He didn't win an Emmy Award on May 20, but we think he should have, for he is truly a delight to watch when he performs as Maude's fourth husband, Walter.

Remember the episode in which Bill, just slightly tipsy, removed his trousers and other garments after Maude declared that "nudity is beautiful?" That had to be one of the most hilarious sequences seen on any comedy show this season.

Mind you, Bill is accustomed to nudity, for he starred for two years in the stage production of "Oh! Calcutta!" on Broadway and in London.

But he admits it took some getting used to. "It took three months of rehearsals before we felt confident enough to appear before an audience in the altogether!"

What else does he remember about this controversial all-nude production?

"I met my girl there. Her name is Samantha Harper. When people ask how we met, I say 'in Oh! Calcutta! I was intrigued by her smile!"

After service with the American Army in New Guinea, he worked for his father in Brooklyn for a brief spell, but he didn't like it. At age 24, he heeded the advice on a poster that said "Act Now," and joined an acting workshop. He was 31 before he went looking for his first acting job.

Besides "Oh! Calcutta!" Bill has starred in the stage production of "American Hurrah" and "The Cannibals" and his performances impressed Norman Lear (producer of All In The Family, Sanford and Son and Maude) enough to write the part of Walter especially for Bill Macy. With Beatrice Arthur's encouragement.

"That Bea Arthur!" says Bill admiringly. "The show would never be the smash hit it is without her."

 

*from the British Columbia Teleguide, June 17, 1973