Robert Burton, a military offspring, came into the world in Frankfurt, Germany, to parents Robert Bentley Burton and Mary Klotz Burton, his paternal and maternal caregivers, respectively. Due to his father's Army duties overseas, the family was relocated to the United States, ultimately finding a new home in California, where they would establish a lasting presence.
Robert's academic odyssey commenced at the esteemed Ryan Preparatory College situated in the picturesque city of Fresno, California, where he embarked on a rigorous course of study with the ultimate goal of becoming a revered Roman Catholic priest. Nevertheless, his mother's pivotal involvement in the esteemed California First Theater company, located in the charming city of Monterey, inadvertently kindled a profound passion within him for the captivating world of acting, thereby precipitating a dramatic shift in his aspirations, as he ultimately decided to dedicate himself to a career in the enchanting realm of the performing arts.
Following the completion of his high school education, Robert embarked upon a higher educational journey, enrolling at the University of Santa Clara, where he devoted himself to the study of Economics, ultimately culminating in the attainment of a degree in this field in the year 1968.
In the midst of his academic pursuits, Robert made his television debut in the year 1966, appearing alongside the legendary baseball player, Joe DiMaggio, in a commercial that was filmed at the historic Presidio in the city of San Francisco.
Robert's personal life took a significant turn in 1973 when he exchanged vows with the talented actress Karen Black, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. The following year, he secured a pivotal role in the feature film "Trilogy of Terror", a project that would eventually garner a devoted cult following. Initially, Karen was hesitant to accept the lead role of a college English teacher, but she ultimately agreed to participate when a compromise was reached, allowing Robert to secure a notable part in one of the film's three segments.
Robert's portrayal of a college student consumed by an intense fascination with his English teacher in the film was a pivotal moment in his professional trajectory, leaving an indelible mark on his body of work.
