Burton Gilliam Net Worth

Burton Gilliam's Quotes

• [on being typecast in cowboy roles] I got in the business to make money, so being typecast didn't bother me. I know I'm never gonna be asked to do Shakespeare.
• [on his trademark broad toothy grin] It draws people. It's the most natural thing I can do. The smile has got 'em a lot of times.
• One of our biggest hassles during the making of "Blazing Saddles" was a number of shooting delays which occurred because we actors couldn't stop giggling. Mel Brooks took as much of this as he could, and then cut us a deal: he'd film at least two takes of every scene, the first of which would be to get it all out of our system. After that, we'd have to get serious. At least we knew the audience would love it!

Interesting Facts about Burton Gilliam

1. Had been a firefighter for 14 years with the Dallas (TX) ire Department when he read in a local newspaper that a Hollywood film company will holding auditions for extras to be in a film starring Ryan O'Neal that was to shoot in the area. He went to the audition jut hoping to make a few extra bucks and, as he put it, "maybe meet some movie stars". The film was Paper Moon (1973) and Gilliam impressed the producers so much that instead of an "extra" part, he was given a featured role as Floyd the Desk Clerk. After finishing the film, he returned to his job in Dallas. Not long afterwards he was contacted by Mel Brooks, who had seen his performance in "Paper Moon" and wanted him for a role in a western comedy he was getting ready to make. The film was Blazing Saddles (1974) and Gilliam got the role he is best remembered for--that of Slim Pickens' dimwitted henchman Lyle.
2. He was a Golden Gloves referee in Dallas, TX, before he was an actor.
3. Professional boxing referee and judge in California.
4. His granddaughter, Hollie Vise, is one of the top gymnasts in the US and an Olympic hopeful. In 2001, at age 13, she won the silver medal at the US Junior National Championships.
5. Met Madeline Kahn for the first time while making Paper Moon (1973). She predicted that the two of them would work together again. Within three months, both of them had been cast in Blazing Saddles (1974).
6. Was assigned to Engine Co. 39 at the time of his resignation in 1972 from the Dallas Fire Department.
7. In August 2001 he announced his retirement and moved to Allen, TX (north of Dallas), but eventually returned to the film business.
8. Doing TV commercials for Memphis-area auto dealer Homer Skelton Ford. [March 2009]
9. In March 2013 he attended the Williamsburg (VA) Western Film Festival.
10. Television commercials for a Yuma, Arizona car dealer. [January 2008]
11. Attended Red Oak High School in Red Oak, TX. Was a theatre member at ROHS, taught by Mrs. Little,.