A former truck driver, stock broker, and radio announcer, handsome Bill Kennedy (born Willard A. Kennedy) played supporting roles in World War II melodramas before embarking on a career in B-Westerns. It began well, with Kennedy and George Dolenz sharing top billing in the 1945 Universal serial The Royal Mounted Rides Again, but Kennedy was always a bit too glib for comfort and would soon become one of Hollywood's younger Boss Villains, as well as a thorn in the side of Johnny Mack Brown in four of that veteran star's better vehicles. In the 1950s, Kennedy was busy on television becoming a guest star on such popular programs as The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, The Gene Autry Show, and Death Valley Days. In addition to acting assignments, he was the announcer for the entire 1953-1957 run of Adventures of Superman.
by Hans J. Wollstein
biography
