Burt Lancaster

Born

1913

Died

1994

From

New York City, New York, USA·Century City, California, USA

Also:
Producer

106

Credits on file

Decades active

Awards

In short · Acted for nine decades — 106 credits, 3 Golden Boot Award wins.

Remembered for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

Recent & in release

Jul 13
In the news
Robert De Niro to Present Restored Bertolucci Epic in Rome
“Actor Robert De Niro will travel to Rome on Monday to introduce a newly restored version of Bernardo Bertolucci’s historical drama “Novecento.” The screening commemorates the film’s 50th anniversary, marking its original production in 1976. The event features a two‑part presentation of the epic, which originally starred an international cast including Gérard Depardieu, Burt Lancaster, Dominique Sanda and Donald Sutherland. The restoration aims to showcase the director’s original vision with updated picture and sound quality, offering audiences a chance to experience the landmark work in contemporary theaters.”
1995
Award win
Golden Boot Awards — Golden Boot Awards
1960
Award win
Academy Awards — Oscar — Actor in a Leading Role
1946
Award win
Theatre World Award — Theatre World Award

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Biography

Burt Lancaster, one of five children, was born in Manhattan to Elizabeth (Roberts) and James Henry Lancaster, a postal worker. All his grandparents were immigrants from the north of Ireland. As a tough street kid, he developed an early interest in gymnastics. He joined the circus as an acrobat and worked there until he was injured. During his time in the Army in World War II, he was introduced to the USO and to acting. His first film was *The Killers* (1946), which made him a star. A self-taught actor, he learned the business as he went along. In 1948, he set up his own production company with Harold Hecht and James Hill to direct his career. He played many different roles in pictures as varied as *The Crimson Pirate* (1952), *From Here to Eternity* (1953), *Elmer Gantry* (1960), and *Atlantic City* (1980). His production company, Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, produced such films as Paddy Chayefsky's *Marty* (1955) (Oscar winner 1955) and *The Catered Affair* (1956). In the 1980s, he appeared as a supporting player in a number of movies, such as *Local Hero* (1983) and *Field of Dreams* (1989). However, it will be the sound of his voice, the way that he laughed, and the larger-than-life characters he played that will always be remembered.