William Daniels Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

William Daniels Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

William Daniels is a veteran American actor renowned for his iconic roles as Dr. Mark Craig in St. Elsewhere, the voice of KITT in Knight Rider, and Mr. George Feeny in Boy Meets World.

Introduction

William Daniels (born March 31, 1927) is a highly respected American actor whose career spans stage, film, television and voice work. With an estimated net worth of approximately $4 – 5 million, his enduring presence in entertainment has been matched by an equally long-lasting personal life: he has been married to fellow actor Bonnie Bartlett since June 30, 1951. His age/birthdate highlights a career of extraordinary longevity, and his birthday (March 31) is often celebrated by fans of his many memorable roles.

Quick Facts

From Brooklyn Roots to Broadway Dreams

William Daniels’s story begins in Brooklyn, New York, born to Irene (a telephone operator) and David Daniels (a bricklayer).  His early exposure to performance came through family singing and radio work; he even appeared on children’s radio broadcasts as a youngster. 

After serving in the U.S. Army in Italy toward the end of World War II, Daniels used the GI Bill to attend Northwestern University, where he studied drama and honed his craft. 

His theatrical break came when he debuted on Broadway in Life with Father. From there he segued into film and television; his breakout film role came with The Graduate (1967), where he played Mr. Braddock. 

Defining moments in William Daniels’s journey include:

• Securing the role of John Adams in the Broadway musical 1776, which he later reprised onscreen.

• Winning two Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Craig on St. Elsewhere. 

• Providing the voice of the iconic car KITT in Knight Rider. 

• Embodying the beloved teacher Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World, a role that continues to resonate with audiences.

Through each phase, Daniels exhibited versatility—and an ability to reinvent himself, from stage to mainstream TV to voice work.

The Core Pillars of William Daniels’s Wealth

The core pillars of William Daniels’s wealth include:

• Acting Salaries & Residuals: Long‑running shows like St. Elsewhere, Boy Meets World, and voice work on Knight Rider generated substantial compensation and residual income.

• Film & Theater Earnings: Major film credits (e.g., The Graduate, 1776) and theatrical work added to his earnings and broadened his market reach.

• Voice Work and Licensing: His distinctive voice as KITT has had enduring appeal, generating licensing and fan‑interest value for decades.

• Union Leadership & Industry Influence: Serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild (1999‑2001) enhanced Daniels’s professional stature—though the primary financial benefits stem from acting rather than executive compensation. 

While the overall figure of ~$4–5 million is modest compared to blockbuster‑level net worths in Hollywood, it reflects a steady, long‑term career of smart choices, significant roles, and sustained relevance.

Relationships & Family Life

William Daniels’s personal life is marked by a remarkable marriage and quiet resilience.

He married Bonnie Bartlett on June 30, 1951—after meeting as drama students at Northwestern University.  While their early years together included challenges—Bartlett later revealed a period of open marriage during their youth, describing it as “very painful” — the couple worked through those issues and built a lasting partnership. 

They adopted two sons, Michael and Robert, and became grandparents to several grandchildren. 

Key insights into William Daniels’s relationships and personal life:

• The couple’s long tenure together stands out in an industry known for short‑lived unions.

• They supported each other professionally: Bartlett acted alongside Daniels on St. Elsewhere and later appeared on Boy Meets World. 

• Their openness about early marital struggles illustrates a willingness to confront difficulties rather than hide them—ultimately strengthening their bond.

• Daniels has often called his relationship with Bartlett his greatest achievement, beyond his acting career.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, William Daniels leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A residence in the Los Angeles area (Studio City) that was purchased decades ago and has grown in value over time. 

• Keeping physically active: Even in later years Daniels has emphasized exercise and staying in shape, as noted by People magazine. 

• Engaging with fans and conventions: His portrayal of Mr. Feeny maintains a loyal fan base, and he participates in conventions and cameo‑requests, which also contribute to his ongoing presence. 

• Select philanthropic engagements: While not as heavily publicized as some A‑list peers, Daniels has lent his voice and platform to causes such as child‑welfare PSAs, leveraging his mentor‑figure persona from Boy Meets World. 

• A lifestyle marked by simplicity and longevity: Rather than flash, Daniels and his wife have emphasized family, mutual respect and stable living.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

The evaluation of William Daniels’s net worth comes from credible sources such as Celebrity Net Worth and Parade magazine. 

Here’s a breakdown of the drivers behind his wealth:

Analysis:
Daniels’s wealth has remained steady rather than explosive—reflecting a career built on consistent work rather than blockbuster paydays. His long‑term earnings from television, voice‑work, and residuals have accumulated over time, and his marriage and career choices have supported stability. The relatively modest net worth underscores that even iconic character actors can have wealth far below A‑list earners—but it also illustrates the value of longevity and legacy in entertainment.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

William Daniels occupies a unique place in pop culture and the entertainment industry.

• He is widely respected by peers and fans alike for his work ethic, professionalism and mentorship—traits echoed in his most famous role as Mr. George Feeny. 

• His portrayal of Dr. Mark Craig and voice of KITT introduced him to older and younger generations, speaking to his versatility and broad appeal.

• Daniels served as president of the Screen Actors Guild, reinforcing his influence beyond performance and into industry advocacy. 

• His long marriage to Bonnie Bartlett and candid discussions of early marital challenges provide a narrative of personal growth and resilience, contributing to his public persona of integrity and longevity.

• His impact continues through conventions, cameo appearances and the lasting recognition of his characters—a testament to his legacy rather than transient fame.

In sum, his influence lies not just in one role but in a body of work and a way of working—with consistency, respect and craft.

Conclusion

William Daniels’s journey—from a Brooklyn childhood, through Broadway and major film roles, to television’s most beloved mentor—paints the picture of an actor who built a remarkable legacy. His net worth, estimated at around $4–5 million, may not place him among Hollywood’s wealthiest, but it reflects a career of depth, consistency and real earnings over time. His age/birthdate (March 31, 1927) anchors nearly a century of personal and professional milestones, while his birthday (March 31) gives fans an annual chance to celebrate the man behind Mr. Feeny. Beyond numbers, his enduring marriage to Bonnie Bartlett—and the mutual respect they share—speaks to a personal life as meaningful as his public one. In a world of fleeting fame, William Daniels’s story is a reminder that longevity, craft, character and connection leave the most lasting mark.