William Churchill deMille (July 25, 1878 – March 5, 1955), also spelled de Mille or De Mille, was an American screenwriter and film director from the silent film era through the early 1930s. He was also a noted playwright prior to moving into film. Once he was established in film he specialized in adapting Broadway plays into silent films.
He was elected to The Lambs in 1905 as Professional member, two years after his younger brother, Cecil. Their father, Henry C. de Mille, who served on the Lambs’ Council for a year, joined the Club in 1883.
In 1905, he became successful Broadway playwright. William had nine plays he wrote or co-wrote – one of them with Cecil – produced on Broadway between 1905 and 1913, and another two productions mounted in 1929 and 1936, the latter of which he produced and directed as well.
His first play, Strongheart was eventually released as a movie by his brother as Braveheart (1925). Two of William’s works, The Warrens of Virginia (1907) and The Woman (1911)were produced by fellow Lamb David Belasco. The former featured future film star Mary Pickford and Cecil, both struggling actors playing minor roles.
He wrote a number of vaudeville sketches including In 1999, Food, Poor Old Jim, The Squealer, The Martyrs, and The Deceivers.
Cecil eventually moved to Hollywood, and William followed. His directorial debut was The Only Son (1914).