William Mims (January 15, 1927 – April 9, 1991) was a prolific American character actor whose career was defined by a remarkable versatility and a steady presence across the landscape of classic television and cinema. Born in Carthage, Missouri, Mims moved to Los Angeles as a teenager, where he refined his craft at Los Angeles City College before establishing himself as a reliable talent on the stage and screen.
Mims was a ubiquitous face in mid-century television, appearing in an extraordinary list of legendary series. He navigated genres with ease, from the surreal tales of The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents to the rugged landscapes of Bonanza, Wagon Train, and The Wild Wild West. His ability to blend into a variety of roles—whether playing a pragmatic townsman in a Western like Lawman or a guest character in high-stakes dramas like The Fugitive and Columbo—made him a favorite for casting directors for over three decades.
On the big screen, Mims left his mark on both cult favorites and major studio releases. Science fiction fans recognize him from the 1963 thriller The Day Mars Invaded Earth, and he appeared in diverse films such as the action-packed Hot Rods to Hell (1967) and Sam Peckinpah’s The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970). Beyond the cameras, he was a formidable talent on the Los Angeles stage, taking on challenging roles in landmark plays like Inherit the Wind and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
William Mims was also a well-known figure in the Hollywood social and sporting community as the founder and president of The Hollywood Hackers Celebrity Golf Club. He remained active in the industry until his passing in 1991, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most hardworking and dependable character actors. He is remembered by fans of the Golden Age of Television for the professional polish and authenticity he brought to every role he inhabited.
