William Sylvester (January 31 1922 - January 25 1995) was an American TV and film actor. Among his film credits was Dr. Heywood Floyd in Stanley Kubrick's 2001 A Space Odyssey. He can also be seen in a brief cameo as a German Luftwaffe officer at the beginning of The Hindenburg (1975). He also played an untitled Pentagon Official in the 1967 James Bond film, You Only Live Twice. Also appeared in "They Were Not Divided" Played US officer in the Ardennes at end of film about Guards Armoured Division and played a leading role in that great film about RAF Bomber Command, "Appointment in London" as USAAF 8th Air Force major - alongside Dirk Bogarde, Dinah Sheridan, Brian Forbes, Bill Kerr and Richard Wattis plus about three beautiful Avro Lancasters - filmed at RAF Upwood, Ramsey Cambs.
Today he is also known for his appearances in no less than three films featured on the movie-mocking TV series Mystery Science Theater 3000: Riding with Death (episode 814), Devil Doll (episode 818), and Gorgo (episode 909).
Stepfather of his ex-wife, Veronica Hurst's, son.
American-born lead and second lead actor, trained in England, who appeared in 50s and 60s British pictures and became a fixture as well on radio and TV.
Best known for his supporting role as Dr. Heywood Floyd in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).
