKYpR50eJYC&dq=%22peggy+feury%22&pg=PA8]</ref>


==Teacher==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
He and his wife, Peggy Feury, together founded the Loft Studio to teach acting.<ref>Oakley, James. [http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/susan-traylor-the-casserole-club/#_ "Susan Traylor's LA Story"]. ''Interview Magazine''. July 11, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1985/11/26/arts/peggy-feury.html] Peggy Feury. ''New York Times''. November 26, 1985</ref> The Loft Studio became a greatly admired acting studio, where Traylor and Feury brought the precepts of Stanislavski, and lessons from their own experiences at the Actors Studio, and the [[Neighborhood Playhouse]] in New York. They taught a remarkable roster of actors, including [[Sean Penn]],<ref>Abramowitz, Rachel. “Don’t Get Him Started”. ''Los Angeles Times''. 6 January 2002. [http://articles.latimes.com/2002/jan/06/entertainment/ca-abram6/3]</ref><ref>Parker, Sachi. ''Lucky Me: My Life With--and Without--My Mom, Shirley MacLaine''. Penguin (2013) {{ISBN|9781101616567}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=nWft3FzeKecC&pg=PT225&lpg=PT225&dq=%22peggy+feury%22+teacher&source=bl&ots=knAoiUhp4j&sig=f8JR7s8s5fEcHCwV8LBgqn0WHQ0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ta16VKelOLSUsQSHqYKAAg&ved=0CB0Q6AEwADgU#v=onepage&q=%22peggy%20feury%22%20teacher&f=false]</ref> [[Johnny Depp]],<ref>Blitz, Michael. Krasniewicz, Louise. ''Johnny Depp: A Biography''. Greenwood Publishing Group (2007) Page 20. {{ISBN|9780313343001}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=cxAxufxMH0QC&pg=PA20&lpg=PA20&dq=%22peggy+feury%22+%22johnny+depp%22&source=bl&ots=Nqq_dlo4J9&sig=yn8tdpCaMvXn7WxQGn_lg9X_Qho&hl=en&sa=X&ei=dFN7VI63MsnksAS9ooDIDQ&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=feury&f=false]</ref> [[Ellen Burstyn]],<ref>Burstyn, Ellen. ''Lessons in Becoming Myself''
By Ellen Burstyn [https://books.google.com/books?id=wDYv5SAog3sC&pg=PT164&lpg=PT164&dq=%22peggy+feury%22&source=bl&ots=nsUDxdMC0X&sig=9KsA-gbR5NM7K9gST7akDOTP5Zo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=5rl1VK6tD7aRsQS5pII4&ved=0CEIQ6AEwBzgo#v=onepage&q=%22peggy%20feury%22&f=false]</ref> [[Jeff Goldblum]],<ref>DiMarco, Damon. ''The Quotable Actor: 1001 Pearls of Wisdom from Actors Talking About Acting''. Santa Monica Press. (2009) Page 133. {{ISBN|978-1-59580-044-2}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ur2PBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA132&lpg=PA132&dq=%22peggy+feury%22+technique&source=bl&ots=101C80WCcA&sig=0nEpQvywcXBbRr63VjF-Nio8wps&hl=en&sa=X&ei=BdCBVKu2MsKZgwSQ14HoCg&ved=0CF0Q6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22peggy%20feury%22%20technique&f=false]</ref> [[Lily Tomlin]], [[Joanna Kerns]],<ref>Ardmore, Jane. “Growing a Delight for Joanna Kerns”. 4 February 1987. Lawrence Journal-World. Page 4. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19870204&id=Pk8yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RuYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=7046,904377]</ref> [[Annette O'Toole]],<ref>Densmore, John. ''Riders on the Storm: My Life with Jim Morrison and the Doors''. Random House Publishing Group (2009) [https://books.google.com/books?id=_XIxmn-_70IC&pg=PT215&lpg=PT215&dq=%22Annette+O%27Toole%22+%22peggy+feury%22&source=bl&ots=nE5tkv2EEi&sig=55ypY3um-i78oYQP6EwPAfgVd4Q&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p9SBVODTNcamNpPVgcAF&ved=0CF0Q6AEwDQ#v=onepage&q=%22Annette%20O'Toole%22%20%22peggy%20feury%22&f=false]</ref> [[John Mayall]], [[Anjelica Huston]],<ref>Kozlowski, Carl. Fleischauer, Robert. ''Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston hits the Alex Theatre'' Nov. 20 to discuss her memoir 'Watch Me'. ''Pasadena Weekly''. 13 November 2014. [http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/cms/story/detail/?id=13795]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/058-4/|title=Academy Awards Acceptance Speeches - Search Results - Margaret Herrick Library - Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences|publisher=|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref> [[Meg Tilly]],<ref>White, Nancy J. "International Women’s Day: Behind every great woman — there’s a woman". ''Toronto Star''. March 7, 2014. [http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/03/07/international_womens_day_behind_every_great_woman_theres_a_woman.html]</ref> [[Nicolas Cage]],<ref>Hoare, Philip. Noel Coward: A Biography of Noel Coward. Simon and Schuster (2013) {{ISBN|9781476737492}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=BEOqd8OMleMC&pg=PT498&lpg=PT498&dq=%22Nicholas+Cage%22+%22peggy+feury%22&source=bl&ots=-iuOnJo3NN&sig=bafFYLxP2PbuldVc98MOGaDkuvg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DkB6VKSTF_OLsQSBh4HgBg&ved=0CEoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22Nicholas%20Cage%22%20%22peggy%20feury%22&f=false]</ref> [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]<ref>Parker, Sachi. Lucky Me: My Life With--and Without--My Mom, Shirley MacLaine. Penguin (2013) {{ISBN|9781101616567}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=nWft3FzeKecC&pg=PT225&lpg=PT225&dq=%22peggy+feury%22+teacher&source=bl&ots=knAoiUhp4j&sig=f8JR7s8s5fEcHCwV8LBgqn0WHQ0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ta16VKelOLSUsQSHqYKAAg&ved=0CB0Q6AEwADgU#v=onepage&q=%22peggy%20feury%22%20teacher&f=false]</ref> and [[Callie Khouri]] — who wrote the film ''[[Thelma and Louise]]''.<ref>Field, Syd. ''Four Screenplays: Studies in the American Screenplay''. Random House. (2009) {{ISBN|9780307569523}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=JaKYpR50eJYC&pg=PA8&lpg=PA8&dq=%22peggy+feury%22&source=bl&ots=7CQODo_zkH&sig=T4dKg1Yk50dkj3EUSUx-J9JA1jg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=dsN1VNWvHrG0sAS8wYCgCw&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAzgy#v=onepage&q=%22peggy%20feury%22&f=false]</ref>


== External links ==
==References==
* {{Playbill person|william-traylor-vault-0000043962}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20141219230351/http://www.playbillvault.com/Person/Detail/43962/William-Traylor archive])
{{Reflist|2}}
* {{IBDB name}}

==External links==
* [http://www.playbillvault.com/Person/Detail/43962/William-Traylor William Traylor] at [[IBDb]]
* {{IMDb name|0871501}}
* {{IMDb name|0871501}}
* {{findagrave|24430365}}
* [http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;cc=wiarchives;type=boolean;rgn=Entire%20Finding%20Aid;q1=Traylor;op2=And;q2=Traylar;op3=And;view=reslist;subview=detail;sort=freq;didno=uw-whs-tape00339a William Traylor] at the [[University of Wisconsin]]'s [http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;view=reslist;subview=standard;didno=uw-whs-tape00339a;focusrgn=summaryinfo;cc=wiarchives;byte=50771135 Actors Studio audio collection]
* [http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;cc=wiarchives;type=boolean;rgn=Entire%20Finding%20Aid;q1=Traylor;op2=And;q2=Traylar;op3=And;view=reslist;subview=detail;sort=freq;didno=uw-whs-tape00339a William Traylor] at the [[University of Wisconsin]]'s [http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;view=reslist;subview=standard;didno=uw-whs-tape00339a;focusrgn=summaryinfo;cc=wiarchives;byte=50771135 Actors Studio audio collection]

{{authority control}}


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[[Category:American drama teachers]]
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[[Category:Male actors from Missouri]]
[[Category:American Methodists]]

Latest revision as of 20:59, 8 October 2024

William Traylor
Traylor in 1978
Born
William Hurley Traylor Jr.

(1930-10-08)October 8, 1930
DiedSeptember 23, 1989(1989-09-23) (aged 58)
Other namesBlll Traylor, William Hurley Traylor
OccupationActor
Years active1954–1989
Spouse
(m. 1961; died 1985)
Children2, including Susan Traylor

William Hurley Traylor Jr. (October 8, 1930 – September 23, 1989) was an American film, stage, and television actor. He was also, along with his wife, Peggy Feury, an acting coach and founder of The Loft Studio, an acting school attended by such major stars as Sean Penn, Anjelica Huston and Nicolas Cage.[1] He is the father of actresses Stephanie Feury[2] and Susan Traylor.[3]

Early life

[edit]

He was born William Hurley Traylor Jr. in Kirksville, Missouri, to parents Edna Mae (Singleton) and William Hurley Traylor Sr. Kirksville had a population of 8,293 at the time. A fellow member of the Actors Studio, Geraldine Page, was also born in Kirksville.[4] Traylor and his two siblings, sisters Patricia (Traylor) Weber and Lucille (Traylor) Jorgenson, were raised in the Brashear, Missouri area, where William Sr. operated an oil business and service station.[5][6] Brashear is a small farm town with the Hog Branch stream running through one corner of it. When Traylor lived there, it had a population of only about 438 people, though it has shrunk considerably since then.[7]

Actors Studio

[edit]

In his twenties, William Traylor arrived in New York City, where he studied acting, and soon became a member of the Actors Studio. The Actors Studio was founded in 1947 by Elia Kazan, Cheryl Crawford, Robert Lewis and Anna Sokolow, to provide training for actors. Lee Strasberg joined later and became its director in 1951. The Actors Studio is known for teaching method acting, as it evolved out of the Group Theatre in the 1930s and the ideas of Constantin Stanislavski.[8]

As a member of the Actors Studio in New York, Traylor, along with others, participated in a program to record and archive work that was being done there, including performances of scenes from dramatic literature. Traylor participated in these recordings from 1961 to 1968. These recordings have been archived as part of the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections.[9]

Television

[edit]

As an actor in New York, Traylor began appearing in roles in television dramas during what has become known as the Golden Age of television. He appeared in Screen Directors Playhouse, Highway Patrol, I Led 3 Lives, The Alcoa Hour, Goodyear Playhouse, Flipper, Father Knows Best, Naked City, and others.[1]

Theatre

[edit]

He also performed on stage in theatres on Broadway as well as off Broadway, and in theatres in the region. His debut on Broadway occurred on November 14, 1957 at the Belasco Theatre, and was a remarkable opportunity: Two comedies written by and starring theatre legend, Noël Coward: Present Laughter with Traylor appearing as Roland Maule, and Nude With Violin with Traylor appearing as Clinton Preminger. Other cast members included Eva Gabor, Morris Carnovsky, Joyce Carey, and Mona Washbourne. The plays were produced together, and performed on different nights in repertory.[10][11][12] Traylor received positive personal notices for his Broadway debut.[13][14]

During that production Traylor had a problematic and apparently sexual relationship with Coward, which caused them both anguish, and resulted in an apparent suicide attempt by Traylor. The run of show ended soon after, and the company dispersed.[15][16] In 2013, British playwright, James Martin Charlton, used this episode as the basis for a fictionalized theatrical dramatization, entitled Coward. According to the press and the reviews of the production, the names of the characters, and the setting, and the period were all changed in the manner of a roman à clef, and none of the fictional characters were portrayed in an especially positive light by the playwright.[17][18][19]

Traylor went on to appear on Broadway in The Glass Menagerie, Show Boat, and Of Love Remembered, which was directed by Burgess Meredith.[20][21]

Los Angeles

[edit]

He met and married a fellow Actors Studio member, the actress Peggy Feury in 1961. Eventually, professional opportunities drew Traylor to Los Angeles. His family, which now included two young children, Stephanie and Susan, left New York to join him in Los Angeles. On September 23, 1989, just 14 days before his 59th birthday, he suddenly died from a heart attack at his home.

In Los Angeles, he appeared in television dramas and series, including Adam-12, Bracken's World, The F.B.I., McMillan & Wife, Mannix, Kung Fu and The Execution of Private Slovik.[1]

Films

[edit]

His film work includes Cisco Pike (1972), The Towering Inferno (1974), Smile (1975), S*H*E (1980), The Long Riders (1980), The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984), Fletch (1985) (for which he is best remembered as the uptight Mr. Underhill) and others.[1]

Year Title Role Notes
1955 The Last Frontier Soldier Uncredited
1961 One Plus One Hollister ("Honeymoon' segment)
1964 Diary of a Bachelor The Bachelor
1968 Windflowers FBI Agent #1
1968 The Boston Strangler Arnie Carr
1970 Colossus: The Forbin Project Party Guest Uncredited
1972 Cisco Pike Jack
1972 The Legend of Hillbilly John Reverend Millen
1974 The Towering Inferno Security Guard in Control Room Uncredited
1975 Smile Ray Brandy
1980 S*H*E Lacey
1980 The Long Riders Pinkerton
1981 The Postman Always Rings Twice Sackett
1983 The Man with Two Brains Inspector
1984 The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension General Catburd
1985 Fletch Ted Underhill
1989 Fletch Lives
1989 Dead Bang Elton Tremmel (final film role)

Teacher

[edit]

He and his wife, Peggy Feury, together founded the Loft Studio to teach acting.[22][23] The Loft Studio became a greatly admired acting studio, where Traylor and Feury brought the precepts of Stanislavski, and lessons from their own experiences at the Actors Studio, and the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. They taught a remarkable roster of actors, including Sean Penn,[24][25] Johnny Depp,[26] Ellen Burstyn,[27] Jeff Goldblum,[28] Lily Tomlin, Joanna Kerns,[29] Annette O'Toole,[30] John Mayall, Anjelica Huston,[31][32] Meg Tilly,[33] Nicolas Cage,[34] Michelle Pfeiffer[35] and Callie Khouri — who wrote the film Thelma and Louise.[36]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "William Traylor". IMDb. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  2. ^ "Stephanie Feury". IMDb. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  3. ^ "Susan Traylor". IMDb. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  4. ^ "Geraldine Page". IMDb. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  5. ^ Kirksville Daily Express. Edna Traylor obituary. Published December 19, 1991.
  6. ^ "Answers – The Most Trusted Place for Answering Life's Questions". Answers.com. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  7. ^ A Book Of Adair County History, Published by the Adair County Bicentennial Committee, 1976.
  8. ^ Anna Sokolow The Rebellious Spirit by Larry Warren pages 89–94: The Actors Studio. ISBN 90-5702-185-4
  9. ^ University of Wisconsin Digital Collections
  10. ^ League, The Broadway. "William Traylor – Broadway Cast & Staff – IBDB". Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  11. ^ Coward, Noel. Present Laughter. Playbill program
  12. ^ Coward, Noel. Nude with Violin. Playbill program
  13. ^ Peterson, Camilla. "'LAUGHTER' Noel Coward Play Provides 'A Good Time'". Stanford Daily. February 27, 1958. [1]
  14. ^ "The New Yorker Digital Edition : Nov 23, 1957". Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  15. ^ Hoare, Phillip. Noel Coward: A Biography of Noel Coward. Simon and Schuster (2013) ISBN 9781476737492. [2]
  16. ^ Coward, Noel. Coward Plays: 6: Semi-Monde; Point Valaine; South Sea Bubble; Nude With Violin. World Classics. (2013) ISBN 9781408177365 [3]
  17. ^ Wainwright, Jon. "Coward – White Bear Theatre, London." The Public Reviews. October 25, 2013. [4]
  18. ^ O'Shaughnessy, Chris. "The rationality of evil: Coward at the White Bear Theatre". October 25, 2013. [5]
  19. ^ "Coward, White Bear Theatre – Review". October 26, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  20. ^ Playbill program. Showboat. 1966. Schubert Theatre
  21. ^ Of Love Remembered. Playbill program
  22. ^ Oakley, James. "Susan Traylor's LA Story". Interview Magazine. July 11, 2012.
  23. ^ [6] Peggy Feury. New York Times. November 26, 1985
  24. ^ Abramowitz, Rachel. "Don't Get Him Started". Los Angeles Times. January 6, 2002. [7]
  25. ^ Parker, Sachi. Lucky Me: My Life With--and Without--My Mom, Shirley MacLaine. Penguin (2013) ISBN 9781101616567 [8]
  26. ^ Blitz, Michael. Krasniewicz, Louise. Johnny Depp: A Biography. Greenwood Publishing Group (2007) Page 20. ISBN 9780313343001 [9]
  27. ^ Burstyn, Ellen. Lessons in Becoming Myself By Ellen Burstyn [10]
  28. ^ DiMarco, Damon. The Quotable Actor: 1001 Pearls of Wisdom from Actors Talking About Acting. Santa Monica Press. (2009) Page 133. ISBN 978-1-59580-044-2 [11]
  29. ^ Ardmore, Jane. "Growing a Delight for Joanna Kerns". February 4, 1987. Lawrence Journal-World. Page 4. [12]
  30. ^ Densmore, John. Riders on the Storm: My Life with Jim Morrison and the Doors. Random House Publishing Group (2009) [13]
  31. ^ Kozlowski, Carl. Fleischauer, Robert. Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston hits the Alex Theatre Nov 20 to discuss her memoir 'Watch Me'. Pasadena Weekly. November 13, 2014. [14]
  32. ^ "Academy Awards Acceptance Speeches – Search Results – Margaret Herrick Library – Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences". Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  33. ^ White, Nancy J. "International Women's Day: Behind every great woman — there's a woman". Toronto Star. March 7, 2014. [15]
  34. ^ Hoare, Philip. Noel Coward: A Biography of Noel Coward. Simon and Schuster (2013) ISBN 9781476737492 [16]
  35. ^ Parker, Sachi. Lucky Me: My Life With--and Without--My Mom, Shirley MacLaine. Penguin (2013) ISBN 9781101616567 [17]
  36. ^ Field, Syd. Four Screenplays: Studies in the American Screenplay. Random House. (2009) ISBN 9780307569523 [18]
[edit]