William Sadler is an American character actor, known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of roles. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s, particularly for his villainous role as Colonel Stuart in the action film *Die Hard 2* (1990).

However, his portrayal of Death in *Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey* (1991) remains perhaps the most iconic, showcasing a surprising comedic streak. He also made his mark as Heywood in *The Shawshank Redemption* (1994), one of his most notable collaborations with director Frank Darabont.

Sadler is often cast in roles as authoritative figures, military personnel, police officers, or antagonists, but also demonstrates remarkable depth in more complex or eccentric characters. His screen presence is consistently authoritative and memorable.