William Self was born June 21, 1921, in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science in 1943. He worked a year in advertising before beginning a career in acting in 1944. From 1944 to 1952 he acted in over 30 films. From 1952 to 1999 Self worked as a producer for various television and film studios.

Bill married Margaret Flynn in 1941. They remained together until her death in 2007. He has two children, Edwin and Barbara. Self was a Trustee of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, the John Tracy Clinic for Deaf Children, and The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming. He was also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the Directors Guild of America, and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Self died on November 15, 2010.