Dennis Burkley
Encyclopedia
Dennis Henry Burkley is an American
character actor
from Texas
who has appeared in numerous films and television series since the 1970s.
Ware) and Henry Burkley. He grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas
.
, though in more recent appearances he has clearly lost a significant amount of weight and maintains a less slovenly appearance in terms of hair and attire.
Though he has many film, television, and other professional acting credits, Burkley's most recognizable roles include Cal, the Texas born junkyard partner of Fred G. Sanford in the short-lived Sanford and Son
sequel Sanford
, as well as Dozer, a biker with a severe speech impediment who befriends Rocky Dennis and his mother in the movie Mask
. Burkley provided the voice of several supporting characters on the animated television series King of the Hill
(set in his native Texas).
In 2005, he wrote and directed a film titled Repetition. He played a small role in the television series My Name Is Earl
. He is often mistaken for fellow character actor Mickey Jones
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
character actor
Character actor
A character actor is one who predominantly plays unusual or eccentric characters. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a character actor as "an actor who specializes in character parts", defining character part in turn as "an acting role displaying pronounced or unusual characteristics or...
from Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
who has appeared in numerous films and television series since the 1970s.
Early life
Burkley was born in Van Nuys, California, the son of Imogene (néeMarried and maiden names
A married name is the family name adopted by a person upon marriage. When a person assumes the family name of her spouse, the new name replaces the maiden name....
Ware) and Henry Burkley. He grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas
Grand Prairie, Texas
Grand Prairie is a city in Dallas, Ellis, and Tarrant counties in the U.S. state of Texas and is a part of the Mid-Cities region in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Grand Prairie is a suburb of both Dallas and Fort Worth and had a population of 175,396 at the 2010 census.- History :The city of...
.
Career
In the 1980s and 1990s appearances, Burkley was most recognizable for his large frame (6 in 3 in (1.91 m), 300 lb (136.1 kg)), scruffy beard and Southern accentSouthern American English
Southern American English is a group of dialects of the English language spoken throughout the Southern region of the United States, from Southern and Eastern Maryland, West Virginia and Kentucky to the Gulf Coast, and from the Atlantic coast to most of Texas and Oklahoma.The Southern dialects make...
, though in more recent appearances he has clearly lost a significant amount of weight and maintains a less slovenly appearance in terms of hair and attire.
Though he has many film, television, and other professional acting credits, Burkley's most recognizable roles include Cal, the Texas born junkyard partner of Fred G. Sanford in the short-lived Sanford and Son
Sanford and Son
Sanford and Son is an American sitcom, based on the BBC's Steptoe and Son, that ran on the NBC television network from January 14, 1972, to March 25, 1977....
sequel Sanford
Sanford (TV series)
Sanford is an American situation comedy, which was the revival of the 1972–1977 sitcom Sanford and Son.-Background:In 1977, after six seasons of Sanford and Son, Redd Foxx decided to leave the NBC show to star in a variety show for ABC. His new show, The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour, was cancelled...
, as well as Dozer, a biker with a severe speech impediment who befriends Rocky Dennis and his mother in the movie Mask
Mask (film)
Mask is a 1985 American biographical drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, starring Cher, Sam Elliott, and Eric Stoltz. Dennis Burkley and Laura Dern are featured in supporting roles. Cher received the 1985 Cannes Film Festival award for Best Actress....
. Burkley provided the voice of several supporting characters on the animated television series King of the Hill
King of the Hill
King of the Hill is an American animated dramedy series created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, that ran from January 12, 1997, to May 6, 2010, on Fox network. It centers on the Hills, a working-class Methodist family in the fictional small town of Arlen, Texas...
(set in his native Texas).
In 2005, he wrote and directed a film titled Repetition. He played a small role in the television series My Name Is Earl
My Name Is Earl
My Name Is Earl is an American television comedy series created by Greg Garcia that was originally broadcast on the NBC television network from September 20, 2005, to May 14, 2009, in the United States...
. He is often mistaken for fellow character actor Mickey Jones
Mickey Jones
Mickey Jones is an American musician and actor.-Early life:Jones was born in Houston, Texas, the son of Frances Marie and Fred Edward Jones...
.
Television
- Starsky & Hutch (1 episode, 1976)
- FamilyFamily (TV series)Family is an American television drama series that aired on ABC from 1976 to 1980. Creative control of the show was split between executive producers Leonard Goldberg, Aaron Spelling and Mike Nichols...
(1 episode, 1976) as Roy Axelrod - McCloud (1 episode, 1976) as Big Mama
- The Rockford FilesThe Rockford FilesThe Rockford Files is an American television drama series which aired on the NBC network between September 13, 1974 and January 10, 1980. It has remained in regular syndication to the present day. The show stars James Garner as Los Angeles-based private investigator Jim Rockford and features Noah...
(3 episodes; 1976–1979) - MaudeMaude (TV series)Maude was an American television sitcom that was originally broadcast on the CBS network from September 12, 1972 until April 22, 1978.Maude starred Beatrice Arthur as Maude Findlay, an outspoken, middle-aged, politically liberal woman living in suburban Tuckahoe, Westchester County, New York with...
(3 episodes; 1976, 1978) - Quincy M.E. (1 episode, 1977) as Thomas "Tom-Tom" Tomlinson
- Mary Hartman, Mary HartmanMary Hartman, Mary HartmanMary Hartman, Mary Hartman is an American soap opera parody that aired in daily syndication from January 1976 to May 1977. The series was produced by Norman Lear, directed by Joan Darling and starred Louise Lasser...
(1977–1978) as Mac Slattery - BarettaBarettaBaretta is an American detective television series which ran on ABC from 1975 to 1978. The show was a milder version of a successful 1973–74 ABC series, Toma, starring Tony Musante as chameleon-like, real-life New Jersey police officer David Toma...
(1 episode, 1978) as Ronco - B.J. and the BearB.J. and the BearB.J. and the Bear is an American comedy series which aired on NBC from 1979 to 1981. Created by Christopher Crowe and Glen A. Larson, the series stars Greg Evigan and Claude Akins.-Plot:Greg Evigan stars as B.J...
(2 episodes, 1979) as Harry Cunningham - Hanging InHanging InHanging In is an American sitcom that aired on CBS in 1979, executive produced by Norman Lear.-Synopsis:After his failed attempt to launch the sitcom Mr. Dugan, Lear reworked the project, finally coming up with Hanging In, the story of Lou Harper, a former pro football star who becomes president of...
(1979) as Sam Dickey - The Dukes of HazzardThe Dukes of HazzardThe Dukes of Hazzard is an American television series that aired on the CBS television network from 1979 to 1985.The series was inspired by the 1975 film Moonrunners, which was also created by Gy Waldron and had many identical or similar character names and concepts.- Overview :The Dukes of Hazzard...
(1980) (Episode "Find Loretta Lynn") - SanfordSanford (TV series)Sanford is an American situation comedy, which was the revival of the 1972–1977 sitcom Sanford and Son.-Background:In 1977, after six seasons of Sanford and Son, Redd Foxx decided to leave the NBC show to star in a variety show for ABC. His new show, The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour, was cancelled...
(1980–1981) as Cal Pettie - The Greatest American HeroThe Greatest American HeroThe Greatest American Hero is an American comedy-drama television series that aired for three seasons from 1981 to 1983 on ABC. Created by producer Stephen J. Cannell, it premiered as a two-hour movie pilot on March 18, 1981...
(1 episode, 1981) - Gimme a Break (Season 2, Episode 6, 1982)
- Hill Street BluesHill Street BluesHill Street Blues is an American serial police drama that was first aired on NBC in 1981 and ran for 146 episodes on primetime into 1987. Chronicling the lives of the staff of a single police precinct in an unnamed American city, the show received critical acclaim and its production innovations ...
(1983), recurring role as Sonny Crockett - Who's the Boss?Who's the Boss?Who's the Boss? is an American sitcom created by Martin Cohan and Blake Hunter, which aired on ABC from September 20, 1984 to April 25, 1992...
(1986, 1989) - Four Eyes and Six GunsFour Eyes and Six GunsFour Eyes and Six Guns is a Western movie starring Judge Reinhold, Patricia Clarkson and Fred Ward. It includes guest roles by Dan Hedaya, M. Emmet Walsh, John Gries and others.-Synopsis:...
(1992) (TV movie) - King of the HillKing of the HillKing of the Hill is an American animated dramedy series created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, that ran from January 12, 1997, to May 6, 2010, on Fox network. It centers on the Hills, a working-class Methodist family in the fictional small town of Arlen, Texas...
(1997–2010), recurring role as Principal Moss - The Drew Carey ShowThe Drew Carey ShowThe Drew Carey Show is an American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1995 to 2004. The show was set in Cleveland, Ohio, and revolved around the retail office and home life of "everyman" Drew Carey, a fictionalized version of the actor....
(1 episode, 2001) - ERER (TV series)ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
(1 episode, 1995) - My Name is EarlMy Name Is EarlMy Name Is Earl is an American television comedy series created by Greg Garcia that was originally broadcast on the NBC television network from September 20, 2005, to May 14, 2009, in the United States...
(2005–2008)
Filmography
- Stay HungryStay Hungry (film)Stay Hungry is a 1976 dramatic comedy film by director Bob Rafelson from a screenplay by Charles Gaines . The story centers on a young Birmingham, Alabama, scion, played by Jeff Bridges, who gets involved in a shady real-estate deal. In order to close the deal, he needs to buy a gym building to...
(1976) - HeroesHeroes (film)Heroes is a 1977 comedy drama film directed by Jeremy Kagan and starring Henry Winkler and co-starring Sally Field and Harrison Ford...
(1977) - LaserblastLaserblastLaserblast is a 1978 American science fiction film about an unhappy teenage loner who discovers an alien laser cannon and goes on a murderous rampage, seeking revenge against those who he feels have wronged him. The low-budget film was directed by Michael Rae and produced by Charles Band, who is...
(1978) - MaskMask (film)Mask is a 1985 American biographical drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, starring Cher, Sam Elliott, and Eric Stoltz. Dennis Burkley and Laura Dern are featured in supporting roles. Cher received the 1985 Cannes Film Festival award for Best Actress....
(1985) - Murphy's RomanceMurphy's RomanceMurphy's Romance is a 1985 romantic comedy film adapted by Harriet Frank Jr. and Irving Ravetch from a story by Max Schott and directed by Martin Ritt...
(1985) - Stewardess SchoolStewardess SchoolStewardess School is a 1986 American comedy film starring Brett Cullen and Don Most. It is also known for being one of voice veteran Rob Paulsen's very few onscreen roles, and up until the early 2000's, one of the most played films on the American cable channel Comedy Central.-Plot:When frat boys...
(1986) - Wanted: Dead or AliveWanted: Dead or Alive (1987 film)Wanted: Dead or Alive is a 1987 film directed by Gary Sherman and starring Rutger Hauer as Nick Randall, the descendant of the character Josh Randall, played by Steve McQueen in the 1958 television series of the same name....
(1987) - Who's That Girl (1987)
- MaloneMaloneMalone is a family name. From the Irish "Mael Eòin", the name means a servant or a disciple of Saint John.- People with the surname :* Gilla Críst Ua Máel Eóin, historian and Abbot of Clonmacnoise, died 1127...
(1987) - No Way OutNo Way Out (1987 film)No Way Out is a 1987 thriller film about a U.S. Naval officer investigating a Washington, D.C. murder. It stars Kevin Costner, Gene Hackman and Sean Young...
(1987) - Pass the AmmoPass the AmmoPass the Ammo is a 1988 film starring Bill Paxton, Annie Potts, and Tim Curry. The film is a spoof of televangelism released right after the real-life Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart scandals. The movie's working title during production, "...And Pass the Ammunition," references the phrase "praise...
(1988) - Fletch LivesFletch LivesFletch Lives is a 1989 comedy film starring Chevy Chase. It was directed by Michael Ritchie with a screenplay by Leon Capetanos based on the character created by Gregory Mcdonald. Fletch Lives was released by Universal Pictures. It is a sequel to the 1985 film Fletch.- Plot :Chevy Chase once again...
(1989) - An Innocent ManAn Innocent Man (film)An Innocent Man, is a 1989 crime thriller film directed by Peter Yates, and starring Tom Selleck. The film follows James Rainwood, an airline mechanic sent to prison when framed by crooked police officers.-Plot:...
(1989) - LambadaLambadaLambada is a dance from Pará, Brazil. The dance became internationally popular in the 1980s, especially in Latin America and Caribbean countries...
(1990) - The End of Innocence (1990)
- The DoorsThe Doors (film)The Doors is a 1991 biopic about the 1960s-1970s rock band of the same name which emphasizes the life of its lead singer, Jim Morrison. It was directed by Oliver Stone, and stars Val Kilmer as Morrison, Meg Ryan as Pamela Courson , Kyle MacLachlan as Ray Manzarek, Frank Whaley as Robby Krieger,...
(1991) - Suburban CommandoSuburban CommandoSuburban Commando is a 1991 science fiction comedy film starring Hulk Hogan and Christopher Lloyd. Burt Kennedy directed the film based on a screenplay by Frank Cappello. The film was originally titled "Urban Commando", and was intended for Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger...
(1991) - RushRush (1991 film)Rush is a 1991 American crime drama feature film, based on a novel written by Kim Wozencraft. A narcotics detective and his inexperienced partner go after an elusive drug dealer...
(1991) - Beyond the Law (1992)
- Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)
- Sidekicks (1992)
- Son in LawSon in LawSon in Law is a 1993 comedy film starring Pauly Shore, Carla Gugino, Lane Smith, Cindy Pickett, Tiffani Thiessen, Patrick Renna, Dan Gauthier and Dennis Burkley.-Plot:...
(1993) - Tin CupTin CupTin Cup is a 1996 romantic comedy film co-written and directed by Ron Shelton, and starring Kevin Costner and Rene Russo with Cheech Marin and Don Johnson in major supporting roles.-Synopsis:...
(1996) - TouchTouch (film)Touch is a 1997 film written and directed by Paul Schrader, based on a novel by Elmore Leonard.The film, which has elements of drama and black comedy, stars Christopher Walken, Richard Schiff, Bridget Fonda, Skeet Ulrich, Tom Arnold, Gina Gershon, Lolita Davidovich, Janeane Garofalo and Paul Mazursky...
(1997) - Fathers' DayFathers' Day (film)Fathers' Day is a 1997 comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Nastassja Kinski...
(1997) - Con AirCon AirCon Air is an Academy Award–nominated 1997 American action-thriller film directed by Simon West and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. It stars Nicolas Cage, John Cusack and John Malkovich...
(1997) - PossumsPossums (film)Possums is a 1998 sports comedy film directed by Max Burnett.- Plot :Will Collier loves his job as radio announcer for the local high school football team, the Nowata Possums. He loves it so much that he continues announcing even after the town decides to cancel the football program...
(1998) - Pauly Shore Is DeadPauly Shore Is Dead-Additional notes:The film did see a release to theaters in Sacramento, California, and has found/developed a following on DVD.Music from the band Staind's album "Break the Cycle" is used in the movie. Aaron Lewis, vocalist of Staind, also has an appearance in the DVD. Eminem and now deceased...
(2003) - Hollywood HomicideHollywood HomicideHollywood Homicide is a 2003 American action comedy film starring Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett.The film also features Lena Olin, Lolita Davidovich, Martin Landau, Bruce Greenwood, Isaiah Washington, Keith David, Dwight Yoakam and Master P in supporting roles, with Eric Idle making a cameo...
(2003)