Paul Burke (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Burke
|
|
|---|---|
1965 photo of Burke as Joe Gallagher in 12 O'Clock High
|
|
| Born |
Paul Raymond Burke
July 21, 1926 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
|
| Died | September 13, 2009 (aged 83) Palm Springs, California, U.S.
|
| Alma mater | Pasadena Playhouse |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1951–1990 |
| Spouse(s) |
Peggy Pryor (born Alice Louise Wikan)
(m. 1946–1972)Lyn Peters
(m. 1979–2009) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Alia Shawkat (granddaughter) |
Paul Raymond Burke (born July 21, 1926 – died September 13, 2009) was an American actor. He was famous for his main roles in two TV shows in the 1960s: Naked City and 12 O'Clock High. He was even nominated for an Emmy Award twice for his role as Detective Adam Flint in Naked City. An Emmy Award is a special prize given for great work in television.
Contents
Paul Burke's Life and Acting Career
Paul Burke was born in New Orleans, a city in Louisiana, USA. His father, Martin Joseph "Marty" Burke, was a boxer. Later, his dad owned a restaurant and a nightclub in New Orleans.
Paul studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse. This is a famous theater and acting school. His first movie role was a small part in a film called Golden Girl. Early in his career, Paul appeared as a guest star in TV shows like Highway Patrol and Men of Annapolis.
Becoming a TV Star
From 1956 to 1957, Paul played Dr. Noah McCann in a TV show called Noah's Ark. This show was about two dedicated veterinarians, who are animal doctors.
Paul Burke then got a main role in the police TV show Naked City. He played Detective Adam Flint from 1960 to 1963. This role made him very well known. He was even nominated for an Emmy Award two times for his work on this show.
After Naked City, Paul starred in another popular TV show, 12 O'Clock High. He played Captain Joe Gallagher (who later became a Major, then a Colonel) from 1964 to 1967. This was his last main role in a TV series.
Movies and Other TV Roles
In 1967, Paul Burke was in the movie Valley of the Dolls. He played a lawyer named Lyon Burke. The next year, he was in The Thomas Crown Affair. In this movie, he played a police officer chasing a bank robber.
Paul also had supporting roles in many other TV shows. He appeared often in Dynasty from 1982 to 1988. He was also in Tom Selleck's show Magnum, P.I. from 1981 to 1985, playing Rear Admiral Hawkes. You might have also seen him in TV commercials for a store called RadioShack.
Later Life and Passing
Paul Burke stopped acting in the early 1990s. He was the grandfather of actress Alia Shawkat. Her mother, Dina, is Paul's daughter.
Paul Burke became ill with serious illnesses. He passed away in 2009 at his home in Palm Springs, California. He was 83 years old. His second wife, Lyn Peters, also passed away in Palm Springs a few years later in 2013.
