Before he played the Down syndrome parent on "Life Goes On" (1989), Bill actually taught Down's syndrome children in high school.
Frequently collaborates with Michael Mann.
He and wife Shaw Purnell have two children, A.J. and Maya.
In 1993, he received the Michael Landon Humanitarian Award for his work with the Down Syndrome Congress, and then in 1996 he served on the executive board of the International Special Olympics committee in his home state of Connecticut.
Studied acting with Michael Howard in New York City.