Bright and articulate actor William Baldwin, a graduate in political science from State University of New York at Binghamton, left the political arena of Capitol Hill to become an actor after his older brother, Alec Baldwin, became a successful movie star. For his first couple of years in Hollywood, William could only find work in advertisements. He got his first break when he was hired to play Robert Chambers in the television movie The Preppie Murder (1989). That year, Baldwin made his big-screen debut playing a small role in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July. In 1990, Baldwin had his first major role playing opposite Richard Gere in Internal Affairs. He then had a leading role in the dark sci-fi-fantasy Flatliners (1990). A major hit, Baldwin showed the makings of a real star, following up with Backdraft (1991) and the ill-received Sliver (1993). But though he has demonstrated considerable talent and an appealing boyish sexuality, the major stardom enjoyed by Alec Baldwin has thus far eluded him, though he continues to work steadily in films, such as Curdled (1997). Baldwin’s other brothers, Daniel and Stephen, are also actors. ~ Sandra Brennan.