Norman Burton

Norman Burton

Deceased · Born: Dec 5, 1923 · Died: Nov 29, 2003

Personal Details

BornDec 5, 1923 New York City, New York, USA
Spouse
  • Grace Claire Mclaughlin

    ( May 29, 1964 to May 30, 2002 )
  • Shirley Evelyn Spitz

    ( Apr 25, 1961 to Dec 7, 2025 )
  • Helen Sloan

    ( Jan 19, 1949 to Mar 31, 1955 )
Parents
  • Dorothy Gapin
  • Charles Schnall
Relatives
  • Abraham Lionel Schnall (Sibling)
  • Texas Frank Szymanski (Grandchild)

Biography

Norman Burton's professional journey in the entertainment industry began with his graduation from The Actor's Studio in New York, where he honed his craft amidst the city's vibrant theater scene. He soon made his mark on the New York stage, appearing in notable productions such as "Sound of Hunting", "Anna Christie", and José Quintero's acclaimed production of Brendan Behan's "The Quare Fellow".

Burton's impressive filmography boasts a wide range of iconic movies, including the disaster epic "Towering Inferno", the critically acclaimed drama "Save the Tiger" (1973),the James Bond classic "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971),the action-packed "Bloodsport" (1988),and the groundbreaking science fiction films "Planet of the Apes" (1968) and "Planet of the Apes" (1974).

Later in life, Burton relocated from Prescott, Arizona to the picturesque town of Ajijic, Mexico, where he found solace in his adopted home. Tragically, his life was cut short in a car accident on the California/Arizona border in late 2003, just six days shy of his 80th birthday. Leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances, Burton was survived by his loving daughter, two grandsons, a niece, and a nephew, who mourned the loss of their dear widower.

Career

1993
American Ninja 5
American Ninja 5 as Ambassador Halden
1992
Live Wire
Live Wire as Senator Victor
1988
Bloodsport
Bloodsport as Helmer
Deep Space
Deep Space as General Randolph
1986
Bad Guys
Bad Guys as Captain Watkins
1985
Pray for Death
Pray for Death as Lt. Anderson
1984
Crimes of Passion
Crimes of Passion as Lou Bateman
1983
Mausoleum
Mausoleum as Dr. Simon Andrews
Amy
Amy as Caruthers
1980
Fade to Black
Fade to Black as Marty Berger
To Race the Wind
To Race the Wind as Mr. Krents
Bogie
Bogie as Hopkins
1977
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman as Joe Atkinson
1976
The Gumball Rally
The Gumball Rally as Lieutenant Roscoe
Scorchy
Scorchy as Chief Frank O'Brien
1975
Force Five
Force Five as Arthur Haberman
1974
The Terminal Man
The Terminal Man as Det. Capt. Anders
Lincoln
Lincoln as Ulysses S. Grant
1973
Save the Tiger
Save the Tiger as Fred Mirrell
Hit!
Hit! as The Director
1972
Fuzz
Fuzz as Police Commissioner Nelson
A Great American Tragedy
A Great American Tragedy as Job Interviewer
1971
Jud
Jud as Uncle Hornkel
Simon, King of the Witches
Simon, King of the Witches as Dist. Atty. Willard Rackum
Diamonds Are Forever
Diamonds Are Forever as Felix Leiter
They Call It Murder
They Call It Murder as The Director
1970
R.P.M.
R.P.M. as Coach McCurdy
1968
Planet of the Apes
Planet of the Apes as Hunt Leader
1967
Valley of the Dolls
Valley of the Dolls as Neely O'Hara's Director (uncredited)
1965
Wild Seed
Wild Seed as Policeman
1962
Hand of Death
Hand of Death as Chief Homicide Investigator
1960
Pretty Boy Floyd
Pretty Boy Floyd as Bill Courtney
1956
Fright
Fright as Reporter Thompkins