Burt Lancaster
Actor
About Burt Lancaster
Burton Stephen Lancaster was one of Hollywood's most dynamic and versatile leading men, known for his athletic prowess and intense screen presence. Beginning his career as a circus acrobat and high diver, Lancaster transitioned to acting in his 30s, making an immediate impact with his debut in 'The Killers' (1946). His career spanned four decades, during which he starred in over 70 films, showcasing remarkable range from tough-guy roles to complex character studies. Lancaster formed his own production company, Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, becoming one of the first actors to take creative control of his career. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Elmer Gantry in 1960, cementing his status as a serious dramatic actor. Later in his career, he continued to deliver powerful performances in films like 'Atlantic City' (1980), earning another Oscar nomination. Lancaster's combination of physical charisma, emotional depth, and business acumen made him a unique figure in Golden Age Hollywood.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his intense physical presence and athletic ability, Lancaster brought a unique combination of brute force and emotional vulnerability to his roles. His acting evolved from the tough-guy persona of his early career to more nuanced, complex characters in his later years. He was particularly skilled at portraying men wrestling with moral conflicts and inner demons.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'The Killers' (1946)
- Formed Hecht-Hill-Lancaster production company (1948)
- Academy Award for 'Elmer Gantry' (1960)
- Starred in 'From Here to Eternity' (1953)
- Produced and starred in 'The Sweet Smell of Success' (1957)
- Oscar nomination for 'Atlantic City' (1980)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Elmer Gantry' (1960)
- Golden Globe for Best Actor for 'Elmer Gantry' (1960)
- New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor for 'Elmer Gantry' (1960)
- Volpi Cup for Best Actor for 'Birdman of Alcatraz' (1962)
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor for 'Atlantic City' (1980)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for 'From Here to Eternity' (1953)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for 'Birdman of Alcatraz' (1962)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for 'Atlantic City' (1980)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Picture for 'Marty' as producer (1955)
- Golden Globe nomination for 'The Sweet Smell of Success' (1957)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
- AFI Life Achievement Award (1985)
- Kennedy Center Honors (1992)
- National Board of Review Career Achievement Award (1980)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Burt Lancaster revolutionized the Hollywood star system by becoming one of the first actors to form his own independent production company, giving him unprecedented creative control. His portrayal of complex, morally ambiguous characters helped push American cinema toward more sophisticated adult themes in the 1950s and 60s. Lancaster's physicality and athleticism set a new standard for action-oriented leading men, while his willingness to play unsympathetic characters challenged traditional star personas.
Lasting Legacy
Lancaster's legacy extends beyond his impressive filmography to his role as a pioneer of independent film production in Hollywood. He demonstrated that actors could successfully transition from being studio employees to creative entrepreneurs. His performances in films like 'The Sweet Smell of Success' and 'Elmer Gantry' remain touchstones of American cinema, studied by actors and filmmakers for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Lancaster's career trajectory from circus performer to Oscar-winning actor to respected character actor in his later years serves as an inspiration for performers seeking longevity in the entertainment industry.
Who They Inspired
Lancaster influenced generations of actors with his combination of physical prowess and emotional intelligence. His approach to character preparation and his business acumen inspired later stars like Robert Redford and Paul Newman to form their own production companies. Directors continue to study his work, particularly his ability to convey complex emotions through physical presence rather than dialogue. His willingness to age gracefully on screen and take on challenging character roles in his later years paved the way for other leading men to continue working past their prime years.
Off Screen
Lancaster was married three times and had five children. He was known for his liberal political views and civil rights activism. In his later years, he suffered from a stroke that affected his ability to speak but continued to act. He was also a passionate advocate for environmental causes and supported various humanitarian organizations.
Education
DeWitt Clinton High School (attended), New York University (attended briefly)
Family
- June Ernst (1935-1946)
- Norma Anderson (1946-1969)
- Susan Martin (1990-1994)
Did You Know?
- Began his career as a circus acrobat with the Kay Brothers circus
- Served in the U.S. Army during World War II
- Was offered the role of Judas in 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' but turned it down
- Performed his own stunts in most of his films
- Was a passionate supporter of civil rights and marched with Martin Luther King Jr.
- His son Bill wrote the screenplay for 'The Bad News Bears'
- Was nominated for a Tony Award for his Broadway debut in 'The Music Man' (1980)
- Spoke fluent Italian and appeared in several Italian films
- Was an accomplished pianist and singer
- Turned down the role of Colonel Nicholson in 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'
In Their Own Words
I'm a Methodist from the knees down.
The most important thing in acting is honesty. If you can fake that, you've got it made.
I'm more interested in the audience than in the critics. The critics are the ones who know all the rules. The audience is the one that doesn't know any rules, and they just respond from the heart.
I've never been what you'd call a 'star's star.' I'm an actor's actor, and I'm a public's actor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Burt Lancaster?
Burt Lancaster was an American actor and producer who became one of Hollywood's biggest stars from the 1940s through the 1980s. Known for his athletic build and intense performances, he won an Academy Award for 'Elmer Gantry' and was a pioneer of independent film production.
What films is Burt Lancaster best known for?
Lancaster is best known for 'The Killers' (1946), 'From Here to Eternity' (1953), 'Elmer Gantry' (1960), 'The Sweet Smell of Success' (1957), 'Birdman of Alcatraz' (1962), and 'Atlantic City' (1980).
When was Burt Lancaster born and when did he die?
Burt Lancaster was born on November 2, 1913, in New York City and died on October 20, 1994, in Century City, California, at the age of 80.
What awards did Burt Lancaster win?
Lancaster won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Elmer Gantry' (1960), along with Golden Globe and New York Film Critics Circle Awards. He also received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1985 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1992.
What was Burt Lancaster's acting style?
Lancaster was known for his physical presence and emotional intensity, combining athletic ability with deep emotional vulnerability. He evolved from tough-guy roles to complex character studies, excelling at portraying men wrestling with moral conflicts.
Did Burt Lancaster have any connection to the circus?
Yes, before becoming an actor, Lancaster worked as a circus acrobat and high diver with the Kay Brothers circus. This athletic background contributed to his physical prowess and ability to perform his own stunts in films.
Was Burt Lancaster involved in film production?
Yes, Lancaster co-founded Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions in 1948, making him one of the first actors to form an independent production company. This gave him creative control over projects like 'Marty' (1955), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Learn More
Films
2 films
