Billie Burke

Billie Burke Birthday Highlights

Birth Name

Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke

Place Of Birth

Washington, DC, USA

Age

138 years old

Birth Date

August 7 1884

Billie Burke Facts

Child Star?

no

Occupation

Actor

Education & Qualifications

Net Worth

$5,000,000

Current Partner

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.

Children

Patricia Ziegfeld Stephenson

Parents

William "Billy" Ethelbert Burke, Blanche E. Burke

Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke, famously known as Billie Burke, was a famous American actress and theater personality, who graced the silver screen in its early years.

Billie Burke was probably most famously known to the world as Glinda the Good Witch in the classic musical film, 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939), by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Actress, Billie Burke, was not just famous for appearing in sound films and silent films, but also for her presence on Broadway and radio. Billie Burke was also well-known for portraying Mrs. Clara Topper in the 'Topper' film series. Her distinctively quivering aristocratic and shrill voice made her a popular choice for pampered high society-type roles.

What was Billie Burke's net worth?

Around the time of her passing in 1970, Billie Burke's net worth was around $5 million.

How much did Billie Burke earn per year?

It is not known how much Billie Burke earned each year.

How tall was Billie Burke?

Billie Burke was 5 ft 2.5 in (159 cm) tall.

How old was Billie Burke?

Billie Burke was born on August 7, 1884, and died on May 14, 1970, at the age of 85.

Billie Burke had an eventful childhood and family life, often going on tours of Europe and the United States with her father, who was a circus clown and a singer. Her father, William 'Billy' Ethelbert Burke, was primarily an on-tour circus clown for the Barnum & Bailey Circus, which was also named 'the Greatest Show on Earth'. Billie Burke was only 19 years old when she made her first appearance on stage, in the Edwardian musical comedy, 'The School Girl', in 1903. She then acted in 'The Duchess of Dantzic', in 1903, and 'The Blue Moon', in 1904, in London.

Who was Billie Burke's partner?

In 1914, Billie Burke married the Broadway producer, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., who owned the Ziegfeld Follies, shortly after which, she retired. The couple stayed married until Florenz's death in 1932. The couple has one daughter, Patricia Ziegfeld Stephenson, and four grandchildren, named William Robert Stephenson, Jr., Susan Plemons Stephenson, Florenz Crossley Stephenson, and Cecilia Duncan Stephenson.

Best Known For…

Billie Burke was famous for playing the role of Emily Kilbourne in the film, 'Merrily We Live', as well as for the role of Glinda the Good Witch of the North in 'The Wizard of Oz'.

Charity Work

Billie Burke ran charities through the Ziegfeld Club Inc., including the Billie Burke Ziegfeld Award, which still runs to date.

What awards did Billie Burke win?

Billie Burke received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, for her role as Emily Kilbourne in the hit film, 'Merrily We Live', in 1938. Burke was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, for her significant contribution to the film industry.

• Having a rather long name, Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke began using the moniker, Billy Burke, once she got into the entertainment industry.
• While the Ziegfeld Follies, owned by Broadway producer, Florenz Ziegfeld, were a very popular and profitable group and Billie Burke and Florenz Ziegfeld had investments in the stock market, nothing prepared them for 1929's 'Black October' crash which led to all their investments being wiped out, forcing her return to movies.
• Billie Burke had one daughter and four grandchildren.
• 'At Home With Billie Burke' was a talk show that Billy Burke famously hosted in 1951 and 1952.

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