When you think of deep, commanding voices, one name stands out: William Conrad. This iconic figure left an indelible mark on entertainment, but what was it like growing up as his child? Christopher Conrad opens up to Closer Weekly about life with his legendary dad. "As a kid, getting yelled at by him was something special—he was incredibly effective," Christopher shares. "You wouldn’t expect it, but beneath that gruff exterior was a loving, wonderful, and sweet man."

A Career That Defined an Era

Standing short and rotund, William Conrad didn’t fit the mold of a traditional Hollywood star. Yet, he carved out a remarkable career that spanned film, radio, and television. From playing one of the title roles in the 1946 classic The Killers to becoming the original Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, William's charisma and voice captivated audiences. His crime dramas, Cannon and Jake and the Fatman, further cemented his status as a beloved figure. "He was fascinating and full of charisma," says Charles Tranberg, author of William Conrad: A Life & Career. "He was completely comfortable in his own skin."

Discovering His Passion for Performance

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, to parents who owned a movie theater, William's journey into the world of entertainment began early. "His first job was singing at a funeral home," Christopher recalls fondly. "He had a real passion for singing, and it stayed with him throughout his life." Even during his time as a fighter pilot in World War II, when night blindness grounded him, William found ways to use his voice. He joined the Armed Forces Radio Network, which paved the way for his success in radio and eventually led to his iconic role on Gunsmoke.

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A Missed Opportunity on 'Gunsmoke'

Despite his undeniable talent, William wasn’t chosen for the Matt Dillon role when CBS transitioned Gunsmoke to television in 1955. Instead, the part went to James Arness, who was considered more telegenic. "He always said he wasn’t disappointed," Tranberg explains, "but I think there was some resentment there." This setback didn’t stop William from achieving greatness in other ways.

Personal Life and Legacy

William’s personal life was as complex as his professional journey. In 1957, he divorced his first wife, June Nelson, and married model Susan Randall, Christopher’s mother. "He never felt right about leaving June—that was something he regretted," Christopher reveals. "But he loved my mom deeply." The couple shared a loving bond until Susan’s untimely passing from breast cancer in 1979. "It was really hard on him," Christopher says. "She was such a beautiful, proud, and vivacious woman. My father loved her until the day she died."

William Conrad Susan Conrad — Globe Photos/Shutterstock

Success on the Small Screen

Finally, in 1971, William found fame on television with his role as the irascible detective in Cannon. "He was an everyman," Christopher explains. "He wasn’t particularly graceful, and that’s why America related to him." After Cannon ended in 1976, William continued to make waves with his final hit show, Jake and the Fatman, which aired from 1987 to 1992.

Throughout his life, William battled health issues, often struggling with his weight. "He was always on a diet because he loved to eat," Christopher says. "But being heavyset was just part of who he was." Despite these challenges, William remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

A Legacy of Kindness

William passed away at the age of 73 in 1994, but his memory lives on through the hearts of those who knew him. "My father said it was most important to him that people remember him as a kind and nice man," Christopher remembers. "And he was. He was an amazing man."

Bruce Fretts, with reporting by Amanda Champagne Meadows