A vaudeville and stage performer, he made his Broadway debut as "Billy Quinn" in "Daddies" at the age of 6.
Appeared in recurring roles on several TV shows including "The Rifleman" (1958), "McHale's Navy" (1962), "The Odd Couple" (1970) and "Archie Bunker's Place" (1979). He also could be glimpsed every once in a while on "Newhart" (1982). Bill's daughter, Ginny Newhart, is married to the show's star, Bob Newhart.
Appeared in silent films as a child, billed as Billy Quinn.
Bald, skinny, hollow-eyed veteran character actor in hundreds of TV shows, mostly found in bucolic settings with a pipe thrust in his mouth.
Bill and Nanette Fabray occasionally played Mary Tyler Moore's parents on her classic 1970s sitcom, "Mary Tyler Moore" (1970).
Father-in-law of Bob Newhart: Father of Bob's wife, Ginny Newhart.
Grandfather of Robert William Newhart, Courtney Newhart, Timothy Newhart and Jennifer Newhart.
Longstanding radio performer known for his work on "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" and the aptly-titled "Just Plain Bill."