Walt Willey (born January 26, 1951 in Ottawa, Illinois) is an American actor. He is best known for playing Jackson Montgomery on the soap opera All My Children, a role he originated in 1987.
Willey attended Southern Illinois University, where he majored in sculpture. While in college, he played baseball against Drake Hogestyn, another future soap opera actor. In 1981, he left Illinois for New York City. His first soap opera role was that of Joe Novak on Ryan's Hope. After numerous Off-Broadway productions, including Dust Off with Dan Lauria, and stints on Another World and Ryan's Hope, Willey joined the cast of All My Children.
Willey branched out into stand-up comedy in 1989, entertaining across the country. He headlined at famous comedy clubs such as Caroline's in New York City and the Comedy Store in California.
He was a People's Choice Award nominee in 1992, and was named All My Children's 'Most Valuable Player' by Soap Opera Update's Reader's Poll. He was again awarded this honor in 1993.
Willey regularly hosts charity fundraisers, and developed the 'Willey World Endowment Fund', benefiting children's charities.
He and his third wife, Marie, married since 1994, own and operate Crystal Mesa Farm Guest Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Willey splits his time between his ranch and New York City, where All My Children films. He and Marie have two children.
When Susan Lucci hosted "Saturday Night Live," Phil Hartman parodied Willey as Jack Montgomery.
Did numerous un-named bit parts on "All My Children" before landing the role of "Jackson Montgomery".
Walt majored in sculpture at Southern Illinois University. He is also a skilled painter and illustrator. His first acting job was as an extra on AMC, and he worked on "Another World" and "Ryan's Hope" before AMC called him back to play Jackson. Walt and his wife run a bed and breakfast.
Has blonde hair and blue eyes
Has a son, Chance Conner
He and his wife are owners and operators of the Crystal Mesa Farm Guest Ranch, which features an avian rescue center and petting zoo
When not working, he and his family live at the guest ranch.
The guest ranch is located near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Daughter, Merit, born on November 25 1998.
Was parodied by the late Phil Hartman (I) on Saturday Night Live.
Was in contention for the job hosting the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Earned the on-set nickname of Big Daddy from Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley, AMC)
