William Farnum (b. July 4 1876 in Boston, Massachusetts - d. June 5 1953 in Hollywood, California) was a major movie actor. One of three brothers, Farnum grew up in a family of actors. He made his acting debut at the age of ten in Richmond, Virginia in a production of Julius Caesar, with Edwin Booth playing the title character. His first major success was as the title character of Ben Hur.

From 1915 to 1925, Farnum devoted his life to motion pictures. When becoming one of the biggest sensations in Hollywood, he also became one of the highest-paid actors, earning $10,000 a week.

Farnum has a "Star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was the younger brother of actor Dustin Farnum.

William Farnum was born the son of G.D. Farnum ad Adela Le Gros, actors who trained their three sons, William, Dustin, and Marshall, in their profession. William made his stage debut at the age of 10 in Richmond, Virginia, in a production of Julius Caesar starring Edwin Booth (I). His first New York appearance was in 1896. His first major stage success was in the title role of Ben Hur in which he toured for five years. From 1915 to 1925, he devoted himself exclusively to the motion pictures and became one of the highest paid stars in Hollywood receiving from William Fox $10,000 weekly. In 1924, he was seriously injured while filming Man Who Fights Alone, The (1924). After that, he was reduced to playing minor roles until the end of the silent era. He returned to the stage in 1925 playing Sir Ralph Morgan in The Buccaneer. The following year he appeared in the title role of Julius Caesar and two years later was on Broadway as Banquo in Macbeth. On 10 June 1953, Farnum's funeral was held at the Wilshire Methodist Church in Los Angeles. Pallbearers were Cecil B. DeMille, Jesse Lasky, Frank Lloyd (I), Clarence Brown (I), Charles Coburn and Leo Carillo. The eulogy was read by actor 'Pat OBrien (I).