It's truly something to think about the varied paths people take in life, and the story of Michael Burns, the actor, is a rather compelling one, don't you think? Many of us remember seeing him on our screens, perhaps during our own younger days, playing parts that really stuck with us. But what many folks might not realize is that his story goes far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood, branching out into a completely different, yet equally distinguished, field. He really carved out a unique life for himself, which is quite inspiring.

So, you might be wondering, who exactly is Michael Burns, the actor, and what makes his journey so noteworthy? Well, for many, he's a familiar face from classic television, a young talent who graced popular shows and movies. Yet, his acting career, while significant, was just one chapter in a much broader and, in some respects, more academic narrative. His life, you see, took a fascinating turn, showing that one can truly redefine their professional identity.

We're going to take a closer look at the life of Michael Thornton Burns, a person whose childhood acting roles paved the way for a remarkable career as a historian, a respected author, and even a college professor. It's a story that, arguably, speaks to the idea of following your passions, even if they lead you down paths you never quite expected when you were, say, just a young kid starting out in show business. His journey is, in a way, a testament to intellectual curiosity and personal growth, which is pretty neat.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Michael Burns, Actor
• Early Days in Acting
• Notable Roles and Screen Appearances
• A Shift in Focus: From Acting to Academia
• A Distinguished Career as a Historian and Author
• Life After the Spotlight
• Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Burns, Actor

Biography of Michael Burns, Actor

Michael Thornton Burns, the person we're talking about, was born on December 30, 1947. This means, as of right now, his age is 77, which is quite a good run, isn't it? He's an American, and he's known for a few different things, really. He's a professor emeritus of history at Mount Holyoke College, which is a big deal in academic circles. Beyond that, he's also a published author, with books to his name, and he was, of course, a former television and film teen actor, which is where many people first got to know him. It's a rather interesting mix of professions for one individual, don't you think?

He really did start his acting work quite young. Michael Burns became an actor when he was just ten years old, which is very early to get into such a demanding field. His first acting role, as a matter of fact, happened at age 13. This was on a 1960 episode of a series called "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." So, he got a bit of a head start in the entertainment world, wouldn't you say?

It's also worth noting that someone quite important in the industry, Lee Wallace, who was the head of casting for 20th Century Fox, actually discovered him. This kind of discovery can be a really big moment for a young talent, giving them that first foot in the door. So, that's how he sort of got his start, literally found by someone looking for new faces for the screen.

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Personal Details and Bio Data of Michael Thornton Burns

Early Days in Acting

As we mentioned, Michael Burns began his acting work at a very young age, just ten years old, which is pretty impressive. This early start meant he grew up, in a way, on film sets and television stages. His first credited acting appearance was, as I was saying, at age 13, on an episode of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" in 1960. That's a classic show, and for a young person to be on it, well, it certainly gave him some early exposure to the acting world.

He quickly moved into film roles, too. Burns began his acting career with parts in films such as the adventure movie "The Wizard of Baghdad" in 1960, where he appeared with Dick Shawn. This early film work, you know, really showed his versatility and how he could fit into different kinds of stories, even as a young performer. It's a bit of a glimpse into the kinds of roles he was getting right at the beginning of his screen time.

It seems he had a knack for it, as he went on to do more. He had roles that became quite well-known, especially in television. It's interesting how some actors, even as children, just seem to have that natural ability to connect with an audience. His early years were definitely busy, building up a portfolio of work that, arguably, set the stage for his later recognition in the acting world.

Notable Roles and Screen Appearances

Michael Burns is perhaps best known for his childhood roles on two very popular television shows, and these are titles that many people will remember, even today. He was a regular on "Wagon Train," which was a really big show back then, a kind of cornerstone of classic TV. And then there was "Mr. Ed," the talking horse show, which was just so unique and charming. These roles, you know, really put him in front of a wide audience, making him a recognizable face for many viewers.

To give you a better idea of his work, you can find a full list of Michael Burns's movies and TV shows from his career. This means you can, in a way, track his progression as a performer, seeing the different types of characters he brought to life. It's pretty cool to look back and see the variety of projects he was involved in, from adventure films to beloved sitcoms. You can also, you know, find where to watch his latest movies and TV shows, if you're curious to revisit some of his performances, or even discover them for the first time.

One of his earlier film appearances, as a matter of fact, was in "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell." This film, like others he worked on, showed his range, even as a young actor. It's clear he wasn't just limited to one type of role. His screen presence, even in those early years, was something that, arguably, made him stand out. He was, in short, a very active young performer, building a solid body of work during his time in front of the camera.

A Shift in Focus: From Acting to Academia

It's not every day you hear about a successful child actor who decides to completely change direction, but Michael Burns did just that. He transitioned from the world of acting to pursue a very different, yet equally impactful, career path in academia. This shift, in some respects, speaks volumes about his intellectual curiosity and his desire to explore other avenues of knowledge. It's a fascinating pivot, really, from performing for the camera to teaching and writing about history.

Michael Burns, as we've learned, went on to have a distinguished career as a historian, a writer, and a college professor. This isn't just a small change; it's a complete reorientation of his professional life. He became a professor emeritus of history at Mount Holyoke College, which is a pretty big achievement in the academic world. This means he dedicated years to studying, teaching, and contributing to the field of history, moving far beyond his early fame on screen. It shows, you know, a real dedication to learning and sharing knowledge.

This kind of career change is, arguably, quite rare, especially for someone who had already achieved some level of public recognition. It suggests a deep personal drive to pursue intellectual endeavors, rather than simply sticking with what was familiar or easy. His decision to leave acting and pursue history, you know, really highlights his commitment to scholarly pursuits. It's a path that many might not expect, but one that he clearly embraced fully.

A Distinguished Career as a Historian and Author

After his time as an actor, Michael Thornton Burns truly made a name for himself in the academic world. He became an American professor emeritus of history at Mount Holyoke College, located in South Hadley, Massachusetts. This title, "professor emeritus," means he achieved a high level of respect and recognition in his field, even after his active teaching career. It's a testament to his knowledge and contributions to historical studies, showing that he was, in fact, a very serious scholar.

Not only did he teach, but he also became a renowned author. This means he wrote books, sharing his historical insights and research with a wider audience. Becoming a published author, especially in a specialized field like history, requires a lot of dedication, rigorous research, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. So, he wasn't just teaching; he was also contributing new knowledge to the historical conversation, which is pretty cool.

His work as a historian and author is, arguably, just as impressive, if not more so, than his acting career, in terms of its lasting impact. He transitioned from telling stories on screen to uncovering and narrating stories from the past through his scholarly work. This kind of intellectual pursuit really shows a different side of him, a side that is dedicated to understanding and interpreting the complexities of human history. It's a very different kind of performance, you know, one that plays out in the pages of books and in academic discussions.

Life After the Spotlight

So, what is Michael Burns doing now, after his acting days and his distinguished academic career? Well, he is now retired, which means he's moved on from his formal teaching duties at the college. It's a well-deserved period of rest and new pursuits after such a busy and varied professional life. Many people, you know, look forward to this phase, and it seems he's found a rather interesting way to spend his time.

Currently, he is raising thoroughbred horses in Kentucky. This is quite a change from both acting and academia, isn't it? It shows a completely different passion, something perhaps more connected to nature and animals. It's a pretty hands-on kind of activity, and it suggests a love for these magnificent creatures and the world of horse breeding. This new chapter, in some respects, brings him to a different kind of "stage," one with horses instead of cameras.

It's fascinating to consider how his life has unfolded, from a child actor getting discovered by a casting director, to a respected historian shaping young minds, and now to someone deeply involved in the world of thoroughbreds. His journey is, arguably, a wonderful example of how people can reinvent themselves and find joy and purpose in many different areas throughout their lives. It's a unique story, truly, and it really shows how varied a life can be. You can learn more about his early acting career on our site, and perhaps even find details about his academic contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Burns, Actor

People often have questions about Michael Burns, especially given his unique career path. Here are a few common ones:

What happened to Michael Burns from Wagon Train?

Michael Burns, who was a child actor on shows like "Wagon Train" and "Mr. Ed," went on to have a very distinguished career outside of acting. He became a historian, a writer, and a college professor. He served as a professor emeritus of history at Mount Holyoke College. So, he really transitioned into the academic world after his time on screen, which is quite a different path for a former child star, you know.

Is Michael Burns still alive and how old is he?

Yes, Michael Thornton Burns is still alive. He was born on December 30, 1947, which means he is currently 77 years old. He is now retired from his academic work and, as a matter of fact, is involved in raising thoroughbred horses in Kentucky. So, he's living a rather full life, even after his varied professional endeavors.

What movies and TV shows did Michael Burns appear in?

Michael Burns began his acting career as a child. His first role was at age 13 on a 1960 episode of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." He also appeared in films like "The Wizard of Baghdad" (1960) and "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell." However, he is perhaps best known for his childhood roles on the television series "Wagon Train" and "Mr. Ed." You can, you know, find a full list of his movies and TV shows from his career if you're looking for more details. For more information about his academic contributions, you might want to look at his work as a historian at Mount Holyoke College, which is a rather significant part of his life's story. Mount Holyoke College has information about its faculty.