Burke Byrnes

Biography

Burke Byrnes (born 1937) is an American actor whose film career ran mainly from the late 1960s into the early 1990s. He worked largely in genre cinema and mainstream studio and independent productions, the kind of supporting work that kept much of the Hollywood industry running in those decades.

By most accounts he appeared in more than seventy films between 1969 and 1994, which points to a long and varied career. His credits include The New Centurions (1972), Scorpio (1973) and The Omen III-era horror titles such as Witchboard (1986), along with Air America (1990). He is also remembered for his voice work as Daddy Topps in The Land Before Time, one of his most recognisable roles outside live-action film.

He is now regarded as a retired actor. His career is a good example of the supporting performer's craft in commercial cinema of the period, with appearances across action, thriller and horror.

Key films

• The New Centurions (1972): a police drama set in the city, in which Byrnes is part of the ensemble.
• Scorpio (1973): a spy thriller with a strong cast, where Byrnes appears in a supporting role.
• Ten (1979): a romantic comedy that was one of the decade's commercial hits.
• Air America (1990): an action adventure set during the Vietnam War.