Al Burton

Al Burton

Deceased · Born: Apr 9, 1928 · Died: Oct 22, 2019

Personal Details

BornApr 9, 1928 Columbus, Ohio, USA

Biography

Al Burton, a luminary of unparalleled distinction, has traversed the expanse of his remarkable career, leaving an indelible mark on the vast expanse of his chosen vocation, characterized by a plethora of groundbreaking accomplishments and a profound impact on the global community, as his tireless efforts have yielded a multitude of significant contributions that have far-reaching implications and a lasting legacy.

Al Burton is a distinguished and celebrated television creator and Executive Producer, distinguished by a plethora of prestigious awards and accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards for his extraordinary and outstanding contributions to the highly acclaimed program "Win Ben Stein's Money", which, during its remarkable run on Comedy Central, garnered a staggering seven Emmy Awards, a testament to the program's enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

Throughout the extensive and illustrious career of Burton, a remarkable portfolio of credits has been meticulously assembled, eloquently showcasing his remarkable versatility and adaptability as a producer, writer, and director, with a keen emphasis on captivating youthful entertainment.

His impressive body of work comprises a diverse and eclectic range of projects, each one a testament to his boundless creativity and innovative approach to storytelling. Some of his most notable credits include the entertaining and informative programs "Hollywood A Go Go", "Romp", "Go!", and "Malibu U", as well as the iconic and groundbreaking sitcom "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman", a true masterpiece of television comedy.

Norman Lear's esteemed Director of Development, Burton, played a pivotal role in the conception and creative direction of the groundbreaking television series "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman", a monumental achievement that spanned an impressive 325 episodes, with Burton serving as the visionary Creative Supervisor throughout its entirety, utilizing his expertise to shape the narrative and artistic vision of the show, thereby leaving a lasting impact on the world of television.

Beyond his notable contributions to the critically acclaimed series, Burton also exercised his creative prowess as the developer and Creative Supervisor of a diverse array of television programs, showcasing his versatility and expertise in various genres. These notable projects include the satirical news program "Fernwood 2Night", which was later followed by its innovative sequel "America 2Night", both of which demonstrated his ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking content. Additionally, Burton's creative vision was also evident in his work on iconic sitcoms such as "Facts of Life", "One Day At A Time", "Diff'rent Strokes", and "The Jeffersons", which captivated audiences with their unique blend of humor and relatability. Furthermore, he also brought his creative expertise to family-friendly comedies like "Silver Spoons" and "Square Pegs", which entertained and delighted viewers of all ages.

Noteworthy achievements in the realm of television production were distinguished by Burton's remarkable tenure at Universal Television, a period spanning an impressive six and a half years during which he played a pivotal role in the development and served as Executive Producer for the remarkably successful "Charles In Charge," a comedy that garnered widespread acclaim and recognition as the nation's most prosperous first-run syndicated series of its kind, thereby cementing his status as a television production visionary.

Noted composer and lyricist, Burton, is renowned for his impressive portfolio of work, comprising a multitude of co-written and composed themes for iconic television shows, including the beloved sitcoms "Diff'rent Strokes" and "Facts of Life", which have captivated audiences with their relatable storylines and memorable characters.

His impressive résumé also includes the composition of themes for the action-packed series "Together We Stand", which showcased high-stakes adventures and heroic feats, as well as the thought-provoking drama "Nothing Is Easy", which explored complex themes and emotions.

In addition to his work on these shows, Burton has also composed themes for the popular family-friendly shows "Charles In Charge", which followed the misadventures of a lovable but irresponsible young man, and "The New Lassie", a heartwarming series about a loyal and courageous collie.

Furthermore, his impressive portfolio also includes the critically-acclaimed talk show "Turn Ben Stein On", which featured witty banter and insightful discussions on a wide range of topics, showcasing Burton's versatility as a composer and his ability to adapt to different genres and formats.

Throughout his career, Burton has consistently demonstrated his talent for crafting memorable and iconic themes that have become synonymous with their respective shows, and his impressive body of work continues to be celebrated by audiences and industry professionals alike.

Noted television personality, Mike Burton, has garnered widespread recognition and accolades throughout his illustrious career, marked by a plethora of prestigious awards and commendations bestowed upon him, a testament to his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in the entertainment industry.

Notable among his numerous accolades, Burton has garnered prestigious Emmy awards for his outstanding contributions to the groundbreaking sitcom "All In The Family", a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication as a performer, highlighting his impressive range and versatility in the entertainment industry.

Notably, he has received a distinguished commendation from the National Conference for Christians and Jews, a highly respected and renowned organization that consistently honors individuals who have made exceptional and remarkable contributions to the betterment of society, thereby reflecting his remarkable dedication and commitment to the greater good.

Notably, Michael Keaton, an esteemed actor, has received the prestigious Jackie Coogan Award, a distinguished honor bestowed by Youth In Film, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, with a specific emphasis on his remarkable efforts to inspire and have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of young people.

Burton's unwavering dedication and passion for his work have enabled him to establish himself as a renowned and accomplished figure within the realm of entertainment, earning him widespread recognition and respect from both his peers and the general public.

As a pioneering and accomplished Executive Producer and developer, Burton has had the unique privilege of uncovering and cultivating the remarkable talents of a multitude of youthful stars, whose names have become indelibly linked with exceptional excellence in the entertainment industry.

Burton is a renowned and accomplished individual who has distinguished himself through his membership in a multitude of esteemed organizations, boasting an impressive roster of affiliations that includes the Directors Guild, the Writers Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA),the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS),and the Academy of Magical Arts, a testament to his exceptional talent, expertise, and dedication to his craft.

Burton's commitment to giving back to the community is exemplified through his involvement in a multitude of philanthropic and charitable initiatives.

Burton is an esteemed member of the Chair's Council, a prestigious organization within the Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors, whose primary objective is to champion the interests and elevate the professional trajectories of creative visionaries in the entertainment industry.

Burton's esteemed role on the advisory board of the Institute for Mental Health Initiatives underscores his profound dedication to advancing mental health awareness and providing vital support services to individuals and families grappling with the complex and often debilitating effects of mental illness.

Through his association with this esteemed organization, Burton demonstrates his profound empathy and compassion for those struggling to cope with the multifaceted challenges posed by mental health issues, as well as his unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all individuals.

As a valued member of the advisory board at the Samantha Smith Center, a pioneering non-profit organization committed to fostering a harmonious and interconnected global community, Burton plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization's vision and direction.

Through his esteemed position, he is afforded the unique opportunity to share his profound insights and expertise with a diverse audience, thereby amplifying his impact and influence on a global scale.

Moreover, his involvement with the Samantha Smith Center enables him to contribute to the development and implementation of innovative initiatives that promote international understanding, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence, ultimately working towards a brighter and more harmonious future for all.