William S. Smillie, professionally known as William Smillie, is an accomplished American actor, voiceover artist, and producer. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has built a diverse resume encompassing major television series, independent feature films, theatrical productions, and national commercial voiceover campaigns. Best recognized for his recurring role as Kevin Hadley on NBC’s hit drama Chicago Fire and his work on Fox’s APB, Smillie has established himself as a prominent fixture in the Chicago entertainment industry.
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Verify & Continue ReadingThis biography explores William Smillie’s early life, family background, physical attributes, career milestones, personal life, net worth, and answers frequently asked questions.
Quick Facts: William Smillie
| Full Name | William S. Smillie |
| Stage Name | William Smillie |
| Date of Birth | March 20, 1974 |
| Age | 52 years old |
| Place of Birth | Naperville, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 feet 0 inches) |
| Eye Color | Hazel / Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown / Graying |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Smillie |
| Brother | John Smillie |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 2 children |
| Profession | Actor, Voiceover Artist, Producer |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 Million |
| Talent Agency | Grossman & Jack Talent |
| Official Website/Outfit | Adeline Rise |
Early Life, Parents, and Education
William Smillie was born on March 20, 1974, in Naperville, Illinois, to Mr. and Mrs. Smillie. Growing up in Illinois, he developed an early interest in the performing arts. He was inspired by his older brother, John Smillie, whose high-school theater performances sparked William’s own curiosity about acting.
Smillie attended Naperville Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1992. Following high school, he briefly enrolled at the University of Illinois at Chicago before stepping away to explore creative paths. He later pursued formal training by studying scene work at Columbia College Chicago and the College of DuPage, while also honing his improvisational skills at the renowned iO Chicago theater.
Before achieving steady success in film and television, Smillie spent several years working in the service and hospitality industry, including stints as a bartender, before returning to his true passion for acting and performance.
Acting Career and Notable Film & TV Shows
William Smillie earned his first professional screen appearance in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster superhero film The Dark Knight (2008), starring alongside Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, and Aaron Eckhart. That same year, he made an appearance in the long-running medical drama ER, marking his official step into television.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Smillie became a familiar face in Chicago-filmed productions. He appeared in projects such as The Dilemma (2011) and The Chicago Code (2011) before landing his breakout television role as Kevin Hadley on NBC’s hit series Chicago Fire (2012-2015). His performance as the troubled firefighter cemented his reputation in network television.
Following his success on Chicago Fire, Smillie joined the main cast of the Fox science fiction crime drama series APB in 2017. His extensive credits across television, film, and streaming projects include:
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Chicago Code (2011)
- Chicago Fire (2012-2015) as Kevin Hadley
- APB (2017)
- What They Had (2018)
- Empire (2018-2019)
- Thirty Miles from Nowhere (2018)
- Fargo (2020)
- South Side (Comedy Central)
- Dark Matter (2024)
- Emperor of Ocean Park
In addition to screen acting, Smillie has an extensive theatrical background, having performed in numerous stage productions with the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Mercury Theater, and other regional theater companies in roles ranging from classic plays to contemporary comedy.
Voiceover Career and Adeline Rise
Alongside his on-screen work, Smillie has carved out a successful career as a professional voiceover artist. He officially earned his SAG and AFTRA memberships through voiceover work in 2001. Over the years, he has lent his voice to commercial campaigns for major national brands, including USAA Bank, Cars.com, Bissell, AT&T, and Bayer.
Operating out of a professionally designed and custom-built audio laboratory near Chicago, Smillie runs Adeline Rise, his private recording and production outfit.
Personal Life: Wife, Children, and Residence
William Smillie maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married and lives just outside of Chicago, Illinois, with his wife, two children, and three talkative cats.
While public records identify him as a dedicated family man, the specific names and personal details of his wife and children are kept away from the public spotlight. Outside of acting and voiceover work, Smillie enjoys hobbies such as playing the guitar, billiards, cycling, fishing, gaming, and swimming.
Net Worth
As of 2026, William Smillie has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million. He has accumulated his wealth through decades of consistent work in television acting, feature films, commercial voiceover contracts, independent production projects, and his recording studio business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is William Smillie?
William Smillie is an American actor, voiceover artist, and producer best known for his roles in Chicago Fire, The Dark Knight, APB, and Dark Matter.
2. How old is William Smillie?
William Smillie was born on March 20, 1974. He is 52 years old.
3. Is William Smillie married?
Yes, William Smillie is married and lives with his wife and two children near Chicago, Illinois.
4. What is William Smillie’s net worth?
William Smillie has an estimated net worth of around $1 million, earned through his acting, voiceover work, and production studio, Adeline Rise.
5. What role did William Smillie play in Chicago Fire?
William Smillie played the recurring character Kevin Hadley on NBC’s popular drama series Chicago Fire from 2012 to 2015.
6. Does William Smillie do voiceover work?
Yes, Smillie is an experienced voiceover artist who joined SAG/AFTRA via voice work in 2001 and has recorded commercials for major brands like AT&T, Cars.com, and USAA Bank.
