Willie Aames, born Albert William Upton on July 15, 1960, in Newport Beach, California, is an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. He attended Edison High School in Newport Beach, where he was active in the school choir and the Madrigal Ensemble. His interest in performance began early, paving the way for a career in the entertainment industry that started during his childhood.
Aames launched his acting career as a child in the late 1960s, appearing in several popular television shows of the era. His early credits include roles on "Gunsmoke," "The Wonderful World of Disney," and "Adam-12." His breakout role came when he was cast as Leonard Unger, the son of Felix Unger, on the ABC sitcom "The Odd Couple." He also had guest appearances on "The Waltons" and other prime-time series, gradually building a reputation as a dependable young actor.
Aames gained further recognition for his portrayal of a young Benjamin Franklin in the miniseries "Benjamin Franklin," enhancing his profile as a rising star in television. He made his feature film debut in the 1975 movie adaptation of "Swiss Family Robinson," where he co-starred in a reimagined version of the literary classic. The role solidified his transition from a child actor to teen star.
Willie Aames married Vicki Weatherman in 1979, and they had a son named Christopher. His second marriage was to actress Maylo McCaslin in 1986, with whom he had a daughter, Harleigh Jean. Throughout his life, Aames faced personal challenges, including struggles with addiction. He later divorced McCaslin and eventually married Winnie Hung.
After investing in a television project that failed, Aames filed for bankruptcy and experienced significant financial hardship. Following this period, he overcame his addiction and began to rebuild his life. Reinventing himself professionally, Aames found a new career path as a Cruise Director for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, where he applied his performance and leadership skills in a new arena.
| Birth Date: | 15 Jul, 1960 |
| Age: | 59 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American actor, film and television director |
| Net Worth 2021: | 100 million |
