Burgess Meredith
A character actor of astonishing range who stole scenes as a wily trainer in 'Rocky' and a cackling villain in 'Batman'.
1907–1997 (age 90)·American actor·Birthday: November 16·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Burgess Meredith's face and voice, weathered and wise, became fixtures of 20th-century American film and theater. He began on the stage, a respected Broadway actor before Hollywood called. His career weathered the blacklist of the 1950s, but he returned with a second act that made him a beloved screen presence. He brought a gritty, paternal heart to Mickey Goldmill, the trainer in the 'Rocky' films, and a scene-chewing, bird-loving madness to the Penguin in the 1960s 'Batman' television series. Meredith never stopped working, moving seamlessly from classic films like 'Of Mice and Men' to twilight roles in 'Grumpy Old Men.' His was a career defined not by leading-man looks, but by an unparalleled ability to inhabit a character completely, making every role, no matter the size, distinctly and memorably his own.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Burgess was born in 1907, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Burgess Was Born
The biggest hits of 1907
Burgess's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1907Born
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Started school
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1920Became a teenager
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Could drive
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1925Could vote
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Turned 21
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1937Turned 30
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1947Turned 40
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 50
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 60
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 70
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 80
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1997Died at 90
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
Key Achievements
- Received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, for 'The Day of the Locust' and 'Rocky'.
- Won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in the television film 'Tail Gunner Joe'.
- Originated the role of the Penguin on the 1960s 'Batman' TV series, creating the character's iconic persona.
- Had a prolific voice-acting career, narrating the 1978 'The Hobbit' animated film and appearing in numerous commercials.
Did You Know?
He was the first American actor to play Vladimir Lenin on screen, in the 1937 film 'The Man Who Could Work Miracles'.
He served as a captain in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
He directed the 1950 film 'The Man on the Eiffel Tower', in which he also starred.
He published an autobiography titled 'So Far, So Good' in 1994.
“I've been an actor so long, I can remember when a 'take' meant something you did without pay.”
