Mark Burns

Mark Burns was born on March 30, 1936 in Worcestershire, England. He was an English film and television actor, known for Stardust (2007), House of the Living Dead (1974) and Lorna Doone (1963). He was married to Paulene Stone and Jane How. He died on May 8, 2007 in London, England.

Burns was born in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire and educated at Ampleforth College, North Yorkshire.[1] He originally planned to enter the priesthood, but after a short-service commission with the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars (1955–57), in which he served in Malaya and Northern Ireland, he became an actor.[1] His career began in 1960 with the film Tunes of Glory followed by the TV series Lorna Doone (1963) and Rupert of Hentzau (1964).[2] One of his most prominent roles was as the male lead in the cult 1966 mystery film Death Is a Woman.[3] Burns also appeared in The Saint episode "The Scales of Justice", and The Prisoner episode "It's Your Funeral" as Number Two's assistant.[4][5]

He played William Morris in The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968), Bernie in A Day at the Beach (1970), the pianist Alfred in Death in Venice (1971) and Hans von Bülow in Ludwig (1972).[2] Mark Burns obtained his first big role in House of the Living Dead by Ray Austin in 1974 and won the prize for best actor in 1974 at the Sitges Film Festival.[6] In 1975, together with Lynne Frederick he did A Long Return by Pedro Lazaga. He also appeared in Count Dracula (1977) and The Bitch (1979).[7] His career stagnated in the 1980s and 1990s, his last film being Stardust (2007). He died from lung cancer.[1]

Won the Best Actor award at the Sitges: Catalonia International Film Festival for his performance in the horror film House of the Living Dead (1974). British character actor who appeared in over 60 films and TV shows during his career.

Appeared in films like Sink the Bismarck! (1960), It! (1967), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968) as Captain William Morris of the 17th Lancers, Death in Venice (1971), Ludwig (1972) as Hans Von Buelow, Giordano Bruno (1973), Juggernaut (1974), and Stardust (2007) as the New Bishop.

Mark Burns died the same year Stardust was released to theatres.

Had a problem with alcoholism for many years.

Educated at Ampleforth College, North Yorkshire.

Served with the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars in Malaya and Northern Ireland, 1955-57.