Jere Burns is a talented actor, widely recognized for his iconic roles, including "Kirk Morris" and "Jack Farrell". His striking features, characterized by a sharp, raspy nasal voice, a sneering smile, and a fierce gaze, have made him a compelling presence on screen. Burns' entry into acting was somewhat late in life, as he only discovered his passion for the craft during his college years.
After graduating, he re-established himself in New York and landed the title role of "Don Juan" at the New York Shakespeare Festival. This marked the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry. His official television debut came in the form of a small role in ABC Afterschool Specials, followed by a memorable appearance in the 1984 film "Mom's on Strike".
Burns' breakthrough role came in 1988, when he landed the plum part of "Kirk Morris" in the remake of the British sitcom "Dear John". This role brought him instant recognition and paved the way for a plethora of similar parts. Some of his notable roles include "James Fitzsimmons", a pathological rapist, in several episodes of the NBC drama series "Hill Street Blues", and "Breugel", a body collector, on the popular show "Max Headroom".
In the early 1990s, Burns continued to make a name for himself, taking on roles such as "Cade Dalton" in the NBC miniseries "The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw", and "Arnan Rothman" in the film "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles". He also appeared in the 1994 comedy "Greedy", playing a member of a loud and feuding family.
In 1993, Burns was cast as "Pete Schmidt", the vice-president of sales, in the final season of the Bob Newhart series. Despite his strong performance, the show ultimately failed to gain traction. Burns has continued to take on a wide range of roles, including "Jack Farrell" in the 1996 series "Something So Right", and "Frank Alfonse" in the 2002 show "Good Morning, Miami". Throughout his career, Burns has managed to balance his portrayal of memorable villains with more nuanced and self-deconstructing roles, showcasing his impressive range as an actor.
