Barbara Bush (born 1981)
A versatile character actor best known as the skeptical, protective father in the 'Twilight' films, grounding supernatural fantasy with relatable weariness.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American activist·Birthday: November 25·Millennials
Biography
With a face that suggests a lifetime of seen-it-all experience, Billy Burke has built a steady career playing the grounded, often skeptical everyman in worlds spinning out of control. Long before he became known globally as Charlie Swan, the quietly concerned police chief and father to Kristen Stewart's Bella in the 'Twilight' saga, he was a working actor with roles in films like 'Along Came a Spider.' His portrayal of Charlie, a man navigating his daughter's dangerous supernatural romance with a mix of confusion, worry, and unwavering love, provided the franchise's essential human heartbeat. Beyond Forks, Washington, he has reliably anchored genre projects, leading the NBC drama 'Revolution' as a survivor in a world without power and starring in the CBS animal thriller 'Zoo.' Burke's strength lies in his understated authenticity; he brings a layer of weathered realism that makes the fantastic elements around him feel more tangible, whether he's facing down vampires or a planet of rebelling animals.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Barbara was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Barbara Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Barbara's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Charlie Swan across all five films of the blockbuster 'Twilight Saga' film series.
- Starred as Miles Matheson, one of the lead characters, in the NBC post-apocalyptic series 'Revolution.'
- Played Mitch Morgan, a zoologist, in the CBS thriller series 'Zoo' for three seasons.
- Had a recurring role as Agent Gary Matheson on the police procedural '24.'
Did You Know?
He is also a musician and singer, having released music independently.
Burke is a skilled guitarist and has performed his own music for film soundtracks.
He initially pursued a career in professional baseball before turning to acting.
He voiced the character of Zinyak in the video game 'Saints Row IV.'
“I'm not a political person, but I am a person who cares about health and equity.”
