Who is Bill Overton? Age, Height, Biography, Football Career, All About Facts
Bill Overton is a man of many talents. He has been a professional football player, a model, an actor, and an author. Overton is known for his appearances in movies, TV shows, and commercials, but his career goes far beyond entertainment. He has used his platform to promote diversity and speak about important issues like the portrayal of African Americans in the media.
Who is Bill Overton?
Bill Overton is an American actor, model, and former professional football player. Born on February 26, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, he is best known for his roles in films like Lord Shango and TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Overton has also worked as a model, appearing in ads for brands like Hanes and Sears. In addition, he is the author of a book about how the media portrays African Americans, making him not just a celebrity but also an advocate for social change.
Bio/Wiki
- Full Name: William Overton
- Date of Birth: February 26, 1947
- Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Profession: Actor, Model, Author, Former Football Player
- Known For: Acting, Modeling, Advocacy
Early Life and Education
Bill Overton grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. He lived with his mother and stepfather, Hessie and Eugene Waterhouse. As a child, Bill showed a talent for sports and academics. He attended Asa Gray Elementary School and Lewis Junior High School, where he started playing football and basketball.
In high school, Bill attended Boston English High School, where he excelled as an athlete. He became a star player in both football and basketball, earning a full scholarship to Wake Forest University. At Wake Forest, he studied Speech and Drama, graduating in 1968. His time in college helped him develop the skills that would later serve him in acting and modeling.
Bill Overton Age, Weight, Height, and Appearance
As of 2024, Bill Overton is 77 years old. He stands tall at approximately 6 feet 3 inches and has maintained a fit and healthy appearance throughout his life. Known for his good looks, Overton became a successful model and actor because of his charisma and confident demeanor.
Parents and Siblings
While little information is available about his siblings, Bill credits his family for supporting his ambitions and helping him develop strong values.
Bill Overton Nationality
Bill Overton is an American. He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and has spent most of his career in the United States.
Football Career
In 1968, after graduating from college, Bill Overton was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys to play professional football in the NFL. He was later traded to the Kansas City Chiefs and also played in the Canadian Football League. However, Overton retired from football in 1970, deciding to pursue other interests.
Modeling Career
After leaving football, Bill transitioned into modeling. He signed with agencies like Black Beauty and Ford Models, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in advertisements during the 1970s. He modeled for major brands like Hanes, Benson and Hedges, and Sears, helping to break barriers for African Americans in the modeling industry.
Acting Career
Bill Overton later pursued acting, studying at the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City. He appeared in several films and TV shows, including:
- Lord Shango (1975)
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- 227
He worked alongside some of the most respected names in Hollywood, bringing a natural and authentic presence to his roles.
Writing Career
In 2002, Bill Overton published a book called The Media: Shaping an Image of a People. Through this work, Overton became a voice for change, encouraging people to think critically about the media’s influence on society.
Awards and Notable Works
While Bill Overton has not received major acting awards, his work in modeling, acting, and advocacy has earned him respect and admiration. His book has been praised for shedding light on important social issues, and his groundbreaking career as a model paved the way for future generations.
Bill Overton Net Worth
Bill Overton’s exact net worth is not publicly known. However, his successful careers in football, modeling, acting, and writing have undoubtedly provided him with financial stability and success.
Family and Children
Bill Overton has been married twice.
- First Marriage: He was married to actress Kathleen Bradley, with whom he has a daughter named Cheyenne Overton.
- Second Marriage: In 1985, he married actress and former beauty queen Jayne Kennedy. Together, they have three daughters:
- Savannah Re Overton
- Kopper Joi Overton
- Zaire Ollyea Overton
Bill has often spoken about the importance of family, and he takes great pride in being a loving husband and father.
Ethnicity and Religion
Bill Overton is African American. His work has often focused on addressing racial issues and promoting equality. Information about his religious beliefs is not widely available, but he emphasizes values like compassion, fairness, and social justice.
Filmography
Bill Overton appeared in several films and TV shows during his acting career. Some of his notable works include:
- Lord Shango (1975)
- Guest roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Guest roles in 227
While his acting career was not as extensive as his modeling work, he left a lasting impression through the roles he played.
Legacy and Impacts
Bill Overton’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and inspiring change. As a model, he opened doors for African Americans in an industry that had been largely inaccessible to them. Through his acting and writing, he highlighted important social issues and used his voice to advocate for fairness and representation.
His dedication to his family and his ability to balance multiple careers make him a role model for aspiring athletes, artists, and activists alike.
Cause of Death
Bill Overton is alive as of 2024.
Interesting Facts
- Multi-Talented Career: Bill Overton succeeded in professional football, modeling, acting, and writing.
- Breaking Barriers: He was one of the first African American models to achieve significant success in the advertising industry.
- Hollywood Connections: Overton appeared in popular TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
FAQs
- Who is Bill Overton?
Bill Overton is an actor, model, former football player, and author known for his roles in films and TV shows, as well as his work in modeling and writing. - What is Bill Overton’s most famous book?
His book, The Media: Shaping an Image of a People, explores the portrayal of African Americans in media. - Who is Bill Overton married to?
Bill Overton has been married to actress Jayne Kennedy since 1985. - What are Bill Overton’s contributions to modeling?
He was one of the first African American models to achieve major success in the advertising industry, paving the way for future generations. - Is Bill Overton still alive?
Yes, Bill Overton is alive as of 2024.
Conclusion
Bill Overton is a man of many achievements, from playing professional football to modeling for major brands and acting in films and TV shows. His journey reflects hard work, talent, and a commitment to making a difference. Beyond his career, Bill has used his voice to advocate for representation and equality, leaving a legacy that inspires future generations.
Through his work in multiple fields, Bill Overton has shown the world that success is not just about personal achievements—it’s also about opening doors for others and using your platform to create positive change.
