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Burt Lancaster (November 2, 1913 – October 20, 1994) was an Oscar-winning
American film actor, noted for his athletic physique (a rare thing for leading men
of that time), distinct smile (which he called "The Grin") and, later, his
willingness to play roles that went against his initial "tough guy" image.
Initially dismissed as "Mr Muscles and Teeth", in the late 1950s Lancaster would
abandon his all-American image and gradually he would be regarded as one of the
best actors of his generation.
 Early
life
Lancaster was born Burton Stephen Lancaster in New York City to James Henry
Lancaster, a postman, and Elizabeth Roberts. His parents were both Protestants of
working-class Northern Irish origin, with Lancaster's grandparents having been
immigrants to the U.S. from Belfast and descendants of English immigrants to
Ireland. Lancaster's family believed themselves to be related to Frederick Roberts,
1st Earl Roberts; their surname originates from 11th century French immigrants to
England with the surname "de Lancastre". Lancaster grew up in East Harlem and spent
much of his time on the streets, where he developed great interest and skill in
gymnastics. Later, he worked as a circus acrobat until an injury forced him to give
up the profession. During World War II, Lancaster joined the United States Army and
performed with the USO.
Career
Though initially unenthusiastic about acting, he returned from service, auditioned
for a Broadway play and was offered a role. Though the play was not successful,
Lancaster's performance drew the attention of a Hollywood agent who had him cast in
the 1946 motion picture The Killers. The tall, muscular actor (his exact height has
been disputed, with some sources claiming he was 6'1" and others 6'2") won
significant acclaim and appeared in two more films the following year.
Subsequently, he played in a variety of movies, especially in dramas, thrillers,
military and adventure films. In two, The Flame and the Arrow and The Crimson
Pirate, a friend from his circus years, Nick Cravat, played a leading role, and
both actors impressed audiences with their acrobatic prowess. In 1953, he played
one of his most famous roles with Deborah Kerr in From Here to Eternity. The
American Film Institute acknowledged the iconic status of the scene from that film
in which he and Deborah Kerr make love on a Hawaii beach amidst the crashing waves.
The organization named it one of "AFI's top 100 Most Romantic Films" of all
time.
Burt Lancaster with Deborah Kerr in the famous beach kiss scene in From Here to
EternityIn the mid '50s, Lancaster went on challenging himself with varied
cinematic roles, and satisfied longtime aspirations by moving into film producing
as well. In most of his roles, whether in drama, circus, western or other genres,
the self-taught actor was successful; he evolved into a solid and versatile
performer and eventually a star. His work was recognized in 1960 when he won the
Academy Award for Best Actor, a Golden Globe Award, and the New York Film Critics
Award for his performance in Elmer Gantry.
During the latter part of his career, Lancaster left adventure and acrobatic movies
behind and portrayed distinguished characters. This period brought him work on
several European productions, with directors such as Luchino Visconti and Bernardo
Bertolucci. Lancaster sought demanding roles and, if he liked a part or a director,
was prepared to work for much lower pay than he might have earned elsewhere; he
even helped to finance movies in whose artistic value he believed. He produced a
number of films himself and also mentored such new directors as Sydney Pollack and
John Frankenheimer, thus adding to his numerous acting achievements a pioneering
role in the development of independent cinema. He also appeared in several TV
films.
For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Lancaster has a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Personal
life
Lancaster was also an unabashed liberal activist and spoke out many times in
support of minorities and forming liberal groups. He was a vocal opponent of the
Vietnam War and McCarthyism. In 1985 Lancaster, a longtime supporter of gay rights,
joined the fight against AIDS after Rock Hudson became ill. Biographer Kate Buford
believes Lancaster was bisexual.
As famous for his prickly, temperamental personality as much as he was for his
willingness and skills at taking on different characterizations, Lancaster
vigorously guarded his private life. He was married three times and had five
children. His first spouse, from 1935 to 1946, was June Ernst, whom he divorced.
His second marriage was with Norma Anderson from 1946 to 1969 and also ended in
divorce, reportedly because Norma couldn't tolerate his "ladies man" behavior. From
Norma, he had Billy, James, Susan, and Shelia; 4 of his children. His third wife
was Susan Martin, whom he married in September 1990. His son Jimmy was diagnosed as
schizophrenic.
Health
problems and death
As Lancaster aged, heart trouble brought on by a lifetime of smoking increasingly
hindered him from working as intensely as his passion and determination demanded.
Following two minor heart attacks he had to undergo an emergency quadruple heart
bypass in 1983, after which he was in frail health. His last significant role was
in Field of Dreams (1989). A massive cerebral stroke in 1990 left him in a
wheelchair, partly paralyzed and unable to speak properly. Burt Lancaster died of a
heart attack at the age of 80, at home in Los Angeles on October 20, 1994. He was
cremated; his ashes were interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
Quotations
"Most people seem to think I’m the kind of guy who shaves with a blowtorch.
Actually, I’m bookish and worrisome."
Oscar
nominations
1953: From Here to Eternity - Nomination
1962: Birdman of Alcatraz - Nomination
1981: Atlantic City - Nomination
Source : Some of the information on this page came
from a Wikipedia article and is licensed under the GNU Documentation
License. ©2008 www.geneticmatrix.com.
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Burt
Lancaster - Manifesting Generator - Biography
