Bill Pullman Speaking Fee: $75,000 to $100,000

Bill Pullman, born on December 17, 1953, in Hornell, New York, grew up in a family of seven children. His mother, Johanna, was a nurse, and his father, James, was a physician. Initially drawn to building construction, Pullman studied at the State University of New York at Delhi before transitioning to theater. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from SUNY Oneonta and later completed a Master of Fine Arts in Theater/Directing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His early career included teaching directing at Montana State University, where he influenced students like future film director John Dahl. Pullman's film debut came in 1986 with "Ruthless People," alongside Danny DeVito and Bette Midler. He quickly gained recognition with roles in "Spaceballs" (1987) and "The Accidental Tourist" (1988). His portrayal of President Thomas J. Whitmore in the 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day" solidified his status in Hollywood. Throughout the 1990s, Pullman showcased his versatility in films like "While You Were Sleeping" (1995) and "Lost Highway" (1997). In addition to his film work, Pullman has a rich theater background. He starred in Edward Albee's "The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?" on Broadway in 2002, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination. His play "Expedition 6," focusing on the International Space Station mission, premiered in 2007. Pullman continued his stage presence with performances in David Mamet's "Oleanna" (2009) and Albee's "Peter and Jerry," receiving another Drama Desk nomination in 2008. On television, Pullman portrayed Detective Harry Ambrose in the USA Network series "The Sinner," which premiered in 2017 and ran for four seasons. His performance garnered critical acclaim, including nominations for the Critics' Choice Television Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2023, he took on the role of Alex Murdaugh in the Lifetime series "Murdaugh Murders: The Movie." Beyond his acting career, Pullman is dedicated to community and philanthropic efforts. He co-founded Hollywood Orchard, a charity that grows and donates fruit to families in need. An advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness, he serves as an ambassador for the MS Society. Pullman also supports local health services, with the Pullman Women's Health and Birthing Center at St. James Hospital in Hornell, New York, named in his honor. He and his wife, dancer Tamara Hurwitz, have three children: singer-songwriter Maesa, actor Lewis, and Jack.