Character Actor William Smithers, Who Played Jeremy Wendell On ‘Dallas,’ Dies At 98

• William Smithers died May 26, at age 98; no cause of death was reported.
• Best known for playing oil tycoon Jeremy Wendell, one of J.R. Ewing’s greatest rivals on ‘Dallas.’
• Also appeared in ‘Papillon’ and the original ‘Star Trek,’ with a career spanning Broadway, film, and television.

 

Television and film fans are remembering William Smithers, the veteran actor whose career spanned stage, television, and film over several decades. Best known to many viewers for his role as the ruthless oil executive Jeremy Wendell on Dallas, Smithers died at the age of 98. News of his passing was reported on June 15, though he reportedly died on May 26.

According to TVInsider, throughout a career that stretched from Broadway productions to prime-time television dramas, Smithers built a reputation as a dependable character actor capable of bringing authority, intelligence, and complexity to his roles. His performances left a lasting impression on audiences and helped make him a familiar face across multiple generations of entertainment.

His Dallas Character Became One Of J.R. Ewing’s Greatest Rivals

For many fans, Smithers will always be remembered as Jeremy Wendell, chairman of WestStar Oil and one of the most formidable adversaries faced by J.R. Ewing on Dallas. Appearing in 50 episodes between 1981 and 1989, he played a powerful businessman whose corporate battles with the Ewing family became a central part of the show’s drama.

The character’s storyline eventually came to an end when authorities caught Wendell discussing an illegal scheme, arrested him, and sent him to prison. Off-screen, Smithers later revealed that contract negotiations contributed to his departure from the series. Despite leaving under those circumstances, his portrayal remains one of the most memorable recurring performances in the show’s history.

A Career That Extended Far Beyond Prime-Time Television

While Dallas introduced him to millions of viewers, Smithers had already established a successful acting career long before joining the hit soap opera. He appeared in the classic prison drama Papillon alongside Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman and portrayed Captain R.M. Merik in the original Star Trek episode “Bread and Circuses.”

The William Smithers legacy also includes an impressive stage career. He made his Broadway debut in Romeo and Juliet in 1951 and went on to appear in numerous theatrical productions. Over the years, he accumulated credits across film, television, and theater, demonstrating remarkable versatility and longevity. With his passing, fans are remembering William Smithers not only for his memorable roles but also for a career that reflected nearly a century of dedication to the performing arts.