Collection Summary
Self, William, 1921-2010
William Self papers
2001-2002
09066
0.20 cubic ft. (2 boxes) + website
University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.
English
William Self (1921–2010) was a Hollywood actor and producer known for his work in film and television. This collection contains a cast chart for the Frank Sinatra show,
a biography of William Self, and a web video of an interview of Self about his early career and Spencer Tracy’s influence on his shift to producing from the Academy.
Biography of William Self
William Self (1921–2010) was a Hollywood actor and producer known for his work in film and television. Born in Dayton, Ohio, he graduated from the University of Chicago in 1943 with a degree
in political science before pursuing a career in acting. He appeared in over thirty films, including
I Was a Male War Bride, Adam’s Rib, and The Thing, in which he played Corporal Barnes.
In 1952, encouraged by Spencer Tracy, Self transitioned into producing, starting with the television series China Smith. He later produced The Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, collaborating
with actors like Ronald Reagan and James Dean. By 1957, he was producing The Frank Sinatra Show on ABC before joining CBS as a program executive, where he helped develop The Twilight Zone.
In 1958, he moved to 20th Century Fox, where he worked for fifteen years, eventually becoming Vice President.
In 1975, Self partnered with Mike Frankovich to produce theatrical films before returning to CBS in 1977 as Vice President in Charge of Movies and Miniseries. Over the next several years,
he oversaw the production of more than 250 films and numerous miniseries. Promoted to President of CBS Theatrical Film Division in 1982, he produced ten feature films, including
Eleni and Turtle Diary.
Later, he established Self Productions, Inc., and co-founded Sarah Productions with Glenn Close, producing Sarah, Plain & Tall and its sequels. Self was a member of the Academy of
Television Arts and Sciences, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the Directors Guild of America. He also served on the boards of the John Tracy Clinic, the Motion Picture Television Fund,
and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. He was married to Lucille Flynn from 1941 until her passing in 2007, and they had two children. Self passed away in November 2010 following a heart attack.
This collection contains a cast chart for the Frank Sinatra show, a biography of William Self, and a web video of an interview of Self about his early career and Spencer Tracy’s influence on his shift to producing from the Academy.
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes,
and the collection is open to the public.
Copyright Information
The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright,
property, and libel laws as they apply.
Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in Collections
The American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are
respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of
reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our
finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.
Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event.
Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form.
For more information, read our full statement.
There are no known other archival collections created by William Self at the date of processing.
This material was recieved from William Self in the 1970s and 2002.
This collection was processed by Brittany Heye in March of 2025.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection
Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Access Terms
Television programs -- United States.
Detective and mystery television programs -- United States.
Film actors and actresses.
Television producers and directors.
<?xm-replace_text {Title as Subject}?>
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Performing Arts
Social Life and Customs
People, Ethnicity, and Culture
1Biographical Information- William "Bill" Self2002
2Hobart Productions Inc. Staff Chart (for Frank Sinatra show)undated
DigitalWebsite: Interview with William Self conducted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences about Self's early career and friendship with Spencer TracyMarch 27, 2001