David Birney was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Bridget Loves Bernie,” “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” and “The Adam Chronicles.” He was born on April 23, 1939, in Washington, D.C., and enjoyed a successful career in film and television.
Personal and Family Life
David Birney was married twice. He had three children with his first wife, Meredith Baxter, whom he met while working on “Bridget Loves Bernie.” Their children include Kate, and twins Mollie and Peter. David also held a Bachelor’s degree in English from Dartmouth College and a Master’s in Theatre from UCLA. He was an advocate for children’s and educational issues and served as chair for the American Diabetes Association for five years.
Career Highlights
Birney began his acting career in repertory theaters, including the Barter Theatre and Hartford Stage Company. He gained fame for his role in the New York production of “Summertree,” winning awards for his performance. His notable television roles included Mark Elliott in “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing” and Bernie Steinberg in “Bridget Loves Bernie,” both of which were popular during their time. He also appeared in many films, beginning with “Caravan to Vaccares.”
Death and Legacy
David Birney passed away on April 27, 2022, in Santa Monica, California, after battling Alzheimer’s disease since 2017. He left behind a legacy of rich performances in both film and television, remembered by fans and colleagues alike. His contributions to the arts and his advocacy work will be remembered long after his passing.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and Die | 1991-01-01 | Scanzano |
| Someone’s Watching Me! | 1978-11-29 | Paul Winkless |
| Oh, God! Book II | 1980-10-03 | Don Richards |
| Nightfall | 1988-04-15 | Aton |
| Bridget Loves Bernie | 1972-09-16 | Bernie Steinberg |
| Love Is a Many Splendored Thing | 1967-09-18 |