Veteran American actor William Smithers, widely recognised for his role as oil tycoon Jeremy Wendell in the iconic television series Dallas, has passed away at the age of 98.
Smithers died on May 26, 2026, at his residence in Santa Barbara, California. His death was first reported by the Santa Barbara Independent and later confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.
He gained widespread recognition in the 1980s for his portrayal of Jeremy Wendell, a powerful and cunning rival to J.R. Ewing, a character famously played by Larry Hagman. Smithers first appeared on Dallas in 1981 and became a recurring presence on the show between 1984 and 1989, leaving a lasting impression as one of its notable antagonists.
Born in Virginia in 1927, Smithers served in the United States Navy before embarking on a long and diverse acting career that spanned theatre, television, and film.
Beyond Dallas, his body of work included roles in productions such as Papillon, Mission: Impossible, Star Trek, as well as appearances in several Broadway plays.
As of the time of this report, the cause of his death has not been disclosed. Tributes have continued to pour in from fans and members of the entertainment community, many remembering him for his enduring contributions to television and film.
