The Untold Truth Of Dr. James Harvey: What 'The Dad From Casper,' Bill Pullman, Is Doing Now In 2025

For a generation of 90s kids, Bill Pullman is instantly recognizable as Dr. James Harvey, the charming, widowed paranormal therapist and father to Kat Harvey in the beloved 1995 film Casper. While the movie is a classic of family fantasy, the actor who brought the kind-hearted "dad from Casper" to life has maintained a prolific, versatile, and highly active career that continues to make headlines in December 2025, including a major 2025 film role and his son’s breakout superhero debut. This deep dive uncovers the complete life and career of Bill Pullman, from his theater roots to his most current projects, proving he is one of Hollywood's most enduring and underrated leading men.

The role of Dr. Harvey, who grapples with grief while trying to connect with the friendly ghost Casper McFadden at Whipstaff Manor, was a pivotal point in Pullman's career, cementing his image as the reliable everyman hero. However, his work extends far beyond the supernatural comedy, encompassing iconic presidential roles, acclaimed dramatic television, and a slate of new projects scheduled for release in 2025 and beyond.

Bill Pullman: Complete Biography and Profile

William James Pullman, known professionally as Bill Pullman, has built a career on his ability to portray complex, often morally conflicted characters with a quiet intensity. His journey from a small-town New Yorker to a Hollywood veteran is a testament to his dedication to the craft.

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• Full Name: William James Pullman
• Date of Birth: December 17, 1953
• Birthplace: Hornell, New York, U.S.
• Education: State University of New York at Delhi (Associate Degree in Engineering Technology), State University of New York at Oneonta (B.A. in Theatre), University of Massachusetts Amherst (Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre).
• Early Career: Before acting, Pullman worked as an adjunct professor of theater at Montana State University.
• Spouse: Tamara Hurwitz (Married 1987)
• Children: Three—Maesa Pullman, Jack Pullman, and Lewis Pullman.
• Breakthrough Film: Ruthless People (1986).
• Iconic Roles: Dr. James Harvey in Casper (1995), President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day (1996), Detective Harry Ambrose in The Sinner (2017–2021).

Pullman’s academic background in theater provided a solid foundation, leading him to work extensively in New York's off-Broadway scene before transitioning to film. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly move between genres, from the horror of The Serpent and the Rainbow to the comedy of Spaceballs, and later to serious drama.

From Whipstaff Manor to the White House: Pullman’s Most Iconic Roles

While his role as Dr. James Harvey is what many fans remember most fondly, Bill Pullman has a filmography packed with memorable performances, often playing characters who shoulder great responsibility—be it to his daughter, his country, or the truth.

The Widowed Father: Dr. James Harvey in Casper (1995)

In Casper, Pullman’s character, Dr. James Harvey, is a "paranormal therapist" hired by Carrigan Crittenden to exorcise the ghosts from Whipstaff Manor. The film’s emotional core revolves around Dr. Harvey’s struggle to move past the death of his wife, Amelia, and his deep, albeit complicated, relationship with his daughter, Kat. The character’s transformation—from a man obsessed with contacting his wife's spirit to one who accepts the present—is the film's most touching arc. His brief, pivotal moment of turning into a ghost himself after falling down the elevator shaft and his subsequent resurrection by Casper's mother's spirit are key plot points that resonate with audiences to this day.

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The Unforgettable President: Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day (1996)

Just one year after Casper, Pullman delivered what is arguably his most famous and rousing performance as President Thomas J. Whitmore in the sci-fi blockbuster Independence Day. His character’s speech—the famous "Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!"—is considered one of the greatest cinematic speeches of all time. This role solidified his status as a major Hollywood player, capable of leading an ensemble cast in a high-stakes action film. He reprised the role in the 2016 sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence.

The Obsessive Detective: Harry Ambrose in The Sinner (2017–2021)

For modern audiences, Bill Pullman is equally famous for his lead role as Detective Harry Ambrose in the acclaimed USA Network anthology series The Sinner. Across four successful seasons, Pullman was the only series regular, portraying a detective with a troubled past who delves into the dark, psychological reasons behind seemingly motiveless crimes. This role showcased a different side of Pullman, highlighting his capacity for dramatic depth and moral ambiguity. The series concluded with Season 4, leaving a lasting mark on the psychological crime genre.

Bill Pullman’s Latest Projects: From Killing Faith to a Marvel Connection in 2025

Bill Pullman’s career remains robust, with several major projects either recently released or slated for 2025 and beyond. This current slate of work demonstrates his continued relevance and desire to take on diverse and challenging roles.

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Upcoming Film Roles (2025 and Beyond)

The actor is set to star in the upcoming film Killing Faith (2025), where he will play the character Ross, a role that promises to be a compelling addition to his dramatic repertoire. Beyond that, he has several projects listed as "TBA" (To Be Announced), including Everybody Digs Bill Evans, Covers, and Beyond Apollo, indicating a busy schedule for the veteran actor. There has also been buzz surrounding a potential return to the Mel Brooks universe with Spaceballs 2, though its rumored 2027 release date remains speculative.

The Lewis Pullman Marvel Connection: A Family Affair

Perhaps the most talked-about development connected to the "dad from Casper" is the meteoric rise of his son, Lewis Pullman. Lewis has quickly become a star in his own right, and in 2025, he will enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in a major way. Lewis Pullman is set to star as the powerful, complex superhero Robert "Bob" Reynolds, also known as The Sentry/The Void, in the highly anticipated Marvel film Thunderbolts*, scheduled for release in 2025. This generational crossover—from Bill Pullman’s role as a ghost-hunting dad and a world-saving President to his son’s role as a major MCU hero—is a fascinating chapter in the Pullman family's Hollywood legacy.

The Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority

Bill Pullman’s ability to transition smoothly from blockbuster films like Independence Day and The Equalizer 2 to critically acclaimed television like The Sinner gives him significant topical authority across multiple genres. His consistent work, which includes independent films like Dark Waters, ensures he remains a fixture in the industry. For fans of Casper, the enduring kindness and emotional depth he brought to Dr. James Harvey have made the character a timeless figure. His appearance at events like the Fastnet Film Festival in Ireland, scheduled for May 2025, further highlights his continued engagement with the film community and his dedication to the art of cinema. Whether you know him as the widowed father seeking his wife's spirit, the President rallying the world, or the detective hunting a killer, Bill Pullman's career is a masterclass in longevity and versatility.