Full Name: Burton Stephen Lancaster (Burt Lancaster)
Born: November 2, 1913, New York City, USA
Died: October 20, 1994, Los Angeles, California, USA
Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director
Years Active: 1935–1991
Spouse(s):
- June Ernst (m. 1935; div. 1946)
- Norma Anderson (m. 1946; div. 1969)
- Susie Lancaster (m. 1990)
Children: 5
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Burt Lancaster was born in New York City and raised in East Harlem. A natural athlete, he excelled in gymnastics and won a scholarship to New York University, but he dropped out and joined a circus as an acrobat. After a career-ending injury, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was introduced to acting through military performances.
Post-war, Lancaster’s striking presence and physicality led to his film debut in The Killers (1946), a film noir that made him an instant star.
Rise to Stardom & Notable Films
Lancaster quickly established himself as a leading man known for his athleticism, intense performances, and versatility. Some of his most famous films include:
- The Killers (1946) – His breakout role in a classic film noir
- Sorry, Wrong Number (1948) – A gripping thriller with Barbara Stanwyck
- From Here to Eternity (1953) – Iconic role as a sergeant, featuring the famous beach kiss scene with Deborah Kerr; won Best Picture
- Apache (1954) & Vera Cruz (1954) – Westerns that showed his range
- Trapeze (1956) – A nod to his acrobat background, co-starring Tony Curtis
- Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) – Played Wyatt Earp opposite Kirk Douglas
- Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – A sharp, cynical drama where he played a ruthless newspaper columnist
- Elmer Gantry (1960) – Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his fiery portrayal of a conman-turned-evangelist
- Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) – Earned another Oscar nomination as the famous prisoner-turned-ornithologist
- The Leopard (1963) – A European classic directed by Luchino Visconti
- Atlantic City (1980) – Received an Oscar nomination for his performance as an aging small-time gangster
Personal Life & Political Activism
Lancaster was known for his strong political beliefs, supporting civil rights, progressive causes, and LGBTQ+ rights—a rarity among Hollywood stars at the time. He was an outspoken critic of McCarthyism and fought against blacklisting in Hollywood.
His personal life included three marriages and five children. He was known for his intelligence, charm, and passionate commitment to his craft.
Later Years & Death
Lancaster continued acting into his later years, with acclaimed roles in Atlantic City (1980) and TV miniseries like Moses the Lawgiver (1974). He suffered a stroke in 1990, limiting his abilities, and passed away in 1994 at the age of 80.
Legacy
Burt Lancaster remains one of Hollywood’s most dynamic leading men, with a career that spanned noir, Westerns, dramas, and European cinema. His blend of physicality, intensity, and depth made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
