This article appeared in the December 1970 issue of DAYTIME TV.
It is accompanied by a photo of William Fowler (Timmy Siegel).
This article wouldn't be here for your viewing without John. THANKS John!!!
William Fowler: “I’ve had the plastic beauties – NOW I’M READY FOR A REAL WOMAN”
“I got the acting bug when I was 6 years old and I guess I just never got it out of my system. Sure, it disappointed my father who was in advertising. He just automatically thought I would want to follow him into the field, but it didn’t work that way.”
The young man speaking is William Fowler (Timmy Siegel on One Life to Live.) Bill visited with us at our Daytime TV office and wasn’t in the least bit shy about filling us in on the details of his life. A well-spoken, gentle, young man of 26; and by the way, still a bachelor, Bill is a very determined and ambitious actor. He knows exactly what he wants to do with his life and has geared himself in that direction.
Born in Winnetka, Illinois, Bill grew up surrounded by women. He has three older sisters, all of whom are now married and scattered throughout the United States. Bill attributes his desire to act to the fact that he was an only boy. He says, “I guess I wanted to get attention. Competing with 3 sisters was no easy task.”
“I came to New York and attended the American Academic of Dramatic Arts, graduating in 1966. Everything I’ve done so far has been exciting for me. Everything has added to me experience, but I have to admit that when I started on One Life to Live in December 1969, I was scared.”
“Sure I had been around. I even did a screen test out in Hollywood in 1968 and I’ve done commercials both in Hollywood and New York, but I was still scared when I started on the series. I think that’s only natural. At least I hope so.”
“I do commercial every now and then, singing commercials. You see, I put everything I’ve learned over the years to good use. I sing and play guitar and have played in Chicago and New York cafes.”
Has Bill traveled much?
“I sure have. When I first came to New York, I attended the University of Seven Seas. It was a unique ship on which faculty and students from 41 states and 6 foreign countries visited theatres all over the world. After I completed my travels and the experience I gained from this type of education, I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts,” he said.
When asked what his parents thought about his acting career now, Bill was quick to answer. “I’d they’re pretty proud. Mom and Dad live in Englewood, Florida, now. Dad works part time in a St. Petersburg ad agency and Mom is just a housewife who likes her daytime serials. The unfortunate part of it all is that they live on an island and our show doesn’t come in too clear. But Mom doesn’t let that get her down. She and Dad drive to a friends’ house to watch the television there.”
“They tell me that they’ve been swamped with mail from friends and relatives and that I’ve been getting a lot of publicity from Florida and Chicago papers. That pleases me, of course.”
Bill has his own apartment which he shares with a friend, the audio man on the show. He seems to be quite content with the way things are going for him, not only career-wise but in his private life.
“I’ve dated two of the girls on the show. One is Amy Levitt who plays Cathy Craig and the other is Lee Warrick who portrays my sister in the series. Both are very nice girls.”
“What kind of girl do I want to marry? Well, there’s a saying which states that every man should have an airline stewardess, a Bunny and a starlet. Well, I’ve dated all three and now I’m ready for a real woman. I’m ready to appreciate a natural, real beauty.”
“When I say beauty, don’t get me wrong. I’m not in the least bit fussy about looks. I will admit that I like trim looking girls. After all, I was heavy once and I trimmed down, so that’s not too much to ask. I like intelligent girls, girls who can speak in jargon, who can express themselves creatively.”
“I have a set thing about marriage. I know what I want in my marriage. I want my wife to have an equal say in everything we do and want. Of course, I want a few children and I want those children to have respect for their mother. The children should hold both parents in equal esteem, there should be no separation or distinction.”
“I also want my wife to like the outdoors. You see, I like scuba diving even though at the present time I’m too busy for it. I also like camping and do a lot of that with the people on the show. We have a group and I’m part of it.”
“I think the only thing I’ve left out of my perfect woman is the fact that I like blondes and brunettes more than I do redheads. That’s about it.”
What about fan clubs? Has anyone started a fan club for you?
“Yes, I do have a fan club but I made certain stipulations about that, too, before giving my approval. I hope this doesn’t make me sound like a pompous young squirt, but I just didn’t want a fan club which was going to talk about me. I wanted a fan club which would have meaning, which would better the world. Some examples of what I’m getting at are: the fight against pollution, urging people to use lead-free gasoline. See what I mean?” the young actor asked.
Our interview with William Fowler was an absolutely delightful one. It gave us an insight into a multi faceted talent. We concluded our interview by asking Bill what would make him extremely happy?
“Stardom would be nice,” he replied, “but I know that’s not the real answer. People who do become stars have a tendency not to remain stars too long. I guess I’m mainly interested in steady employment. Eventually I’d like to own my own ad agency, a small creative little business. I know that when my Dad reads this, it will please him no end. Guess that kind of please me, too.”
There’s no question about it, William Fowler is a real nice guy.