Burgess Meredith – Biography, Age, Net Worth, Career & Family

Burgess Meredith, born on November 16, 1907, and passed away on September 9, 1997, was a multifaceted American actor, director, and writer. Known for his distinctive voice, expressive face, and diverse range of roles, Meredith built a formidable career spanning several decades. He appeared in more than 120 films and television shows, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Meredith’s contributions extended beyond acting, as he also directed and wrote, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the arts.

Cost of Becoming

The journey to becoming a renowned actor, director, and writer was not without its challenges for Burgess Meredith. Born into a modest family, he faced financial constraints and the need to balance his artistic aspirations with practical necessities. Early in his career, Meredith took on various odd jobs to support himself, including working as a department store clerk and a salesman. However, his unwavering commitment and talent eventually propelled him to the forefront of the entertainment industry. The cost of his success included the sacrifices of time, personal relationships, and the relentless pursuit of his dreams, but the rewards were well worth it.

Identity Before Fame

Before his rise to fame, Burgess Meredith was a young man with a passion for the arts. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and developed an early interest in acting and literature. His formative years were marked by a strong educational background; he attended several prestigious institutions, including Denison University and the University of Chicago. Despite his academic pursuits, Meredith’s true calling lay in the performing arts. He began his acting career in small theater productions and gradually worked his way up to Broadway and, eventually, Hollywood. His identity before fame was shaped by his dedication to his craft and his desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of entertainment.

Timeline

• 1907: Born in Cleveland, Ohio
• 1929: Began acting in small theater productions
• 1934: Made his Broadway debut in the play “Shore Leave”
• 1936: Appeared in his first film, “Broadway Through a Keyhole”
• 1941: Starred in the film “The Devil and Daniel Webster”
• 1942: Served in the United States Navy during World War II
• 1943: Received a Tony Award nomination for his role in “The Philadelphia Story”
• 1968: Directed and starred in the film “The Landlord”
• 1976: Played the role of Mickey Goldmill in the film “Rocky”
• 1997: Passed away in Los Angeles, California

Favourites

• Favorite Film: “The Devil and Daniel Webster” (1941)
• Favorite Role: Mickey Goldmill in “Rocky” (1976)
• Favorite Genre: Drama
• Favorite Director: John Huston
• Favorite Play: “The Philadelphia Story”
• Favorite Book: ” Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman

Controversies

• In the 1930s, Meredith was involved in a scandal related to his alleged affair with a married woman, which caused a temporary setback in his career.
• During the 1950s, Meredith was blacklisted for a brief period due to his political views and suspected communist sympathies, which limited his acting opportunities.
• In the 1960s, Meredith faced criticism for his role in the film “The Landlord,” which was perceived by some as promoting racial stereotypes.
• Meredith’s relationships with his co-stars were sometimes strained, particularly during the filming of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” where he had a difficult working relationship with Marlon Brando.
• In the 1970s, Meredith was involved in a legal dispute over the rights to the film “The Landlord,” which he both directed and starred in.
• He was criticized for his portrayal of the character of the Penguin in the 1960s Batman television series, which some viewers found overly campy and not in line with the character’s more serious comic book origins.
• Meredith’s personal life was often in the spotlight, with multiple marriages and high-profile divorces, which sometimes overshadowed his professional achievements.
• In the 1980s, Meredith faced accusations of alcoholism and drug abuse, which affected his health and public image.
• There were allegations of misconduct on set, particularly during the filming of “The Legend of Lobo,” which led to tensions with crew members and cast.
• Meredith’s political views, which shifted over the years, sometimes put him at odds with colleagues and the public, particularly during politically charged times.

Control vs Chaos

Burgess Meredith’s life was a constant negotiation between control and chaos. His disciplined approach to his craft and his meticulous attention to detail in his roles were hallmarks of his success. However, his personal life was often characterized by turmoil and unpredictability. From the early struggles of his career to the controversies that dogged him later in life, Meredith demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. Despite the chaos that sometimes surrounded him, he maintained a strong sense of control over his professional endeavors, ensuring that his artistic vision and integrity remained intact.

Emotional Geography

Meredith’s emotional landscape was as rich and varied as the characters he portrayed. His performances were often deeply emotional, reflecting a profound understanding of human complexity. Whether playing the tortured artist in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” or the wise trainer in “Rocky,” Meredith brought a depth of feeling to his roles that resonated with audiences. His personal life, however, was marked by a series of emotional highs and lows, from the joy of his artistic triumphs to the pain of personal losses and public scandals. Meredith’s ability to channel his own emotional experiences into his work was a testament to his talent and resilience.

FAQs

• What is Burgess Meredith best known for?

  Burgess Meredith is best known for his versatile acting career, including iconic roles such as the Penguin in the 1960s Batman TV series and Mickey Goldmill in the “Rocky” film series. He also directed and wrote, contributing significantly to the arts.

• Where was Burgess Meredith born?

  Burgess Meredith was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 16, 1907.

• When did Burgess Meredith start his acting career?

  Meredith began his acting career in the 1920s, performing in small theater productions and gradually making his way to Broadway and Hollywood.

• What was Burgess Meredith’s first film?

  Burgess Meredith’s first film was “Broadway Through a Keyhole” in 1936.

• What are some of Burgess Meredith’s notable films?

  Some of Burgess Meredith’s notable films include “The Devil and Daniel Webster” (1941), “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948), and “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951).

• What is Burgess Meredith’s role in “Rocky”?

  In the “Rocky” film series, Burgess Meredith played the role of Mickey Goldmill, the grizzled boxing trainer who becomes Rocky Balboa’s mentor and friend.

• Did Burgess Meredith serve in the military?

  Yes, Burgess Meredith served in the United States Navy during World War II.

• What awards did Burgess Meredith receive?

  Burgess Meredith received a Tony Award nomination for his role in “The Philadelphia Story” (1943) and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

• What is Burgess Meredith’s legacy?

  Burgess Meredith’s legacy is one of versatility and dedication to his craft. He is remembered for his exceptional performances, his contributions to the arts as a director and writer, and his enduring influence on the entertainment industry.

• How did Burgess Meredith’s personal life affect his career?

  Meredith’s personal life, marked by multiple marriages and divorces, as well as accusations of alcoholism and drug abuse, sometimes overshadowed his professional achievements. However, he remained a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

• What did Burgess Meredith think about his role as the Penguin in Batman?

  Meredith’s role as the Penguin in the 1960s Batman TV series was initially met with mixed reviews, but he embraced the character with his signature wit and charm, making it a memorable part of his career despite the criticism it received.

• How did Burgess Meredith’s political views impact his career?

  Meredith’s political views, which shifted over the years, sometimes put him at odds with colleagues and the public. During the 1950s, he was blacklisted for a brief period due to suspected communist sympathies, which affected his acting opportunities.

• What is Burgess Meredith’s most memorable performance?

  One of Burgess Meredith’s most memorable performances is his role as Eddie Doyle in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948), where he delivered a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a paranoid and troubled character.