Biografia
Bill Brown was a prominent figure in the Buffalo, New York film and theatre scenes, featuring in feature films, shorts, and TV commercials. He frequently appeared in projects directed by Fred Olen Ray, Christopher Ray, and Gregory Lamberson. However, his involvement went far beyond these collaborations: from 2013 to 2022, nearly every filmmaker and actor in Western New York had the opportunity to work with Bill. Remarkably, he began acting only after retiring from a long-standing factory career. A widower, he initially explored theatre. Following his role in the Starry Night Theatre’s production of "Treasure Island" at the Ghostlight Theatre in Tonawanda, Bill’s first film appearance was as a background performer in Lamberson’s horror comedy "Dry Bones." Soon after, he landed a significant speaking role opposite Lynn Lowry in Sam Qualiana’s micro-budget found footage monster film "The Legend of Six Fingers." Additional roles followed in Kory Green’s "The Romans" and Adam Steigert’s "Ombis: Alien Invasion." Bill started as a background actor in Fred Olen Ray’s Christmas TV movies and thrillers and eventually earned speaking parts for both Fred and his son, Christopher Ray. He quickly became one of the most beloved and sought-after actors in Buffalo’s film community. Beyond acting, Bill contributed behind the scenes as a production assistant and overnight fire-watch, driven simply by his love for being on set. He also supported and volunteered at local film festivals, including the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival, where he became well-known to visiting filmmakers worldwide. Some of his last roles included parts in "Guns of Eden," "Heartbreak Falls," and "Turn Up the Night." In 2022, Bill earned the Best Western New York Performance award from Buffalo Dreams for his dual performance in "Reflections," a short film directed by Larry Saunders. The film went on to screen at several international festivals. In his honor, Buffalo Dreams renamed the performance award after him. Over a decade, Bill became one of the most recognizable faces—and with his Scottish accent, one of the most distinctive voices—in the Buffalo film industry, inspiring actors across generations.
From his obituary:
William S. Brown, Sr., a retired Tool and Die maker, passed away at Buffalo Mercy Hospital at age 79. William worked at Trico for over 25 years until its closure, then spent over 15 years at the GM Delphi Plant in Lockport before retiring. He also enjoyed working at the D'Youville Kavinoky Theater as a stagehand, actor, and producer, appeared as an extra in numerous locally produced Hallmark movies, starred in several local commercials, and played Juror #6 in the 2017 American biographical legal drama film "Marshall," which was shot in Buffalo.
William cherished time with his grandchildren, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed golfing, bowling, and hunting with family and friends. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean (née Parker) Brown and devoted father to Kathleen Brown and William Jr. (Terri) Brown. He was the loving grandfather of Andrew Brown, Shawn Best, and Carolyn (Anthony) Martone and the cherished companion of Lucy McCabe.
Born on Wednesday, August 18, 1943, in Scotland to the late Catherine (née Sinclair) Brown and Andrew Brown, he immigrated to the United States in 1968. He was the dear brother of Isobel (late Alec) Bennett, Kathryn (Robert) Lindsay, and the late Margo (late Bobby) Currie, and is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
