Burt Lancaster
“A former acrobat who turned athletic grace and quiet intensity into one of the screen's great careers.”
A former circus acrobat with no acting training, Burt Lancaster was cast as the doomed 'Swede' in his very first film, 'The Killers' (1946), and his rugged screen presence made him an instant star. Within a few years he was producing his own pictures and choosing daring roles. He became a star in 1946.
From Big Top to the Big Screen
Burt Lancaster grew up athletic in East Harlem and joined the circus at 19 as an acrobat. An injury ended that career, and after wartime service he fell into acting almost by accident.
Instant Star, Bold Choices
He became a star in his first film, 'The Killers' (1946), and used his clout to pick risky, intelligent roles. His unforgettable beach scene in 'From Here to Eternity' (1953) is among cinema's most famous images.
An Oscar and a Long Reign
He won Best Actor for the con-man preacher in 'Elmer Gantry' (1960) and earned praise for decades, from 'Birdman of Alcatraz' to 'Atlantic City.' He worked until illness forced his retirement, dying in 1994.
Career Timeline
- 1913Born in East Harlem, New York City
- 1932Joins the circus as an acrobat with Nick Cravat
- 1939Injury ends his circus career
- 1946Film debut as the Swede in 'The Killers'
- 1948Forms own production company with Harold Hecht
- 1953Beach love scene in 'From Here to Eternity'
- 1957Plays ruthless columnist in 'Sweet Smell of Success'
- 1960Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'Elmer Gantry'
- 1962Oscar-nominated for 'Birdman of Alcatraz'
- 1963Stars in Visconti's epic 'The Leopard'
- 1981Praised for 'Atlantic City' performance
- 1994Dies of a heart attack in Century City, California
Biggest Hits
- His circus partner Nick Cravat remained a lifelong friend and co-starred with him in several swashbuckling films.
- He was among the first major stars to form his own production company, gaining unusual control over his projects.
The Moment You Remember
He is fixed in memory rolling in the surf with Deborah Kerr in From Here to Eternity, the waves washing over the embracing pair in one of the most famous beach scenes ever filmed.
Portrait: Hal Wallis Productions · Public domain (publicity still) · via Wikimedia Commons