Bill Schwartz, an actor, playwright and ventriloquist, served as commander of the Miami Police Public Information Office for 14 years.
“My brother always said to me, ‘My God, you were so brave,” Schwartz reflected. “I said, ‘Nah, it wasn’t that.’ I was a part of the biggest, meanest, toughest blue gang in the city. If I needed them, they would be there.”
After retiring in 2008, Schwartz rekindled his passion for the performing arts, subsequently starring in various theatrical productions including his play, “The Naked Ventriloquist,” where he combines his talents as a ventriloquist and actor.
This Baltimore native’s remarkable transition from law enforcement to the stage shows his versatility and unwavering dedication to storytelling and theatre.
Schwartz credits Paul Winchell as his earliest inspiration to ventriloquism. “The Paul Winchell Show,” which aired during the ’50s, showcased music, songs, comedy and quizzes by Winchell and his dummy assistants Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff.
Schwartz has been married for over 20 years and has 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. He recently completed the grand opening weekend of “The Naked Ventriloquist,” a 90-minute, one act play performed at the Main Street Playhouse in Miami Lakes.
To read more about Bill Schwartz on our sister publication ArtSpeak, click here.
