William O'Malley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William J. O'Malley
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William J. O'Malley
August 18, 1931 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
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| Died | July 15, 2023 (aged 91) Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Education | College of the Holy Cross (BA) |
| Occupation | Priest, actor, teacher, author |
| Known for | The Exorcist (film), The Fifth Week, Meeting the Living God, Help My Unbelief, You'll Never Be Younger and other books |
William J. O'Malley (born August 18, 1931 – died July 15, 2023) was an American priest, teacher, actor, and author. He was a member of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. O'Malley was born in Buffalo, New York. He went to Canisius High School there. Later, he graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1953. He is well-known for his role as Father Dyer in the movie The Exorcist. He also wrote many books and taught students for many years.
A Life of Teaching
William J. O'Malley spent many years as a dedicated teacher. He taught AP English and theology. For 22 years, he taught at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, New York. He also helped students put on musical and drama shows at the school.
Later, he taught at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx. There, he taught theology and AP English. He also taught a special class about God, morality, marriage, and fatherhood. He continued teaching at Fordham University until 2003. After that, he became a professor at Seattle University.
Acting and Directing
O'Malley is famous for playing Father Dyer in the movie The Exorcist. He also helped the filmmakers with advice for the movie. He was one of the first Catholic priests to act as a priest in a major film. He also appeared in a TV show called E! True Hollywood Story of the Curse of The Exorcist.
Beyond movies, O'Malley loved theater. He directed 99 plays and musicals. He worked with both students and adults on these productions. He also acted in plays himself. In Rochester, he played Jim in The Glass Menagerie. He also acted as the cleric in The Power and the Glory.
An Author's Journey
William J. O'Malley was a very productive writer. He wrote 37 books that were published. His books often focused on faith and spirituality. Some of his well-known books include Choosing to Be Catholic and Why Be Catholic?.
Other popular titles are God: The Oldest Question and Meeting the Living God. His book Help My Unbelief won a Catholic Book Award in 2009. Another book, You'll Never Be Younger, won a Catholic Press Association Book Award in 2016.
Awards and Special Honors
O'Malley received several important awards and honors. In 1990, he was given an honorary doctorate degree. This special degree was from Le Moyne College. It recognized his contributions to society.
In 2007, he received the F. Sadlier Dinger Award. This award was for his great work in religious education in America. He also won three "Best Article Awards" from the Catholic Press Association.
