William Harter
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Birth Name
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William Laurence James Harter
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Born
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August 27, 1937 (age 79)
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Nationality
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American
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Years Active
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1956-present
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William Laurence James Harter (born August 27, 1937) is a veteran actor whose acting credits go back to 1956. He is best known for his roles as Greg Femley in the 1970s sitcom The Femley Brothers, Jay Dougand in 1994's West Pitts, Carlana, and as Grandpa James H. Jones in 2005's Christmas for the Brimm Family.
Early Life[]
Harter was born in America to Pauline Bouchais-Harter and Laurence Harter. He is the second oldest child. He has one famous brother, Matthew Harter. He started showing an interest in acting at age seven.
Career[]
Early career[]
Harter began his acting career in 1956. He made his film debut in 1956's Holmestown Mountain, alongside actor George Bildenhousen. He was credited as "Bill Harter" from 1956 to 1961. He spent the early years of his career starring in low-budget films in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Femley Brothers (1971-1976)[]
In 1971, after more than a decade of starring in low-budget films, Harter auditioned for the role of Greg Femley in The Femley Brothers, along with actors Gary Mueshean and Robert Wycks. Harter won the role, which made the show's producers very happy because they wanted someone who was not well-known (Harter did not become well-known until the 1970s), and both Mueshean and Wycks had gained fame in the 1950s. Harter was happy when he found out he'd be working with his friend and co-star in Holmestown Mountain, Craig Froutz. Harter became a household name in the 1970s as the very funny Greg Femley. In 1974, when Sylvester O'Dooley joined the cast, Harter and O'Dooley became like brothers, both on-screen and off-screen. Harter and O'Dooley's characters, Greg Femley and Paul Jackleys (respectively), were a team of funny men who made the show really worth watching from 1974 until its end in 1976. In 1976, when the show ended, Harter was called one of the funniest men on television.