Who Is Burt Lancaster? Age, Biography and Wiki
Burt Lancaster was born on November 2, 1913, in New York City, New York. He was a prominent American actor famous for his roles in classic films such as "From Here to Eternity," "Elmer Gantry," and "The Birdman of Alcatraz." With a career that spanned over five decades, Lancaster's performances earned him acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. Sadly, he passed away on October 20, 1994, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry. Today, we remember him not only for his talent but also for the lasting impact he had on Hollywood.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 2, 1913 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 20 October, 1994 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Burt Lancaster's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 175 lbs (79 kg) during his peak acting years.
- Body Stats: With an athletic build, Lancaster was known for his stage presence and charismatic performances, making him one of Hollywood's most notable leading men.
In 1985, Lancaster joined the fight against AIDS after fellow movie star Rock Hudson contracted the disease. Lancaster delivered Hudson's last words at the Commitment to Life fundraiser at a time when the stigma surrounding AIDS was at its height.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Burt Lancaster was married three times. His first marriage to actress and model, June Ernst, lasted from 1935 until their divorce in 1946. He then married actress Norma Anderson in 1946, which lasted until their divorce in 1969. His third marriage was to Susan Martin from 1990 until his passing in 1994. Throughout his life, he had several relationships with notable women in the entertainment industry, but he remained committed to his family and children. Burt had three children: Bill Lancaster, a screenwriter; James Lancaster, and actress Joanna Lancaster.
Lancaster performed as a circus acrobat in the 1930s. At the age of 32, and after serving in World War II, he landed a role in a Broadway play and drew the attention of a Hollywood agent. His appearance in film noir The Killers in 1946 alongside Ava Gardner was a critical success and launched both of their careers.
In 1948, Lancaster starred alongside Barbara Stanwyck in the commercially and critically acclaimed film Sorry, Wrong Number, where he portrayed the husband to her bedridden invalid character. In 1953, Lancaster played the illicit lover of Deborah Kerr in the military drama From Here to Eternity.
A box office smash, it won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and landed a Best Actor nomination for Lancaster.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1994, Burt Lancaster's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. His earnings came from his successful acting career, directing, and producing, as well as various investments he made throughout his lifetime. Given his legacy, Lancaster's estate continues to gain value as his films endure in popularity, contributing to ongoing earnings from royalties.
United Artists signed Hecht-Lancaster to a multi-picture contract, to make seven films over two years. These included films in which Lancaster did not act. Their first was Marty in 1955, based on Paddy Chayefsky's TV play starring Ernest Borgnine and directed by Delbert Mann.
It won both the Best Picture Oscar and the Palme d'Or award at Cannes and Borgnine an Best Actor Oscar. It also earned $2 million on a budget of $350,000. Vera Cruz had been a huge success, but Marty secured Hecht-Lancaster as one of the most successful independent production companies in Hollywood at the time.
Marty star Borgnine was under contract to Hecht-Lancaster and was unhappy about his lack of upcoming roles, especially after only receiving some seven lines in 1957's Sweet Smell of Success and half of his normal pay for Marty. He eventually sued for breach of contract to gain back some of this money in 1957.
Career, Business, and Investments
Burt Lancaster's career began on the stage before transitioning to film, making his screen debut in 1946. He quickly gained recognition for his versatile performances across various genres. His most notable films include "The Killers," "Sweet Smell of Success," and "Seven Days in May."
Aside from acting, Lancaster co-founded the production company Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, which was responsible for several successful films. He was also an advocate for various social causes and was involved in different business ventures, including real estate investments.
Burton Stephen Lancaster (November 2, 1913 – October 20, 1994) was an American actor. Initially known for playing tough guys with a tender heart, he went on to achieve success with more complex and challenging roles over a 45-year career in films and television series.
He was a four-time nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actor (winning once), and he also won two BAFTA Awards and one Golden Globe Award for Best Lead Actor. The American Film Institute ranks Lancaster as # of the greatest male stars of classic Hollywood cinema.
Social Network
Burt Lancaster had a profound influence on cinema and was connected with numerous prominent figures in Hollywood. Although he has been deceased for decades, tributes and discussions about his impact can be found on several social media platforms. Fans often share their favorite films and quotes from Lancaster, ensuring his legacy continues to resonate with new generations.
In 1951, the actor/producer duo changed the company's name to Hecht-Lancaster Productions. The first film under the new name was another swashbuckler: 1952's The Crimson Pirate, directed by Siodmak. Again, co-starring Nick Cravat, it was extremely popular.
Taking the premise of The Flame and the Arrow a step further, it allowed the pair to, not only emphasise the absurdity of the story with more spectacle and comical situations but to demonstrate they were able to perform their own circus skills-based stunts without relying on stuntmen quite as much a most Hollywood stars.
As if to down play this, Lancaster himself speaks to the audience in the opening scene over footage of Lancaster performing a dangerous rope swing from one of his pirate ship's masts to the other.
"…in a pirate world, believe only what you see." The footage is then reversed to show a near impossible backwards swing to the first mast again, from which he proclaims "No, believe HALF of what you see."
Education
Lancaster graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1930 and later attended Queens College, where he studied business. His early passion for performing arts led him to pursue acting despite his initial career in the circus and as a acrobat. This diverse background contributed to his strong work ethic and versatility as an actor.
Three were made without Lancaster, all of which lost money: The Bachelor Party (1957), from another TV play by Chayefsky, and directed by Delbert Mann; Take a Giant Step (1959), about a black student; and Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (1960), from an Australian play, shot on location in Australia and Britain.
Lancaster was originally announced as the lead for Doll but did not appear in the final film.
