William became interested in the performing arts when he began his career as an opera singer and stage actor. He entered films with a lead role in 1913, and one of his most notable films was Damon and Pythias in 1914. From 1917 to 1925, William concentrated on directing films and was the head of a film production firm called Multicolor, which was bought by Cinecolor in 1932. He was active in films up until his death in 1941.