William H. Macy joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast for The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series. Known for his unforgettable roles in Fargo and Shameless, William opens up about portraying Jack Buck, finding truth in storytelling, and living with faith and courage.
This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes the man who brought one of America’s most beloved voices to life: legendary broadcaster Jack Buck. To capture Jack’s courage and compassion, we turned to William H. Macy, the award-winning actor and master storyteller whose humility and heart shine through every frame.
Today, William shares lessons from his father’s humor and integrity, the heartbreak and resilience that shaped his mother, and how a young man in Vermont stumbled into acting and into purpose. He opens up about failure, rejection, and what it really means to “tell the truth for a living.”
My friends, if you have ever questioned your direction, your dreams, or your ability to start again, this conversation is for you. You will leave it reminded that authenticity still matters, that faith shows up when you need it most, and that no matter your stage in life, there is still time to move forward boldly, bravely, and with heart.
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SHOW NOTES:
- William reflects on growing up in Miami and the lessons learned from his father’s humor, honesty, and ability to fix anything.
- “He could fix anything… and he taught me to tell the truth.” William credits his father with shaping his integrity both on and off the stage.
- Acting, he says, isn’t about pretending. It’s about telling the truth for a living.
- William’s mother carried deep grief after losing her first husband in the war, a loss that taught him early lessons about strength and sorrow.
- At 14, he performed in a high school talent show, got his first laugh, and never stopped chasing it.
- College in Vermont led him to playwright David Mamet, who turned acting from a pastime into a calling.
- “The theater is a church. It’s where people go to hear the truth.”
- William shares great actors are born with a gift, but says hard work and humility are what sustain a lasting career.
- He shares what he learned from Fargo, why he fought for the role, what made the film timeless, and how risk can lead to reward.
- “You just have to learn to roll with the punches.” He reminds us that resilience on stage often becomes resilience in life.
- William shares his love story with actress Felicity Huffman and how shared passion for theater became the glue that holds them together.
- Behind his 11 seasons of Shameless, William reveals the challenge (and beauty!) of playing a deeply flawed man who occasionally found grace.
- “I was weeping by the end of the script.” The story of SOUL ON FIRE and Jack Buck’s quiet generosity reminded him why he fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
- His advice for dreamers: “Keep moving forward. Tomorrow’s another day. There’s always hope.”
- Watch this featurette on William H. Macy becoming legendary broadcaster Jack Buck here.
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WILLIAM H. MACY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. My Life in Art by Konstantin Stanislavski and Electric Universe by David Bodanis. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Boldness. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. I've got a Martin ukulele built in the 1940s that I just adore. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Abraham Lincoln. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Always tell the truth. It's the easiest thing to remember. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Calm down. Learn the lines. Have faith. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. He had his moments.
