Burt Mustin: Facts About The American Actor

Burt Mustin

Burt Mustin was an American character actor. He was known as Burton Hill “Burt” Mustin or Bert Mustin. He appeared in over 150 film and television productions and also worked on radio and appeared in stage productions. His television debut was in 1951 with a role in the Western series The Adventures of Kit Carson. If you are one of the many fans of Burt Mustin then I’m sure you’re also one of the many who are interested to know more about the actor.

Burt Mustin: Bio Summary

NameBurt Mustin
Date of birth February 8, 1884
DeathJanuary 28, 1977 (aged 92)
Birthplace Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
SpouseFrances Robina Woods Mustin(m. 1915; died 1969)
OccupationActor

Burt Mustin was named Burton Hill Mustin after birth. He is the son of W. I. Mustin and Sadie Mustin. His father was a stockbroker. He was born on February 8, 1884, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the U.S. He enrolled and graduated from Pennsylvania Military College in 1972. His school was renamed Widener University. Burt Mustin earned a degree in civil engineering.

Burt Mustin Before Fame

Burt Mustin has worked as an engineer. He also went into sales. He started to work as an automobile salesman selling Oakland Sensible Sixes, in 1916. He later began selling the luxury Franklins and later the e Franklin company went out of business. He was selling Mercurys and Lincolns until civilian car production was halted during World War II.

Mustin worked as a fiscal agent for the Better Business Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. He decided to pursue a career in show business. He did amateur acting and performing. He was the first announcer for a variety show broadcast on Pittsburgh’s then newly established KDKA radio station.

Burt Mustin was in the productions in the Pittsburgh Savoyards (a Gilbert and Sullivan troupe) and the Pittsburgh Opera. He made his first trip to California to compete in a quartet competition being held in San Francisco after he became a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Burt Mustin retired and switched to Tucson, Arizona.

Burt Mustin Acting Career

Burt Mustin was noticed by director William Wyler in a stage production of Detective Story. Wyler told him to contact him if he decided to pursue a screen career, which Burt Mustin later did. Burt starred in the 1951 film version of Detective Story and later he landed roles in films and television series. He then moved to Los Angeles.

Burt Mustin made his television debut in 1951 with a role in the Western series The Adventures of Kit Carson. Throughout the 1950s, he made guest appearances on Leave It to Beaver, The Abbott and Costello Show, The Loretta Young Show, Cavalcade of America, The Public Defender, Treasury Men in Action, The Lone Ranger, Fireside Theater, Tales of the Texas Rangers, and more.

Burt Mustin guest starred on The Twilight Zone in the episode “The Night of the Meek” alongside Art Carney. He made one or more appearances on Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Ichabod and Me, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Dragnet, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Get Smart, The New Phil Silvers Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, Dr. Kildare, The Jack Benny Program, Ben Casey, The Monkees, The Virginian, Cimarron Strip, My Three Sons, Batman (episode 48), and Bewitched.

Burt Mustin was frequently a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson during the 1970s, for which he was known for his quick wit and song-and-dance abilities. He also appeared in films as well. His film debut was in Detective Story, in 1951 at age 67. He took roles in Talk About a Stranger (1952), The Sellout (1952), The Silver Whip (1953), Half a Hero (1953), She Couldn’t Say No (1954), The Desperate Hours (1955), Man with the Gun (1955), Storm Center (1956), and The Sheepman (1958).

Also Read: Stephen L. Gray: Facts About Lil Twist’s Father

Burt Mustin has appeared in over 150 film and television productions throughout his career. He is known for his dependability and versatility. His last major role was as Arthur Lanson on the CBS sitcom Phyllis, suitor, and later husband, of Sally “Mother” Dexter. He was one of the 110 founders of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Lions Club which was established in 1921. He served as one of the presidents and remained active in the club for the remainder of his life.

Burt Mustin Personal Life & Death

Burt Mustin was married to Frances Robina Woods in 1915. The couple remained together for 54 years until Frances Robina died in 1969. The pair had no children. On January 28, 1977, Mustin died at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, California, less than two weeks before his 93rd birthday. He was buried in Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills Cemetery.

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  • Ruth Kai Botchway

    Ruth Kai Botchway is a Senior Editor at Dicytrends.com. She is a graduate of All Stars Media College (2021) with a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies. With more than two years experience in Journalism, she has served as an intern at Accra FM and worked with Green TV and Ashiaman TV. She worked as a Maritime Journalist/ influencer, producing Port and Maritime agenda initially aired on Ashiaman TV. You can reach her via email: Ruthbotch1912@gmail.com

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Ruth Kai Botchway

Ruth Kai Botchway is a Senior Editor at Dicytrends.com. She is a graduate of All Stars Media College (2021) with a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies. With more than two years experience in Journalism, she has served as an intern at Accra FM and worked with Green TV and Ashiaman TV. She worked as a Maritime Journalist/ influencer, producing Port and Maritime agenda initially aired on Ashiaman TV. You can reach her via email: Ruthbotch1912@gmail.com

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