William Baldwin, often known as Billy Baldwin, is an American actor who rose to prominence in the early 1990s with a string of high-profile thriller and drama films. Born on February 21, 1963, in Massapequa, New York, he is the third of the four Baldwin brothers, a family that has become synonymous with Hollywood acting dynasties. His career spans over three decades, encompassing major studio films, independent projects, and recurring television roles.
Baldwin first gained widespread attention with his role in the medical thriller Flatliners (1990), a film that helped define the early-90s ensemble drama. He followed that success with leading parts in Backdraft (1991) and Sliver (1993), establishing himself as a recognizable face in American cinema. Beyond the big screen, he has built a steady television career with appearances in series such as Dirty Sexy Money, Gossip Girl, and Northern Rescue.
Outside of acting, Baldwin is known for his long marriage to singer Chynna Phillips, a member of the group Wilson Phillips, and for his active presence on social media. He remains a public figure whose career and personal life continue to attract interest from fans and media alike.
William Baldwin’s Career: Movies and TV Shows
William Baldwin (Billy Baldwin)
February 21, 1963 (age 62 as of 2025)
Estimated $10–20 million (as of 2025)
Flatliners (1990), Backdraft (1991), Sliver (1993)
Key Insights
- William Baldwin is the third of four acting Baldwin brothers — Alec, Daniel, William, and Stephen.
- He gained fame in the early 1990s with roles in Flatliners, Backdraft, and Sliver.
- He is married to singer Chynna Phillips since 1995; the couple has three children.
- Baldwin maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram (@thebillybaldwin), where he shares personal updates and opinions.
- His net worth is frequently estimated but varies across sources; no public financial disclosure exists.
Snapshot Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Baldwin |
| Also Known As | Billy Baldwin |
| Born | February 21, 1963, Massapequa, New York, USA |
| Age (2025) | 62 |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Siblings | Alec Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin, Stephen Baldwin, plus two sisters |
| Spouse | Chynna Phillips (m. 1995) |
| Children | 3 (Jameson, Vance, Brooke) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Notable Films | Flatliners, Backdraft, Sliver, The Getaway, For Richer or Poorer |
Baldwin’s breakthrough came in 1990 with Flatliners, a film about medical students who experiment with near-death experiences. The following year, he starred in Backdraft, a firefighting drama directed by Ron Howard, which became a commercial success. In 1993, he took on a leading role in Sliver, a psychological thriller alongside Sharon Stone. These three films cemented his reputation as a leading man in the early 1990s.
He continued working throughout the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in films such as Fair Game (1995), Virus (1999), and The Squid and the Whale (2005). He also made a cameo appearance as himself in the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall. On television, Baldwin played Senator Patrick Darling on the ABC series Dirty Sexy Money, took on a recurring role as William van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, and appeared as Gordon Flint on Parenthood. In 2019, he starred as John West in the Canadian family drama series Northern Rescue.
According to Wikipedia, his filmography includes more than 30 acting credits across film and television. IMDb lists his earliest credited role as a 1988 TV movie, though his first major theatrical release was Flatliners. Rotten Tomatoes notes that he began his career as a model before transitioning into acting, having left law school to pursue performance.
William Baldwin’s Family: Siblings, Wife, and Children
The term “Baldwin brothers” usually refers to Alec, Daniel, William, and Stephen. The broader Baldwin family includes sisters Beth/Elizabeth and Jane, making six children in total. All four brothers have pursued acting careers, though Alec has achieved the most widespread fame.
Who Are William Baldwin’s Siblings?
William Baldwin is the third of four brothers — Alec, Daniel, William, and Stephen — all of whom have worked as actors. The family also includes two sisters, Beth (also known as Elizabeth) and Jane. His parents are Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr. and Carol M. Martineau, with some sources also listing Carol Newcomb as his mother’s name. The Baldwin family grew up in Massapequa, New York, on Long Island.
Who Is William Baldwin’s Wife?
William Baldwin married singer Chynna Phillips in 1995. Phillips is best known as a member of the vocal group Wilson Phillips, which achieved major success in the early 1990s with hits such as “Hold On” and “Release Me.” The couple has been married for three decades, a relatively long-lasting marriage by Hollywood standards.
Does William Baldwin Have Children?
Yes, William Baldwin and Chynna Phillips have three children: Jameson, Vance, and Brooke. The family has largely stayed out of the spotlight, though Baldwin occasionally shares glimpses of his personal life on social media.
William Baldwin’s Net Worth and Current Life
Celebrity net worth figures are not publicly disclosed and vary widely across sources. Estimates for William Baldwin’s net worth typically range from $10 million to $20 million, but no official financial records or verified statements confirm any specific number. Readers should treat these figures as rough estimates.
What Is William Baldwin’s Net Worth?
William Baldwin’s net worth is frequently estimated by celebrity wealth websites, but these figures are not based on publicly disclosed financial information. Estimates commonly place his net worth between $10 million and $20 million as of 2025. However, because no official source — such as a financial disclosure or a verified statement from Baldwin himself — confirms any specific amount, these numbers should be treated as approximations. His income sources include acting salaries, producing fees, and possibly residuals from his film and television work.
Is William Baldwin Still Acting?
Yes, William Baldwin continues to take on acting roles, though his pace has slowed compared to the 1990s. His most recent starring role was in the television series Northern Rescue (2019), and he has expressed interest in future projects. He also remains active in the entertainment industry through social media and public appearances.
Is William Baldwin on Instagram?
William Baldwin is active on Instagram under the handle @thebillybaldwin. His account features personal updates, family photos, political commentary, and occasional reflections on his career. As of 2025, he has a substantial following on the platform. You can find his profile at Instagram.
William Baldwin’s Early Life and Background
Before becoming an actor, William Baldwin studied law. He left law school to pursue a career in modeling and then acting. This background is sometimes cited as an example of a significant career pivot within the entertainment industry.
Where Was William Baldwin Born?
William Baldwin was born in Massapequa, New York, a hamlet on Long Island, on February 21, 1963. He was raised in the same area as his four brothers and two sisters. His full name is William Joseph Baldwin, and he is also known as Billy Baldwin.
What Did William Baldwin Do Before Acting?
According to Rotten Tomatoes, Baldwin initially studied law before deciding to leave law school. He then worked as a model in New York City before transitioning into acting. This career change proved successful, as he quickly landed roles in film and television.
What Is William Baldwin’s Height?
William Baldwin stands 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters) tall, according to public records and biographical sources.
William Baldwin’s Career Timeline
- 1963 — Born in Massapequa, New York.
- 1990 — Breakthrough role in Flatliners.
- 1991 — Stars in Backdraft.
- 1993 — Stars in Sliver.
- 1995 — Marries Chynna Phillips.
- 1996 — First child, Jameson, born.
- 2000s — Appears in television series such as Dirty Sexy Money and Gossip Girl.
- 2010s — Continues film and television roles, including Parenthood and Northern Rescue.
- 2020s — Active on social media; takes on occasional acting projects.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About William Baldwin
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date and place (February 21, 1963, Massapequa, New York) — confirmed by Wikipedia and public records. | Exact net worth — estimates vary widely; no official source exists. |
| Marriage to Chynna Phillips (1995) — public event; three children known. | Current acting income — not publicly disclosed. |
| List of films and TV shows — verified through IMDb and Wikipedia. | Details of personal life not shared on social media. |
| Siblings and family relationships — well documented in multiple sources. | — |
The Baldwin Family Legacy
William Baldwin is part of the famous Baldwin acting dynasty, but his career is often overshadowed by his older brother Alec Baldwin’s high-profile success and controversies. While Alec became a household name through films such as The Hunt for Red October and 30 Rock, William carved out his own niche in the early-1990s thriller genre.
He capitalized on the early-90s trend of psychological thrillers with Flatliners and Sliver, but later transitioned to television and lower-profile films. His marriage to Chynna Phillips, a well-known singer in her own right, has kept him in the celebrity orbit. Unlike Alec, William has avoided major scandals and maintained a relatively stable public image. His active Instagram presence gives him a direct connection with fans, allowing him to share his perspectives without relying on traditional media outlets.
The Baldwin family as a whole remains one of the most recognizable acting families in the United States. For readers interested in other actor profiles, you can read about Patrick Muldoon or Jack Nicholson.
Where to Find Reliable Information About William Baldwin
Several sources provide verified information about William Baldwin’s life and career. Wikipedia offers a comprehensive biographical overview, while IMDb lists his full filmography. Rotten Tomatoes provides a curated list of his films with audience and critic ratings. People.com maintains a tag page with multiple articles covering his family and personal life. People.com is a useful source for news-oriented updates.
“William Baldwin (born February 21, 1963) is an American actor and the third of the four Baldwin brothers.”
— Wikipedia
“William Baldwin has distinguished himself as an actor/producer/writer…”
— IMDb
William Baldwin Today: A Summary
William Baldwin remains a working actor and an active public figure. Born in 1963 in Massapequa, New York, he is best known for his early-1990s films Flatliners, Backdraft, and Sliver. He has been married to Chynna Phillips since 1995, and the couple has three children. His net worth is estimated between $10 million and $20 million, though no official figures confirm this. He stays connected with fans through his Instagram account @thebillybaldwin and continues to pursue acting opportunities. For more celebrity biographies, you can read about Jack Nicholson.
Frequently Asked Questions About William Baldwin
How old is William Baldwin?
He was born February 21, 1963, making him 62 years old in 2025.
Is William Baldwin still married?
Yes, he has been married to Chynna Phillips since 1995.
What is William Baldwin’s height?
He is 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) tall.
Does William Baldwin have any children?
Yes, he and Chynna Phillips have three children: Jameson, Vance, and Brooke.
What is William Baldwin’s Instagram handle?
He is active on Instagram at @thebillybaldwin.
What was William Baldwin’s first movie?
His first credited film role was in Flatliners (1990), although he had earlier TV movie appearances.
How many Baldwin brothers are there?
There are four Baldwin brothers: Alec, Daniel, William, and Stephen.
What is William Baldwin’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but most sources place his net worth between $10 million and $20 million. No official figure has been confirmed.
Is William Baldwin still acting?
Yes, he continues to take on occasional acting roles and remains active in the entertainment industry.
Where was William Baldwin born?
He was born in Massapequa, New York, on Long Island.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.