Bob Burns
Actor
About Bob Burns
Bob Burns was an American actor who appeared briefly during the early sound era of Hollywood cinema. His known filmography consists of a single appearance in the 1933 Western 'Sagebrush Trail,' which starred a young John Wayne in one of his early leading roles. Burns was part of the supporting cast during a period when Hollywood was rapidly transitioning from silent films to talkies, and many actors found brief opportunities in the booming Western genre. Like many character actors of his era, he likely worked as a bit player or extra, taking whatever roles were available during the Great Depression when film production was one of the few thriving industries. His appearance in 'Sagebrush Trail' represents his only documented film credit, suggesting either a very brief acting career or that other potential roles may have been uncredited or lost to time. The film itself was produced by Lone Star Productions, a low-budget studio that specialized in Westerns and provided early opportunities for many future stars.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Sagebrush Trail' (1933) starring John Wayne
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
As a minor character actor with only one documented film appearance, Bob Burns' cultural impact was minimal but representative of the thousands of working actors who formed the backbone of Hollywood's studio system during the Golden Age. These supporting players, though often forgotten by history, were essential to creating the rich, believable worlds of classic films. His appearance in an early John Wayne Western places him within the context of Hollywood's transition period, when future stars were still developing their craft and studios relied heavily on stock character actors to populate their productions.
Lasting Legacy
Bob Burns' legacy is primarily that of a typical working actor from Hollywood's Golden Age - one of the many anonymous faces who contributed to classic films but whose names have faded from public memory. His single documented appearance in 'Sagebrush Trail' serves as a reminder of the vast network of character actors and bit players who were essential to the studio system but rarely received recognition. For film historians and classic cinema enthusiasts, actors like Burns represent the everyday reality of Hollywood during the 1930s, where thousands hoped for stardom but most found only brief moments on screen.
Who They Inspired
Given his brief and limited film career, Bob Burns had no documented influence on other actors or directors. However, as part of the supporting cast in an early John Wayne film, he contributed to the development of one of cinema's most iconic stars and the Western genre that would define American popular culture for decades.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Bob Burns' personal life, which is typical for minor character actors from the early 1930s who appeared in only one or two films. Like many bit players of the era, he may have been a working actor who took whatever roles were available during the Depression years, or possibly someone who tried acting briefly before pursuing another career.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one documented film during his entire career
- 'Sagebrush Trail' was one of John Wayne's early starring roles before he became a major star
- The film was produced by Lone Star Productions, a low-budget studio specializing in Westerns
- His career spanned the transition period from silent films to talkies
- Like many character actors of the 1930s, his role was likely uncredited or minor
- The film was directed by Armand Schaefer, who later became a prominent television producer
- Sagebrush Trail was filmed at the Iverson Movie Ranch in California, a popular location for Westerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bob Burns?
Bob Burns was an American actor who appeared briefly in Hollywood during the early 1930s. He is known for a single film appearance in the 1933 Western 'Sagebrush Trail' starring John Wayne, representing one of the many character actors who populated Golden Age cinema but left minimal documentation of their careers.
What films is Bob Burns best known for?
Bob Burns is known only for his appearance in 'Sagebrush Trail' (1933), a Western film that featured John Wayne in an early leading role. This appears to be his only documented film credit, making it his singular contribution to classic cinema.
When was Bob Burns born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Bob Burns are not documented in historical records, which is common for minor character actors from the early 1930s. His only known film work dates to 1933, placing his career during the early sound era of Hollywood.
What awards did Bob Burns win?
Bob Burns did not receive any documented awards or nominations for his work in film. As a minor character actor with only one known film appearance, he would not have been considered for major industry recognition during his brief career.
What was Bob Burns' acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his career, Bob Burns' specific acting style is not recorded in film history. As a character actor in a 1933 Western, he likely employed the straightforward, naturalistic style typical of supporting players in low-budget genre films of the early sound era.
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Films
1 film
