
William Bronder
ActingAbout William Bronder
William Bronder (June 12, 1930 – May 6, 2015) was an American film and television actor. He first served in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as well as the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Afterwards he turned to Hollywood in the 1960s to start a film career. Between 1973 and 2000, William Bronder appeared in seven films, about 50 television episodes and eight TV movies. He often portrayed rough working-class men in character roles. Bronder remains perhaps best known for playing unfriendly junkyard owner Milo Pressman in Rob Reiner's film Stand by Me (1986), starring Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix. His other films were Flush (1982), Cannery Row (1982), Yes, Giorgio (1982), Best Seller (1987), the short film Tummy Trouble (1989) and Return to Me (2000, in his last role as Wally Jatczak). He also appeared in a great number of television series of the 1970s and 1980s. Among them were Marcus Welby, M.D., The Streets of San Francisco, Police Story, Knots Landing, Hill Street Blues, CHiPs and MacGyver. Bronder also raced pigeons and was a Hall of Fame member of the FVC San Fernando Valley Pigeon Club. He was married to his wife Tona from 1964 until his death in 2015. They had four children.
William Bronder Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of William Bronder reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 12 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of William Bronder's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 58% of William Bronder's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Mother and Daughter: The Loving War, which stands out as a key performance.
Best William Bronder Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William Bronder's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie William Bronder has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Return to Me | Wally Jatczak | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Tummy Trouble | Sign Carrier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Stand by Me | Milo Pressman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Wet Gold | Jack, Coast Guard Capt. | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Yes, Giorgio | Foreman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1982 | Cannery Row | Suzy's Trick | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Five of Me | Massage Parlor Owner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Mother and Daughter: The Loving War | Frank | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Stone | Smitty | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | A Death in Canaan | Judge Revere | Flop | Similar → |
| 1977 | Flush | Rosewater | Flop | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Death of Richie | Pinball Alley Manager | Hit | Similar → |
William Bronder - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of William Bronder?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Bronder is "Mother and Daughter: The Loving War" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has William Bronder acted in?
William Bronder has been featured in at least 12 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by William Bronder?
Other notable films include "The Five of Me", "Stone", and "Stand by Me".




