Who Is Bill McKinney? Age, Biography and Wiki
Bill McKinney was born on September 12, 1931, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and he passed away on December 1, 2011. Known for his memorable roles in films such as "Deliverance" and "The Outlaw Josey Wales," McKinney left a mark in Hollywood as a versatile character actor. As of 2025, he would have been 94 years old.
Bill began his career in theater before transitioning to television and film. His ability to portray rugged and intimidating characters made him a sought-after talent during the 1970s and beyond.
| Occupation | Country Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1931 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 December, 2011 |
| Died Place | San Fernando, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Bill McKinney's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Bill McKinney stood at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), which complemented his strong screen presence. Throughout his career, he maintained a robust physique that suited the tough characters he often portrayed. His weight typically varied around 200 pounds (91 kg) during his acting years, contributing to his on-screen persona.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bill McKinney was known to have been private about his personal life. He was married to Eloise McKinney, and together they had two children. However, the details about his family life beyond this are less documented, indicative of his tendency to keep his personal matters away from the media spotlight.
Given his passing in 2011, McKinney does not have a current boyfriend or girlfriend, as he remains a beloved figure in the hearts of his family and fans.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Bill McKinney's net worth was estimated to be around $2 million. His earnings primarily derived from his extensive acting career, which included both film and television appearances. As a respected character actor, he earned a decent salary, particularly during his peak years, although precise figures remain speculative due to the lack of comprehensive financial disclosures in the film industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Bill McKinney's career was marked by numerous notable performances in both film and television. He gained widespread recognition for his role as the menacing "Burt Reynolds" in Deliverance (1972) and the intense "Chief" in The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976). His acting portfolio also includes appearances in various TV shows and movies, showcasing his versatility across genres.
Beyond acting, there has been little information regarding any major business ventures or investments undertaken by McKinney, as his focus remained primarily on his craft.
He had an unsettled life as a child, moving 12 times. At the age of 19, he joined the Navy during the Korean War. He served two years on a mine sweeper in Korean waters, and was stationed at Port Hueneme in Ventura County, California.
After being discharged in 1954, he settled in California, attending acting school at the Pasadena Playhouse in 1957. His classmates included Dustin Hoffman and Mako Iwamatsu. During this time, McKinney became an arborist to earn money, a job which he would hold until the mid-1970s.
Social Network
Bill McKinney was not active on modern social networks, such as Facebook or Instagram, as his career primarily predated the social media era. However, his legacy lives on through a dedicated fan base and various fan pages that celebrate his contributions to film and theater. As the digital landscape evolves, fans continue to share memories and tributes online.
On December 1, 2011, McKinney died from esophageal cancer at his home in San Fernando, California. He was 80. McKinney's death was announced on his Facebook page on the same day. The announcement read: "Today our dear Bill McKinney passed away at Valley Presbyterian Hospice.
An avid smoker for 25 years of his younger life, he died of cancer of the esophagus. He was 80 and still strong enough to have filmed a Dorito's commercial 2 weeks prior to his passing, and he continued to work on his biography with his writing partner. Hopefully 2012 will bring a publisher for the wild ride his life was.
He is survived by son Clinton, along with several ex-wives. R.I.P. Bill sept.12 1931 – dec. 1 2011 [sic]."
Education
McKinney pursued his passion for acting through formal education in theater arts, although specific information about his educational background is not extensively recorded. His training and experiences in acting undoubtedly honed his craft, allowing him to deliver powerful performances that have endured in cinematic history.
After the Pasadena Playhouse, McKinney moved on to Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio, making his movie debut in exploitation pic She Freak (1967). For 10 years he was a teacher at Cave Spring Middle School. He made his television debut in 1968 on an episode of The Monkees and attracted attention as Lobo in Alias Smith and Jones.
The film Deliverance (1972) proved to be his breakthrough, playing the backwoods mountain man who violently rapes Ned Beatty's character.
