Burton Gilliam Biography

Fast Facts

• Before acting, he was a professional boxing referee and judge in California, as well as a Golden Gloves referee in Dallas, Texas
• Worked as a fireman before pursuing his career in acting
• Worked for the Dallas Fire Department and was assigned to Engine Co․ 39 at the time of his 1972 resignation
• Quote: "(On "Blazing Saddles") "It's had a life of its own․ And it will always be a part of who I am․ When I die, and I haven't told anyone of this, when I die, the funeral music is going to be the theme of Blazing Saddles․․․Yep, it's been my fortune and it's been so good for me․ Thank you, Mel Brooks․""
• Quote: "I had no real background in acting expect for Paper Moon․ But I think I was good in front of people․ When I was a boxer -- I was a boxer for 15 years -- I enjoyed putting on a good show․ And I don't mean a show where I acted like a fool․ A good show to me was hitting them with a left jam and knock them out as cold as I could․ That was a good show to me․ And I knew they liked me․ I was a popular fighter․"
• Has worked with Madeline Kahn on both 1973's "Paper Moon" and 1974's "Blazing Saddles․"
• His granddaughter is one of the top U․S․ gymnasts; she won the silver medal at the USA Junior National Championships at 13-years-old