Burton Gilliam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Burton Gilliam
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Gilliam at the 2019 GalaxyCon Raleigh
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| Born | August 9, 1938 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Gilliam |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Hollie Vise (granddaughter) |
Burton Gilliam (born August 9, 1938) is an American actor. He is famous for his roles in popular movies from the 1970s, like Blazing Saddles and Paper Moon. He also had funny guest appearances in films such as Back to the Future, Part III (1990) and Honeymoon in Vegas.
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About Burton Gilliam
His Acting Journey
Before becoming an actor, Burton Gilliam was a boxer. He was part of the Coast Guard's boxing team. He won an amazing 201 out of 217 fights! He stayed involved in boxing for many years. He even worked as a referee in California.
While working as a firefighter in Dallas, Gilliam got his first movie role. He played "Floyd," a desk clerk, in the film Paper Moon. After that, he appeared in many other popular movies. These included Blazing Saddles and Back to the Future Part III.
Playing his character in Blazing Saddles was a bit tough for him. He played a mean character who said unkind things. He even apologized to the actor Cleavon Little, who played the hero. Little reminded him that it was just a part of the script. The movie showed that the bad words were wrong because his character was a villain.
Gilliam also acted in movies like Honeymoon in Vegas and Fletch. You might have seen him on TV shows too. He appeared in Charlie's Angels, The A-Team, and The Dukes of Hazzard. He was also a regular on the show Evening Shade.
Life Outside of Acting
Burton Gilliam was born in Dallas, Texas. Today, he lives with his wife, Susan, in Allen, Texas. That's just north of Dallas. He has two children and four grandchildren. His granddaughter, Hollie Vise, is a very talented gymnast. She was even a world champion!
Gilliam finished high school at Woodrow Wilson High School in 1956. In 2004, he was honored and added to the school's hall of fame. In 2018, he led the big Dallas St. Patrick's Day parade.
Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- Paper Moon (1973)
- Blazing Saddles (1974)
- Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)
- Farewell, My Lovely (1975)
- Fletch (1985)
- Back to the Future Part III (1990)
- Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)
- The Getaway (1994)
- Wild Bill (1995)
- Soccer Dog: The Movie (1999)
Television Shows
- The Girl, the Gold Watch & Everything (1980)
- North and South Book II (1986)
- Evening Shade (1990-1994) - Virgil
- The Love Bug (1997)
Guest Appearances on TV
- The Waltons (1975)
- Charlie's Angels (1977)
- Alice (1976-1978)
- The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1982)
- Knight Rider (1983)
- The A-Team (1983)
- The Fall Guy (1983)
- Walker, Texas Ranger (1999)
Video Games
- Redneck Rampage (1996) - Leonard (voice)
- Redneck Rampage Rides Again (1998) - Leonard (voice)
