Who Is David Birney? Age, Biography and Wiki
David Birney was born on April 23, 1939, and sadly passed away on April 27, 2022. In 2025, he would have been celebrated for his work and influence in the world of television and theater, living on in the hearts of his fans. Known for his roles in series like Bridget Loves Bernie, Birney was a multifaceted talent whose career spanned several decades, showcasing his versatility both as an actor and as a director.
| Occupation | Director |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1939 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 April, 2022 |
| Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
David Birney's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his active years, David Birney stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. His weight varied throughout his career but was generally maintained around 180 lbs (82 kg). As an actor, he was known for his charismatic presence, which contributed greatly to his performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
David Birney was married to actress and producer Elyse Knox from 1965 until their divorce in 1984. The couple had three children together, contributing to a family legacy that cherishes the arts. While he was romantically linked to several individuals over the years, his relationships remained relatively private. As of his passing in 2022, reports indicated that he had been in a long-term relationship, emphasizing the importance of companionship in his later years.
His father, Edwin, worked as a special agent for the FBI; his mother, Jeanne (née McGee), was a housewife before becoming a real estate agent. Birney attended schools in Brooklyn, Ohio, and graduated from West High School in Cleveland. Named to the National Honor Society, he lettered in basketball, football, and track. He held a B.A.
degree from Dartmouth College with "High Distinction" in English literature, English Honors. At the University of California, Los Angeles, Birney earned an M.A. in theatre arts, acting and directing, studying with Ralph Freud and William Melnitz. He held a teaching assistant fellowship and was awarded an honorary Ph.D.
in Humanities from Southern Utah University.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2022, David Birney's estimated net worth was around $2 million. Over his extensive career, he earned substantial income through acting, directing, and various other projects within the entertainment industry. His contributions to theater and television helped secure his place in the industry, with royalties from previous works continuing to contribute to his financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
David Birney’s career was marked by significant roles in popular television shows and theatrical productions. He gained major recognition for his role in the 1972 series Bridget Loves Bernie, and later appeared in productions such as The World of Suzie Wong and The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang. He had a passion for directing, leading various stage productions that showcased his aptitude in storytelling.
In addition to his acting and directing career, Birney was involved in several investments associated with the arts and education, reflecting his love for the industry and its future. His legacy continues through the various foundations and scholarships that aim to support aspiring artists.
David Edwin Birney (April 23, 1939 – April 27, 2022) was an American actor and director whose career included performances in both contemporary and classical roles in theatre, film, and television. He is noted for having played the title role in the television series Serpico.
He also starred in Bridget Loves Bernie, an early 1970s TV series about an interfaith marriage that also starred Meredith Baxter, whom he married after the series ended. He also portrayed Dr. Ben Samuels in St. Elsewhere from 1982 until 1983.
Social Network
Though David Birney was not as active on social media platforms like many contemporary celebrities, he maintained a presence that resonated deeply with his fans. His enduring legacy continues to be celebrated on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where fans share memories, clips, and tributes honoring his work.
Representative roles included: Prince Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Richard II, Richard III, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, Orsino in Twelfth Night, Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, Jack Tanner in Man and Superman, Christy Mahon in The Playboy of the Western World, Young Man
in Summertree, Cusins in Major Barbara, Jerry in The Zoo Story, Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest, Arthur in Camelot, Higgins in My Fair Lady, Matt Friedman in Talley's Folly, David in Social Security, Andrew in Love Letters, Jamie in A Moon for the Misbegotten, Victor in The Price, Jaques in As You Like It, the Dauphin in King John, and
Shaw in Dear Liar.
Education
David Birney was well-educated, having earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His education played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding of performance and directing, leading to a successful career in the arts.
Birney served on the Large Theatre Panel of the National Endowment for the Arts and was a board member of the Foundation for Biomedical Research. He also served on the Theatre and Dance Panel of the Jacob Javits Fellowship Foundation. For Dartmouth College he served as a member of the Board of Overseers for the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
He initiated and chaired the Class of '61 Legacy: The American Tradition in Performance, helping to create a substantial endowment dedicated to live performance at the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth College.
