William Perry Adams was born in Tiffin, Ohio on May 8, 1887. In 1912, he was hired as a stage manager for the Sothern and Marlowe theatrical company. He also worked as a Drama Coach at Yale University. Prior to his acting career, he was also a professional baseball player with the Cincinnati Red Stockings.
This probably prepared him for his role, in his 70’s, as the Yankees team owner in the film Damn Yankees (1958). His film credits include Sweet Surrender (1935) and The Hustler (1961). He had also been a stage manager and Broadway actor. During the years 1941-1944, he served as president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). A distant cousin of the actress Maude Adams,he passed away on September 29, 1972 in New York City at the age of 85.- -RET