Lancaster, Burt (1913-1994), was a motion-picture star who won praise for his performances in both action roles and as sensitive characters. He won the 1960 Academy Award as best actor for his performance as a hypocritical preacher in Elmer Gantry (1960).
Burton Stephen Lancaster was born in New York City. He was a star athlete in high school and toured with a friend as a team of acrobats, appearing in circuses, vaudeville, and nightclubs. Lancaster served in the Army during World War II (1939-1945), dancing and acting in shows for the troops. He got his big break in 1945 when he caught the attention of a Hollywood talent scout while appearing in a play on Broadway. Lancaster became a star in his first film, the gangster story The Killers (1946). In 1948, Lancaster formed a production company that made several notable films, including the 1955 Academy Award-winning best picture Marty.
Lancaster received Academy Award nominations for his performances in From Here to Eternity (1953), Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), and Atlantic City (1981). His other major films include Brute Force (1947), The Flame and the Arrow (1950), Come Back, Little Sheba (1952), The Rose Tattoo (1955), Trapeze (1956), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), Sweet Smell of Success (1957), Separate Tables (1958),The Leopard (1963), The Train (1964), The Swimmer (1967), Airport (1970), and Local Hero (1983). He also directed and starred in the Western The Kentuckian (1955).
