Burgess Meredith was one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. His career spanned over 60 years, from classic films like Of Mice and Men to his unforgettable role as Mickey Goldmill in Rocky. He became a familiar face on stage, film, and television, taking on roles that ranged from dramatic to comedic to villainous.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Burgess Meredith was born on November 16, 1909, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the youngest of three children, raised by his father, Dr. William George Meredith, and his mother, Ida Burgess Meredith. His grandfather, Oliver Clinthus Burgess, founded Cleveland’s First Methodist Church.
Before acting, Meredith served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He was stationed in Italy and France, where he worked in intelligence and public relations. His role included producing training films and morale-boosting performances for troops. His service was marked by dedication and leadership, and he remained proud of his time in the military.
After the war, he returned to civilian life and fully committed to acting, quickly making a name for himself in Hollywood and on stage.
Hollywood and Television Career
Burgess Meredith’s film career began in the late 1930s, after he had already made a name for himself in theater. His breakout role came in Winterset (1937), a film adaptation of the play he had starred in on Broadway. His performance caught Hollywood’s attention, and he quickly gained a reputation as a versatile and compelling actor.
From there, he took on roles in some major Hollywood films, including:
- Of Mice and Men (1939) – Played George Milton
- Idiot’s Delight (1939) – Co-starred with Clark Gable and Norma Shearer
- Tom, Dick and Harry (1941) – Opposite Ginger Rogers
- Madame X (1966) – Co-starred with Lana Turner
- Stay Away, Joe (1968) – Starred with Elvis Presley
He was also one of the first actors to work regularly in television, narrating National Geographic specials, playing historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, and appearing in TV dramas and specials.
The Penguin on Batman
Outside of his role as Mickey, Burgess Meredith is best remembered as The Penguin on the 1960s Batman TV series, creating one of the most recognizable versions of the character.
The Penguin’s grunting laugh became his signature, but Meredith later explained that he created it out of necessity:
“I had given up smoking some twenty-odd years earlier, but my character was required to smoke with a cigarette holder. The smoke would get caught in my throat and I would start hacking. Rather than constantly ruin takes in this manner, I developed the laugh to cover it up.”
Though he had played many serious roles throughout his career, The Penguin remained one of his most recognizable characters.
Burgess Meredith as Mickey Goldmill in Rocky
Burgess Meredith took on the role of Mickey Goldmill, Rocky Balboa’s boxing trainer, in Rocky (1976). His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In a 1983 interview, Meredith spoke about why he liked the character:
“Mickey is one of my favorite characters. I’ve seen a lot of men like him in my time—beaten people who have been worn down by life. I like him because, despite his resentment at never having made it, he wants to save his young friend Rocky from a similar fate.”
Meredith reprised the role in Rocky II, Rocky III, and in flashbacks in Rocky V.
Sylvester Stallone once said about Mickey’s role in Rocky III:
“Mickey developed a paternal compassion and a genuine love for Rocky. Separately, they are failures—anachronisms. Their future is together.”
Meredith himself had a strong attachment to the series:
“Without a doubt, being a part of the Rocky phenomenon has been something I have loved from the very beginning,” he said.
Personal Life: A Lineup of Beautiful Wives and a Life of Passion
Burgess Meredith had a romantic life as eventful as his acting career. Over the years, he married a lineup of beautiful and accomplished women, each bringing something different into his world.
His first wife was Helen Derby Berrien, whom he married in 1932. This early marriage didn’t last long, and they eventually divorced.
Next, in 1936, he married Margaret Perry Frueauff, a stage actress from a wealthy family. However, their marriage also ended in divorce.
In 1944, Meredith married Paulette Goddard, a Hollywood star and former wife of Charlie Chaplin. Goddard was one of the most stunning and sought-after actresses of her time, known for her roles in films like The Great Dictator (1940) and The Women (1939). Their marriage lasted about five years, and they remained friendly after separating.
Finally, in 1951, he married his fourth and final wife, Kaja Sundsten, a talented dancer. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 1997, making it his longest and most enduring relationship. Together, they had two children, and Meredith enjoyed a quieter life outside of Hollywood with his family.
Beyond acting and romance, Meredith lived with a sense of adventure. He was passionate about horse jumping, maintained a noted wine cellar, and filled the walls of his home with his own paintings. He was also deeply interested in marine life and served as the President of The Dolphin Foundation, which researched the communicative abilities of dolphins and other sea mammals.
Even as his career soared, he valued his personal life, balancing Hollywood with a love for the arts, nature, and family.
Final Years and Passing
Burgess Meredith’s last film role was in Grumpier Old Men (1995). He had developed Alzheimer’s disease, but with coaching, he was able to complete the film.
On September 9, 1997, Burgess Meredith died at age 89 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease and melanoma. His remains were cremated.
