William Kunstler was an American attorney who is best known for representing high-profile clients such as the Chicago Seven and for his work on civil rights cases. He was born on July 7, 1919, in New York City and passed away on September 5, 1995, also in New York City.
Personal and Family Life
William Kunstler was married twice. His first marriage was to Lotte Rosenberger from January 14, 1943, until their divorce in October 1976. They had two children together. Later, he married Margaret Ratner Kunstler in October 1976, and they remained together until his death, having two more children. Kunstler had a total of four daughters: Emily, Sarah, Karin, and Jane.
Career Highlights
Kunstler was a prominent lawyer known for his significant involvement in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. He notably represented notable activists like Tom Hayden and Abbie Hoffman as part of the Chicago Seven trial in 1969. In one of his final cases, he was appointed to defend Colin Ferguson, who infamously opened fire on a commuter train in 1993, leading to six deaths.
Death and Legacy
William Kunstler died from cardiac arrest on September 5, 1995, in New York City. His legacy lives on as a controversial figure who championed the rights of marginalized individuals and took on some of the most challenging cases in American legal history. He is remembered both for his legal expertise and his commitment to social justice.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Incident at Oglala | 1992-05-08 | Self – Wounded Knee Defense Attorney |
| Breathing Together: Revolution of the Electric Family | 1971-04-11 | Self |
| Street Scenes 1970 | 1970-09-14 | Self |
| Seven Songs for Malcolm X | 1993-10-01 | |
| Growing Up in America | 1989-04-16 | Self |
| 60 Spins Around the Sun | 2003-01-01 | Self |
| Malcolm X | 1992-11-18 | The Judge |
| We Can’t Go Home Again | 1973-05-10 | William |
| Warrior: The Life of Leonard Peltier | 1991-11-01 | Self – Appeals Attorney |
| William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe | 2009-06-02 | Self (archive footage) |
| Law & Order | 1990-09-13 | Self |