James Burke was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Maltese Falcon, Charlie Chan’s Murder Cruise, and At the Circus. He was born on September 24, 1886, in New York City and had a long career in film and theater.
Personal and Family Life
James Burke was married to Eleanor Durkin until her death in 1957. He was of Irish descent and started his acting career on stage in New York in 1912 before moving to film in the 1930s. He often portrayed tough characters, especially police officers, using his natural Irish brogue.
Death and Legacy
Burke passed away on May 23, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, due to a heart condition. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances in both film and theater, becoming a well-recognized character actor of his time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Maltese Falcon | 1941-10-18 | Luke |
| At the Circus | 1939-10-20 | John Carter |
| We’re Not Married! | 1952-07-11 | Willie’s Sergeant (uncredited) |
| Lucky Me | 1954-04-09 | Mahoney |
| Dead End | 1937-08-27 | Police Officer Mulligan |
| Beau Geste | 1939-07-24 | Lieutenant Dufour |
| All Through the Night | 1942-01-10 | Police Lt. Forbes |
| 36 Hours to Kill | 1936-07-24 | Doyle – Process Server |
| Charlie Chan’s Murder Cruise | 1940-05-02 | Wilkie, house detective |
| The Horn Blows at Midnight | 1945-04-28 | Policeman (uncredited) |