The top 5 facts about the Boy Meets World legend William Daniels
William Daniels turns 99 on March 31, 2026, and he has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning decades across television, film and theatre. Best known for roles in St. Elsewhere, Boy Meets World and as the voice of KITT, William’s journey began long before he became a household name.
Happy birthday William Daniels! 5 facts you should know about the Boy Meets World legend
William Daniels turns 99 on March 31, 2026, and he has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning decades across television, film and theatre.
Best known for roles in St. Elsewhere, Boy Meets World and as the voice of KITT, William’s journey began long before he became a household name.
Brooklyn beginnings
William Daniels was born on March 31, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, to father Charles, a bricklayer, and mother Irene, a telephone operator.
Alongside his sisters Jacqueline and Carol, he was encouraged from a young age to sing, dance and perform - a push from his mother that would shape his future career.
Becoming John Adams in 1776
William took on one of his most demanding roles as John Adams in the Broadway musical 1776.
Reflecting on the experience, he penned on his website: "I had nine songs and two were solos. I never left the stage. I became the driving force in a successful Broadway musical, something I never thought possible.”
He later reprised the role in the 1972 film and the 1976 miniseries The Adams Chronicles.
A real-life love story on and off screen
William's wife, Bonnie Bartlett, shared the screen with him as his on-screen spouse Ellen Craig in St. Elsewhere.
William recalled preparing intensely for the role, writing on his website: "I had to have them down pat, because so much of it was medical jargon and I had to make the speech seem like second nature while, at the same time, performing heart surgery."
A memorable role in The Graduate
William appeared in the acclaimed 1967 film The Graduate, playing Mr. Braddock, father to Dustin Hoffman’s character, Benjamin Braddock - despite being only about a decade older than him.
Emmys win
William and Bonnie made television history when they both won Emmy Awards on the same night in 1986 for their work on St. Elsewhere.
The achievement highlighted not only their individual talents but also their unique partnership, both on and off screen.
