William Smithers, the famous actor who played Jeremy Wendell on the CBS primetime soap opera Dallas, has died at 98.

Smithers’ death was reported by Santa Barbara Independent.

Smithers, a Virginia native, started his acting career on stage, and he had his Broadway debut in 1951 in a production of Romeo and Juliet. Aferwards, Smithers had roles in movies such as Robert Aldrich’s Attack (1956), Ivon Dixon’s Trouble Man (1972), and Franklin J. Schaffner’s Papillon.

Throughout his roles, Smithers brought his large personality and stage experience to make all his characters memorable and enjoyable.

Smithers played David Schuster in the first primetime soap opera, Peyton Place, from 1965 to 1966. He then played Wendell in Dallas from 1981 all the way through 1989. Through his run, Wendell rivaled J.R. Ewing through his 50-episode run, making him one of Smithers’ most memorable roles.

Working with Hagman “was always a challenge because [their characters] were always competitors because of the scripts,” Smithers said in an interview. “Larry was a strong actor. I feel like I had to be at the top of my game when I was working with him. It was very stimulating.”

While Smithers was starring in a 1976 drama, Executive Suite, he sued MGM. According to Smithers, the studio had violated his contract by allowing another cast member to receive better pay than him.

Smithers also revealed that an MGM executive threatened to blacklist him in Hollywood if he were to follow through on the suit. Despite this, he continued with the lawsuit, eventually winning against the studio. Today, Smithers vs. MGM  can be seen in many modern law courses due to its significance.

Smithers had received a Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut in Romeo and Juliet, and an Obie Award for his role in Anton Chekov’s The Seagull.

Smithers had hosted acting workshops across the country to help others improve their acting skills and directed and co-wrote the instructional acting videotape “The Method”.

He is survived by his Daughter, Dianne Hull.