Burgess Meredith
Actor
About Burgess Meredith
Oliver Burgess Meredith was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and rose to become one of American cinema's most versatile character actors, with a career spanning over six decades. After graduating from Amherst College and studying acting under Eva Le Gallienne, he made his Broadway debut in 1930 and quickly transitioned to Hollywood. His breakthrough role came as George Milton in the 1939 adaptation of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men,' establishing him as a serious dramatic actor. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Forces and participated in the production of several wartime documentaries including 'Attack! The Battle for New Britain' and 'Tunisian Victory.' Post-war, Meredith became a familiar face in both film and television, earning Academy Award nominations for 'The Day of the Locust' (1975) and 'Rocky' (1976) as the iconic trainer Mickey Goldmill. He also gained immortality among sci-fi fans as the Penguin in the 1960s 'Batman' television series and as a frequent narrator on 'The Twilight Zone.' Later in life, he continued acting well into his 80s, appearing in films like 'Grumpy Old Men' (1993), cementing his status as a beloved character actor who could seamlessly transition from comedy to drama.
The Craft
On Screen
Meredith was known for his chameleon-like ability to transform into diverse characters, employing a distinctive gravelly voice that became his trademark. He excelled at playing both sympathetic and villainous roles, often bringing a unique blend of intensity and vulnerability to his performances. His method approach to character development allowed him to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, making him equally convincing as a lovable trainer in 'Rocky' or a menacing villain in 'Batman.'
Milestones
- Broadway debut in 'Romeo and Juliet' (1930)
- Breakthrough role in 'Of Mice and Men' (1939)
- Military service during WWII with documentary work
- Two Academy Award nominations in the 1970s
- Iconic role as The Penguin in 'Batman' TV series
- Memorable performance as Mickey in 'Rocky' series
- Frequent appearances on 'The Twilight Zone'
- Published autobiography 'So Far, So Good' in 1994
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Honorary Award (1977)
- National Board of Review Award for Best Actor (1939)
- New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor (1939)
- Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor (1976)
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special (1977)
Nominated
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'The Day of the Locust' (1975)
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Rocky' (1976)
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for 'Major Barbara' (1956)
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for 'Ulysses in Nighttown' (1974)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (1979)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences membership
- Amherst College honorary doctorate
- National Film Board of Canada recognition for wartime documentaries
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Burgess Meredith left an indelible mark on American popular culture through his diverse body of work spanning theater, film, and television. His portrayal of Mickey Goldmill in the 'Rocky' franchise created one of cinema's most memorable trainer-athlete relationships, influencing countless sports films that followed. As the Penguin in the 1960s 'Batman' series, he helped define campy villainy for a generation of television viewers, while his haunting performance in the 'Twilight Zone' episode 'Time Enough at Last' remains one of the most referenced moments in science fiction history. His wartime documentary work contributed to the American war effort and helped shape public perception of World War II.
Lasting Legacy
Meredith's legacy endures through his extensive filmography and the characters he brought to life with unmatched authenticity. He is remembered as one of Hollywood's most reliable character actors, capable of elevating any material with his presence. His autobiography and numerous interviews provide valuable insights into Golden Age Hollywood, while his performances continue to be studied by actors and film scholars. The range of his work—from Steinbeck adaptations to blockbuster franchises—demonstrates the versatility that defined his career and secured his place in cinema history.
Who They Inspired
Meredith influenced generations of character actors through his commitment to craft and his ability to disappear into roles. His work method approach and dedication to psychological realism paved the way for later character actors. His success in transitioning from leading man to character actor provided a model for longevity in Hollywood, while his television work helped legitimize the medium for serious actors. Many actors, including Sylvester Stallone, have cited him as a mentor and inspiration, and his distinctive voice acting continues to influence voice performers in animation and narration.
Off Screen
Meredith was married four times and had two children. His personal life was marked by his dedication to his craft and his service during World War II. He was known for his liberal political views and was briefly blacklisted during the McCarthy era. In his later years, he suffered from emphysema and melanoma but continued working almost until his death at age 89.
Education
Hoosac School (New York), Amherst College (graduated 1931), Eva Le Gallienne's Civic Repertory Theatre training
Family
- Helen Derby (1933-1935)
- Margaret Perry (1936-1938)
- Paulette Goddard (1944-1958)
- Kaja Sundsten (1958-1997)
Did You Know?
- Was a licensed pilot and flew his own plane until his 80s
- Was briefly blacklisted during the McCarthy era for alleged communist sympathies
- Served in the Army Air Forces during WWII, reaching the rank of captain
- Was a accomplished painter and had several art exhibitions
- Was nominated for Academy Awards 37 years apart (1939 and 1976)
- Was a close friend of actor John Houseman and worked with him on multiple projects
- Was an accomplished stage actor who won the New York Drama Critics Award
- Was a passionate chess player and participated in celebrity tournaments
- Was a vegetarian for much of his adult life
- His distinctive gravelly voice was partly the result of a throat injury
In Their Own Words
'You're gonna eat lightning and you're gonna crap thunder!' - as Mickey Goldmill in Rocky
'That's not a crack in the wall, it's a door!' - as Henry Bemis in Twilight Zone
'Acting is the most personal of our crafts. The make-up of a human being is his makeup.'
'I've always felt that if you're not learning something, it's a waste of time.'
'The best thing about being a character actor is that you can work forever.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Burgess Meredith?
Burgess Meredith was a highly versatile American actor whose career spanned over six decades, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and ability to transform into diverse characters. He achieved fame through roles in 'Of Mice and Men,' the 'Rocky' films as Mickey, and as the Penguin in the 'Batman' TV series.
What films is Burgess Meredith best known for?
Meredith is best known for 'Of Mice and Men' (1939), the 'Rocky' series (1976, 1979, 1982) as trainer Mickey, 'The Day of the Locust' (1975), 'Advise & Consent' (1962), and 'Grumpy Old Men' (1993). He also gained fame from television work on 'Batman' and 'The Twilight Zone'.
When was Burgess Meredith born and when did he die?
Burgess Meredith was born on November 16, 1907, in Cleveland, Ohio, and died on September 9, 1997, in Malibu, California, at the age of 89.
What awards did Burgess Meredith win?
Meredith received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor ('The Day of the Locust' and 'Rocky'), won a Golden Globe for 'Rocky,' earned an Emmy Award, and received an Academy Honorary Award in 1977. He also won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for 'Of Mice and Men'.
What was Burgess Meredith's acting style?
Meredith was known for his chameleon-like ability to transform into characters, employing a distinctive gravelly voice and method approach to acting. He excelled at both sympathetic and villainous roles, bringing psychological depth and authenticity to every performance.
Did Burgess Meredith serve in the military?
Yes, Meredith served in the Army Air Forces during World War II, reaching the rank of captain. He participated in making wartime documentaries including 'Attack! The Battle for New Britain' and 'Tunisian Victory'.
How many times was Burgess Meredith married?
Burgess Meredith was married four times: to Helen Derby (1933-1935), Margaret Perry (1936-1938), actress Paulette Goddard (1944-1958), and Kaja Sundsten (1958-1997). He had two children, one with Goddard and one with Sundsten.
What was Burgess Meredith's role in The Twilight Zone?
Meredith appeared in four episodes of 'The Twilight Zone,' most famously as Henry Bemis in 'Time Enough at Last' (1959), playing a book-loving bank teller who finally gets time to read after nuclear apocalypse. His performance in this episode is considered one of the series' most iconic.
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Films
4 films
