Burt Lancaster
Birthday: 2 November 1913, New York City, New York, USA
Birth Name: Burton Stephen Lancaster
Height: 185 cm
Burt Lancaster, one of five children, was born in Manhattan, to Elizabeth (Roberts) and James Henry Lancaster, a postal worker. All of his grandparents were immigrants from Northern Ireland. He was a ...Show More
[upon being offered Ben-Hur (1959)] I don't want to make this film. It's a piece of crap.
[upon being offered Ben-Hur (1959)] I don't want to make this film. It's a piece of crap.
[on being a director] It's the best job in the picture business because when you're a director, you' Show more
[on being a director] It's the best job in the picture business because when you're a director, you're God. And you know that's the best job in town. Hide
We're all forgotten sooner or later. But not films. That's all the memorial we should need or hope f Show more
We're all forgotten sooner or later. But not films. That's all the memorial we should need or hope for. Hide
In my opinion, Shirley Booth is the finest actress I have ever worked with.
In my opinion, Shirley Booth is the finest actress I have ever worked with.
If I'm working with frightened people, I do tend to dominate them. I'm no doll, that's for sure.
If I'm working with frightened people, I do tend to dominate them. I'm no doll, that's for sure.
[on working with Montgomery Clift on From Here to Eternity (1953)] The only time I was ever really a Show more
[on working with Montgomery Clift on From Here to Eternity (1953)] The only time I was ever really afraid as an actor was that first scene with Clift. It was my scene, understand: I was the sergeant, I gave the orders, he was just a private under me. Well, when we started, I couldn't stop my knees from shaking. I thought they might have to stop because my trembling would show. I was afraid he was going to blow me right off the screen. Hide
[on Go Tell the Spartans (1978)] One of the best scripts I've read and certainly the best I've had f Show more
[on Go Tell the Spartans (1978)] One of the best scripts I've read and certainly the best I've had for myself in a few years. Hide
I woke up one day a star. It was terrifying. Then I worked hard toward becoming a good actor.
I woke up one day a star. It was terrifying. Then I worked hard toward becoming a good actor.
[In 1984 about his career] When I think of my least favorite, I think of Rope of Sand (1949). I did Show more
[In 1984 about his career] When I think of my least favorite, I think of Rope of Sand (1949). I did that thing under great duress. I hated it. Hide
Genius is a pretty dangerous thing to have. Genius is too erratic. It's better just to be talented.
Genius is a pretty dangerous thing to have. Genius is too erratic. It's better just to be talented.
Most people seem to think I'm the kind of guy who shaves with a blowtorch. Actually I'm bookish and Show more
Most people seem to think I'm the kind of guy who shaves with a blowtorch. Actually I'm bookish and worrisome. Hide
Life is to be lived within the limits of your knowledge and within the concept of what you would lik Show more
Life is to be lived within the limits of your knowledge and within the concept of what you would like to see yourself to be. Hide
[advice to actor Bruce Davison, on the set of Ulzana's Raid (1972)] You try to please the director, Show more
[advice to actor Bruce Davison, on the set of Ulzana's Raid (1972)] You try to please the director, and the cameraman and the soundman, and you're acting and acting and acting and by the time you come to your close-up, you've shot your wad. It's like making love to a woman: you can't try to come all at once, son. A bit of a tit here, a bit of an inner thigh there, and you have a performance! Hide
[in 1976] Whether you like it or not, when you're 62 you are fulfilled.
[in 1976] Whether you like it or not, when you're 62 you are fulfilled.
[on Montgomery Clift] He had so much power, so much concentration. Clift was a complicated man, ther Show more
[on Montgomery Clift] He had so much power, so much concentration. Clift was a complicated man, there's no question about it. He was a very sweet man, Monty, very emotional. Hide
I don't know why Airport (1970) was nominated for any Oscars - it's the biggest piece of junk ever.
I don't know why Airport (1970) was nominated for any Oscars - it's the biggest piece of junk ever.
[on Kirk Douglas] Kirk would be the first to admit that he's difficult to work with - and I would be Show more
[on Kirk Douglas] Kirk would be the first to admit that he's difficult to work with - and I would be the second. Hide
[on Kirk Douglas] We both came from, sort of, well, shall we say, humble beginnings. We were both yo Show more
[on Kirk Douglas] We both came from, sort of, well, shall we say, humble beginnings. We were both young, brash, cocky, arrogant. We knew everything, were highly opinionated. We were invincible. Nobody liked us. Hide
[speaking in 1983] Tits and sand - that's what we used to call sex and violence in Hollywood.
[speaking in 1983] Tits and sand - that's what we used to call sex and violence in Hollywood.
[in 1985] If anyone should have gotten AIDS from an active sex life, it is me.
[in 1985] If anyone should have gotten AIDS from an active sex life, it is me.
Burt Lancaster's FILMOGRAPHY
as Actor (116)
Burt Lancaster'S roles
