Background
Burton was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and died in Woodland Hills, Los Los Angeles
Burton was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and died in Woodland Hills, Los Los Angeles
He appeared in 122 films between 1914 and 1947. The following comes from a 1907 issue of Life Magazine: FREDERICK BURTON, the actor, hails from Gosport, Indiana. He got his start on the stage after making a hit in a Knights of Pythias benefit in Gosport.
After three years" absence from home, his company played in Terre Haute and Burton invited his father to come over and see him acting
Presently the treasurer appeared at the dressing room door and handed Burton his weekly pay envelope. Burton senior saw the figures on the outside and his eyes sparkled.
"You don"t mean to tell me you get that much every week, do you?" exclaimed the old gentleman. "That"s right," Burton replied, modestly "Well, what other chores do you have to do besides actin"?" the old man asked.
— Harper"s Weekly. Burton was known on the stage for his portrayal of rural Americans and would return to his family farm in Gosport every summer to reacquaint himself with the land.
In 1913, Burton, along with Sydney Shields, starred in Reckless Age, a play produced by Cecil B. De Mille shortly before he switched to film. He appeared in over 120 films between 1914-1944, mostly playing supporting and bit parts.