William J. O'Malley, S.J.: Jesuit educator, author, and actor

Early life and education

William O'Malley was born in Buffalo, Buffalo, in the state of New York. He completed undergraduate studies at the College of the Holy Cross, graduating in 1953 (Holy Cross), and entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). His training combined classical Jesuit formation with academic work in theology and the humanities, preparing him for roles in secondary and higher education.

Teaching, writing and educational work

O'Malley spent much of his career as a Catholic educator. For decades he taught theology, English and electives that explored moral and religious questions at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, retiring from the classroom there in June 2012. He also served on the faculty at institutions of higher education, including a post as associate professor of theology at Fordham University and later as a professor of theology and the humanities at Seattle University. Throughout his career he wrote on topics of faith, pastoral practice and education and published several books and articles aimed at clergy, teachers and lay readers.

Acting and public profile

O'Malley reached a wider public audience when he appeared as Father Joseph Dyer in the landmark 1973 horror film The Exorcist. The role, though not large, is among his best-known public credits and introduced him to audiences beyond religious and academic circles. In addition to acting, he spoke at retreats, conferences and public events about faith, teaching and family life, drawing on his experience as a classroom teacher and pastoral minister.

Controversy and allegations

In August 2019, O'Malley was publicly accused of sexually assaulting a student several times in the late 1980s while he was teaching in Rochester, New York. These allegations were reported in news coverage and prompted public discussion. Because legal and institutional processes can be ongoing or complex, accounts of such matters should be read with caution and attention to official records and reporting.

Selected roles and contributions

• Longtime high school teacher of theology and English, Fordham Preparatory School.
• Associate professor of theology at Fordham University and professor at Seattle University.
• Author of books and articles on spirituality, pastoral ministry and education.
• Actor, credited as Father Joseph Dyer in the film The Exorcist.

Legacy and considerations

O'Malley's career reflects the varied roles a Jesuit educator can hold: classroom teacher, university academic, writer and occasional public figure. His published work and decades of teaching influenced students and readers interested in Catholic theology and moral questions. At the same time, the 2019 accusations are part of his public record and affect how institutions, former students and the public reassess aspects of his life and ministry. For further official biographical information and updates, see his institutional profiles and biographical pages (biographical profile) and related sources.