 | |
| R. William Neill | |
| Aliases: | R. William Neill |
| Continuity: | The Howling |
| Notability: | Supporting character |
| Gender: | Male |
| Location: | Los Angeles, California |
| Associations: | The Colony |
| Relatives: | Karen White[1] Ben White [2] Marsha Quist[3] |
| Status: | Deceased |
| Died: | 1981 |
| First: | The Howling |
| Actor: | Christopher Stone |
William "Bill" Niell is a fictional character featured in the Howling film series. Played by actor Christopher Stone, he appeared in the original 1981 horror classic, The Howling.
Biography[]
Bill Neill worked at the KDHD news station in California and was the husband of investigative reporter and broadcaster, Karen White. To help Karen recover from a traumatic investigation into the life of serial killer Eddie Quist, Bill took his wife for an extended stay at the Colony. While there, Bill was attacked and infected by one of the werewolves living at the Colony.
Bill was later seduced by the werewolf vixen, Marsha Quist. Karen immediately noticed a change in Bill's demeanor when he began acting more violently and began eating meat (he was otherwise a vegetarian). Bill transformed into a werewolf when co-workers Chris Halloran and Terry Fisher raided the Colony. Chris helped Karen to escape and they succeeded in corralling most of the werewolves into a barn, locking it. Chris then set the place on fire and let it burn.
The werewolves managed to claw their way out and one of them, Bill, chased Chris' car as Karen and he tried to get away. He pounced on top of the roof and tore his way inside whereupon he bit Karen on the shoulder. Chris shot him with his shotgun and Karen saw the beast fall into the back seat where it transformed back into Bill Neill.
Notes[]
- The character of Bill Neill was created by director Joe Dante based on concepts originally developed by Gary Brandner.
- Named for director Roy William Neill who directed the 1943 film, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man.
- Actor Christopher Stone was married to co-star Dee Wallace at the time of filming.
- Stone also starred in Cujo along with Dee Wallace.
- Bill had a U.S.M.C. tattoo on his right shoulder.