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Burt Kennedy

American screenwriter and film director
Date of Birth:
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Burt Kennedy: A Western Film Legend
  2. Early Life and Military Service
  3. Transition from Theater to Screenwriting
  4. Screenwriting Breakthrough
  5. Directing Debut and Successful Career
  6. Personal Life

Burt Kennedy: A Western Film Legend

Burt Kennedy, born Thomas James Kennedy on September 3, , was an acclaimed American screenwriter and film director renowned for his exceptional contributions to the Western genre.

Early Life and Military Service

Burt Kennedy was born into a family of vaudeville dancers in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Burt kennedy biography Burton Raphael Kennedy (September 3, – February 15, ) was an American screenwriter and director known mainly for directing Westerns. Budd Boetticher called him "the best Western writer ever.".

His father, Thomas James Sr., was a dancer, and his mother, Gertrude Emilia O'Hagen, was a dance instructor. During World War II, Kennedy served in the 1st Cavalry Division, a prestigious unit known for its horsemanship and combat prowess.

Transition from Theater to Screenwriting

After the war, Kennedy pursued a career in the entertainment industry, starting with a brief stint in theater.

However, it was his talent for writing that eventually led him to success. He began writing for radio, honing his storytelling and dialogue skills.

Burt kennedy biography wikipedia Burt Kennedy. Director: The War Wagon. American screenwriter and director--particularly of westerns--Burt Kennedy was the son of performers. He was part of their act, "The Dancing Kennedys", from infancy. He served in World War II as a cavalry officer and was highly decorated. After the war he joined the Pasadena Community Playhouse, but was ousted after one play as an actor for missing.

Subsequently, he transitioned to television, crafting scripts for various shows.

Screenwriting Breakthrough

Kennedy's breakthrough as a screenwriter came in when he wrote the screenplay for "Seven Men from Now," a classic Western starring Randolph Scott. His ability to capture the essence of the Old West and create relatable characters earned him widespread recognition.

Directing Debut and Successful Career

It took Kennedy 15 years to make the transition from screenwriting to directing.

In , he helmed his first film, "The Canadians," followed by several television series. His directorial style was characterized by authentic Western settings, engaging characters, and thrilling action sequences.

Personal Life

On July 11, , Kennedy married Sheila Teresa Foster. They had two children together.