Walt Willey

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.

Appearances in other media

Willey appears in and co-wrote issue #13 of the comic book "The Second Life of Dr. Mirage". In the terms of the story, Willey had been born at the 'perfect astrological moment' and his murder would grant the killer great magical power. Willey is saved at the last possible second by the comic's main character.