He was born to William Henry Duke Sr. and Ethel Louise. Bill grew up with his sister named Yvonne Duke. He is close to his niece Nola Hampton, who appeared in the ‘Unsung Hollywood television documentary series.
He is of American nationality and of Afro-American ethnicity.
As per academics, Bill Duke graduated from ‘Franklin D. Roosevelt High School’ in Hyde Park and later went to ‘Dutchess Community College’ in Poughkeepsie. He learned performing arts and creative writing at the college.
Bill Duke attended ‘Boston University’ in Massachusetts after graduating from ‘Dutchess Community College,’ where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in drama.
Bill Duke went on to study performing arts at places like the ‘AFI Conservatory’ and the ‘Tisch School of Arts’.
Bill Duke: Career, Professional Life
Bill Duke started his career with a small role on Broadway in 1971 when he became part of a musical titled ‘Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death.’
Since then, he has landed roles in over 80 movies and tv series, most notably in films like American Gigolo, No Man’s Land, Bird on a Wire, Menace II Society, Exit Wounds, Payback, X-Men: The Last Stand, Mandy, Dallas: The Early Years, Always Outnumbered, and Battledogs.
Some of the tv series Bill Duke has acted in are ABC Afterschool Specials, Palmerstown, U.S.A., Fastlane, Karen Sisco, Cold Case, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Black Lightning, Ghost Tape, and The Oval.
Moreover, Bill Duke has directed episodes of numerous television series such as Cagney & Lacey, Dallas, Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, The Twilight Zone, Deep Cover, A Rage in Harlem, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, and American Playhouse.
Besides acting in films, he is also a mentor to young promising Afro-American actors or directors.
Awards and Nominations
Bill Duke has received various honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute, the NAACP’s Special Award for Exceptional Achievement, the SCLC’s Drum Major for Justice Film Award, and the Cable Ace Award. Duke was also named to the National Endowment for the Humanities by President Bill Clinton.
Bill Duke: Salary, Net Worth, Income
Of all his illustrious career, Bill Duke has earned a hefty amount of income. He has an estimated net worth of over $4 Million.
Rumors and Controversies
There are no rumors or controversies about him yet.
Bill Duke: Body Stats, Hair and Eye Color
Bill Duke stands at a height of 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 90 kilograms. Likewise, he has a clean-shaved head and a black color eye.
Social Media Platforms
Bill Duke is active on social media profiles such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. He has over 70k followers on Instagram, around 36k followers on Facebook, and over 42.8k followers on Twitter.
