Bill Pullman

Playing the President of the United States in the film Independence Day (1996) was not Bill Pullman's original plan. Years before playing a part in the blockbuster film Pullman was pursuing a career in construction. A drama teacher at a trade school encouraged him to act. That suggestion sparked Pullman's interest in the art, leading to a degree in theatre from New York University and a teaching stint. Then in 1986, Pullman made his film debut in Ruthless People, followed by parts in Spaceballs (1987), The Accidental Tourist (1988), Singles (1992) While You Were Sleeping (1995), Lost Highway (1997), Lake Placid (1999) and Ignition (2001).