Burt Lancaster
American actor
Cite this page
“Burt Lancaster.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/burt-lancaster/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
Burt Lancaster. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 27, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/burt-lancaster/
“Burt Lancaster.” thisDay. Accessed October 27, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/burt-lancaster/.
Who was Burt Lancaster?
Burton Stephen Lancaster (November 2, 1913 – October 20, 1994) was an American actor. The American Film Institute ranks Lancaster as #19 of the greatest male stars of classic Hollywood cinema. Lancaster performed as a circus acrobat in the 1930s. At the age of 32 and after serving in World War II, he landed a role in a Broadway play and drew the attention of a Hollywood agent. His appearance in film noir The Killers in 1946 with Ava Gardner was a critical success and launched both of their careers. In 1948, Lancaster starred alongside Barbara Stanwyck in the commercially and critically acclaimed film Sorry, Wrong Number, where he portrayed the husband to her bedridden invalid character.
Historical significance
Initially known for playing tough characters with tender hearts, he went on to achieve success with more complex and challenging roles over a 45-year career in films and television series. Lancaster was a four-time nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actor (winning once), and he also won two BAFTA Awards, one Golden Globe Award for Best Lead Actor, one Silver Bear, one Volpi Cup and two David di Donatello awards. Lancaster was a four-time nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actor, and he also won two BAFTA Awards, one Golden Globe Award for Best Lead Actor, one Silver Bear, one Volpi Cup and two David di Donatello awards.
Cite this page
“Burt Lancaster.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/burt-lancaster/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
Burt Lancaster. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 27, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/burt-lancaster/
“Burt Lancaster.” thisDay. Accessed October 27, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/burt-lancaster/.