Burgess Meredith was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Rocky, Grumpy Old Men, and Batman. He was known for his distinctive raspy voice and became a prominent figure in theater and film.
Personal and Family Life
Burgess Meredith was born Oliver Burgess Meredith on November 16, 1907, in Cleveland, Ohio. He had a notable family life, having been married four times, with his last marriage to Kaja Sundsten lasting from 1951 until his death in 1997. Meredith had two children. His parents were William George Meredith and Ida Beth Burgess.
Career Highlights
Meredith had an impressive acting career, starting on stage and later transitioning to film. He gained fame on Broadway with performances in plays like Little ‘Ol Boy and Of Mice and Men. During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps, reaching the rank of captain. His career had ups and downs, especially after being named an unfriendly witness by the House Un-American Activities Committee, but he made a strong comeback in the 1960s with notable television roles.
Death and Legacy
Burgess Meredith passed away on September 9, 1997, in Malibu, California, at the age of 89, due to complications from melanoma and Alzheimer’s disease. He left behind a rich legacy in film and television, being remembered for his versatility and passion for performing arts. His work continues to inspire actors and entertain audiences worldwide.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky III | 1982-05-28 | Mickey Goldmill |
| Rocky | 1976-11-20 | Mickey Goldmill |
| Rocky II | 1979-06-15 | Mickey Goldmill |
| Rocky V | 1990-11-16 | Mickey Goldmill |
| Grumpy Old Men | 1993-12-25 | Grandpa Gustafson |
| Batman | 1966-07-30 | The Penguin |
| Clash of the Titans | 1981-06-12 | Ammon |
| Magic | 1978-11-08 | Ben Greene |
| State of Grace | 1990-09-14 | Finn |
| The Day of the Locust | 1975-05-07 | Harry Greener |