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Walt Willey, born in Ottawa, Illinois, studied Fine Arts at Southern Illinois University, where he developed an interest in acting, taking on lead roles in several productions. In 1981, he moved to New York to pursue a professional acting career.
He appeared in numerous Off-Broadway shows, including Dust Off alongside Dan Lauria, and had roles on NBC's Another World as James La Russo and on ABC's Ryan's Hope as Joe Novak.
In 1987, Walt joined ABC's All My Children, portraying a lawyer.
Expanding his talents, Walt began performing stand-up comedy in 1990, headlining at notable clubs such as Caroline's in New York, Zanies in Chicago, and the Comedy Store in California. He continues to tour nationally. Fellow comedian and friend Joy Behar of The View recommended him for the Friars Club, leading to his induction in January 2001 alongside legends like Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, and Billy Crystal.
In 2006, Walt released Wild and Willey, his debut comedy DVD, surprising fans familiar with his role as Jackson Montgomery and his hosting work. The DVD showcases his influences Richard Pryor and Robin Williams as he explores themes of life, love, sex, children, and celebrity.
Willey co-hosted the 20th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards with Susan Lucci, and also co-hosted the 1992 Ford Supermodel of the World with Beverly Johnson and again in 1993 with Rachel Hunter. He was a co-host for ABC’s Tournament of Roses Parade coverage in 1994, 1995, and 1997, and hosted Disney’s A Magical Time in a Magical Place.
At Disney's Super Soap Weekend, Walt hosted the "Talk Show," "Street Jam," the game show "Super Soap Spin," and, alongside Meredith Veira, was the only person permitted to host the on-site "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!"
A published satirist and cartoonist, Walt has been a regular columnist and cartoonist for Soap Opera Update and Soap Opera Weekly. His lithograph "Soaperman" is displayed in Chicago's Underground Comics Hall of Fame, and his collection The Arthurian Legend: A Re-Telling of the Christ Myth received acclaim during its gallery tour.
His other pop culture highlights include appearing as himself in comic-book form in Valiant Comics' The Second Life of Dr. Mirage, being impersonated by Phil Hartman on Saturday Night Live, and serving as a celebrity panelist on The Match Game and To Tell the Truth.
In 2009, Walt co-founded a regional community theatre in his hometown of Ottawa, Illinois, staging productions such as The Odd Couple, Arsenic and Old Lace, Plaza Suite, and Harvey, as well as original works focusing on local history. Guest artists have included Jill Larson, Julia Barr, Taylor Miller, Kale Browne, and Vincent Irizarry.
He tours with his one-man show, Wild Bill! An Evening with James Butler Hickok, often performing alongside his in-school program designed for high schools.
Walt frequently hosts charity fundraisers and established the WilleyWorld Endowment Fund to support children's charities.
When not working, Walt lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his son Chance and daughter Merit.
