American actor William Smith, renowned for his illustrious career in film and television, sadly passed away at the age of 88 on July 9, 2021. With an extensive filmography boasting over 270 credits (as per IMDb), Smith captivated audiences with unforgettable performances, including his legendary portrayal of boxer Jack Wilson in “Any Which Way You Can” alongside Clint Eastwood, as well as his role in “Conan the Barbarian” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. Noteworthy appearances also include “Rich Man, Poor Man,” “Laredo,” and “Hawaii Five-O” (via the Hollywood Reporter). Smith’s final on-screen role was that of Hofbrau Bar Fly in the 2020 film “Irresistible,” starring Steve Carell and Rose Byrne.

An Accomplished Life Beyond Hollywood

Beyond his Hollywood endeavors, Smith enjoyed a successful career in the U.S. Air Force and the NSA. During the early ’50s, amidst the Korean War, Smith actively participated in covert missions over Russia and Eastern Bloc countries, showcasing his language proficiency in Russian, German, French, and Serbo-Croatian (as stated on his official site). Moreover, Smith excelled as a bodybuilder, discus thrower, and arm-wrestling champion. Notably, he also selflessly served as a volunteer firefighter in California.

Initially destined for classified positions within the U.S. government due to his CIA and NSA clearance, Smith’s path took an unexpected turn when he secured an acting contract with MGM. This opportunity paved the way for his involvement in George Pal’s “Atlantis, The Lost Continent” in 1961, along with notable television series like “Batman,” “Lassie,” “Death Valley Days,” and “The Mob Squad.”

A Glimpse into Smith’s Early Hollywood Introduction

As a child, Smith had his first taste of the Hollywood spotlight. Growing up on his family’s cattle farm in Columbia, Missouri, he immersed himself in horsemanship from an early age, which ultimately shaped his authentic Western persona on-screen. When Smith and his family relocated to Southern California, the eight-year-old aspiring actor made his mark as an uncredited child extra in “The Ghost of Frankenstein” alongside Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. His involvement in the film industry extended further with roles in “The Song of Bernadette,” “Going My Way,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn” (via WFTV 9).

A Surprising Revelation: William Smith’s Net Worth

At the time of his passing, William Smith had amassed a substantial net worth of approximately $7 million, considering his earnings as an actor and his various ventures (source: Famous People Net Worth). This remarkable financial achievement stands as a testament to his dedication and success throughout his illustrious career.

Born into modest beginnings, Smith’s upbringing on a family-owned cattle farm instilled in him a deep connection to horses and the Western way of life. His passion for these elements undeniably influenced his captivating presence on-screen.