The name Bill Harkness is intriguingly associated with several notable individuals, each with distinct contributions in their respective spheres. From a wealthy heir of Standard Oil lineage to a modest film actor and the spouse of a British actress, the personas tied to the name “Bill Harkness” span wealth, fame, and art. In this article, we untangle the identities linked with Bill Harkness and answer popular queries like: “Who is Bill Harkness?”, “How did Bill Harkness die?”, and “Was Bill Harkness married to Tessa Wyatt?”
Bill Harkness – The Actor
One of the lesser-known yet notable personalities bearing the name is Bill Harkness the actor, sometimes credited as William Harkness. His most recognized performance was a small role in the 1999 film Gregory’s Two Girls, a sequel to the 1981 cult classic Gregory’s Girl, directed by Bill Forsyth.
In Gregory’s Two Girls, William Harkness plays a minor role as a courier, a character that forms part of the film’s quirky Scottish ensemble. Although not a household name in acting circles, Harkness’s appearance in this follow-up film keeps his name circulating among fans of British cinema. Little else is publicly known about his acting career, suggesting he remained largely out of the mainstream media or may have pursued other vocations outside of film.
Unlike the more prominent individuals sharing his name, this Bill Harkness is not associated with wealth or high society but represents the hardworking actors in smaller, supporting roles whose work contributes to the rich texture of British film.
William Hale “Bill” Harkness – The Standard Oil Heir
The most widely recognized Bill Harkness is undoubtedly William Hale Harkness, a descendant of the powerful Standard Oil dynasty. Born in 1900, William Harkness was a New York lawyer and socialite. His immense wealth stemmed from his family’s investments in Standard Oil, the oil giant founded by John D. Rockefeller. Through his grandfather Daniel M. Harkness, and father William Lamon Harkness, William inherited a vast fortune, placing him among America’s elite.Marriage to Rebekah West
In the late 1940s, Bill Harkness married Rebekah Semple West, a colorful and eccentric woman from St. Louis. Their union in 1947 placed Rebekah at the center of America’s wealthy social scene. She gave birth to their daughter Edith Hale Harkness in 1948.
While Rebekah had little interest in society’s strict norms, her new wealth enabled her to explore art, music, dance, and philanthropy with unparalleled freedom. William Harkness supported her ventures, but his early death in 1954 left Rebekah a widow and heiress to his estimated $30+ million estate.
How Did Bill Harkness Die?
William Hale “Bill” Harkness died suddenly in 1954 at the age of 54. According to most accounts, he suffered a heart attack while at the couple’s extravagant estate, Holiday House, in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. His untimely death marked a turning point for Rebekah, who would spend much of her remaining years pouring their wealth into creative pursuits and extravagant projects, often marked by controversy and public interest.
His death also meant that their daughter Edith grew up mostly under the influence of Rebekah’s dramatic and flamboyant lifestyle—surrounded by artists, dancers, and endless rumors in high society.
Rebekah Harkness – A Legacy Born of Bill’s Wealth
After Bill’s death, Rebekah Harkness’s eccentricities became legendary. She:
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Founded the Harkness Ballet
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Funded the Joffrey Ballet
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Installed a champagne tap in her Rhode Island home
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Employed Salvador Dalí to design her urn
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Clashed with neighbors over her bizarre renovations
Her story inspired Taylor Swift to write the song “The Last Great American Dynasty”, featured on the 2020 album Folklore. The song recounts Rebekah’s life and subtly references Bill Harkness as the man who “built a dynasty that the money couldn’t buy.”
Thus, through Rebekah’s legacy in dance and popular culture, Bill Harkness remains indirectly relevant decades after his death.
Bill Harkness Husband of Tessa Wyatt
Adding to the mix is yet another man named Bill Harkness, who married Tessa Wyatt, a celebrated British actress known for her role in the ITV sitcom Robin’s Nest. The couple married in 1986, and their relationship attracted some media attention, especially because of Wyatt’s prior high-profile relationships—including with radio personality Tony Blackburn and actor Richard O’Sullivan.
This Bill Harkness is a property developer and should not be confused with the Standard Oil heir. He and Wyatt have two children and have led a relatively private life away from the entertainment spotlight.
While the name may be the same, this Bill Harkness’s connection to Tessa Wyatt exists entirely in the UK media domain and not within the American elite circles of the oil barons.
Conclusion: A Name Shared by Many, Lives Lived Differently
The name Bill Harkness evokes different images depending on the context:
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To cinema buffs, he may be a minor film actor from Gregory’s Two Girls.
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To historians and oil industry followers, he is William Hale Harkness, heir to one of America’s greatest fortunes.
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To British entertainment enthusiasts, he’s the husband of actress Tessa Wyatt.
Each of these personas tells a different story—some rooted in Hollywood, some in high society wealth, and others in personal relationships. While the actor and the real estate developer may fade into anonymity, the Standard Oil heir’s legacy continues to shape modern culture through the life and lore of Rebekah Harkness, whose flamboyance was made possible by the man she married.
Their tale, immortalized by Taylor Swift and archived in the public memory, ensures that Bill Harkness is more than just a name—he is a lens into the Gilded Age, the American aristocracy, and the eccentricities that often come with unimaginable wealth.
This article was prepared and presented by Tony Blackburn: The Legendary Voice Behind Sounds of the 60s, where stories of intriguing personalities from all walks of life come to light with depth and detail.
