Edward Fitzgerald Burns is an American actor, film producer, writer, and director best known for appearing in several films like Saving Private Ryan and One Missed Call. Burns made his directorial debut with movies such as The Brothers McMullen, She's the One and Sidewalks o...
Actor, Film director, Film Producer, Screenwriter, Television Director, Television producer
Education
Chaminade High School, Hewlett High School, SUNY Oneonta, University at Albany, Hunter College
Nationality
United States of America
Spouse
Christy Turlington Burns (m. 2003)
Children
Finn Burns, Grace Burns
Parents
Molly McKenna, Edward J. Burns, Molly McKenna, Edward J. Burns
Siblings
Brian Burns, Mary Burns
Nicknames
Edward Fitzgerald Burns , Ed Burns , Edward J Burns, Jr. , Eddie , Edward J. Burns, Jr.
Awards
Sundance Film Festival - Grand Jury Prize, Independent Spirit Award, Boston Film Festival Award for Best Director (2010), Online Film Critics Society Award for the Best Ensemble Cast Performance
Nominations
Teen Choice Award (2008), Screen Actors Guild Award (1999)
Movies
“Saving Private Ryan” (1998), “A Sound of Thunder” (2005), "Purple Violets" (2007), “One Missed Call” (2008), “Friends with Kids” (2012), “The Brothers McMullen” (1995), "She's the One" (1996), “Sidewalks of New York” (2001), “The Fitzgerald Family Christmas” (2012)
TV Shows
“Public Morals” (2015)
Star Sign
Aquarius
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Trademark
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Frequently casts himself
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Often films in New York
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Surprisingly high-pitched yet husky voice
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Frequently cast as cops or special investigators ("One Missed Call", "Man On A Ledge", etc.)
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Frequently employs musician 'P. T. Walkley' as composer for his films.
He always includes references to Long Island, New York
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Quote
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[on performing with Rachel Nichols] The first thing we shot was our bedroom scene. It was like, 'Hey, how are you? Let's get naked.' It was good to get that out of the way early in the shoot.
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[on working with director Rob Cohen on 'Alex Cross'] Rob loves to shoot action and that's the stuff I don't do. But you never know when you're going to need it, so I was happy we got along, because I was looking over his shoulder a lot.
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[on Saving Private Ryan (1998)] When your first experience of acting for somebody else is Steven Spielberg, you learn to observe. I certainly knew I wasn't going to be offering any advice. I just sat back and watched him work.
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You make a movie for 9k for the freedom it allows you.
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I went hat in hand to the money guys for years. Just couldn't do it anymore. Decided to write smaller stories and never looked back.
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Newlyweds shooting budget: 5k for actors, 2k insurance, 2k food and drink. 9k in the can. We only shot 12 days. That's how to make an independent film.
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If these new revenue streams weren't being uncovered, I know I would be out of business.
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[on why he makes films about Irish-Americans] "I feel Irish-Americans are the forgotten minority group. Nobody else is making films about them. You have Woody Allen and Paul Mazursky making films about Jewish-Americans, you have Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola making films about Italian-Americans and you have Spike Lee and John Singleton making films about African-Americans. Who is making films about Irish-Americans?".
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(On his fourth writing/directing effort, the Sidewalks of New York (2001)): "I hope people watch this movie and still see New York as the greatest city in the world. I certainly do".
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I suffer from Irish-Catholic guilt. Guilt is a good reality check. It keeps that 'do what makes you happy' thing in check.
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Fact
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Was reportedly offered several studio scripts to direct before deciding to continue his independent film career with Nice Guy Johnny (2010).
Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2006 Razzie Award nominating ballot. He was suggested in the Worst Actor category for his performance in the film A Sound of Thunder (2005), however, he failed to receive a nomination.
Purchased the Manhattan loft on N. Moore Street of the late Kennedy, Jr, John F. for over $2 million in 2000.
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Has a degree in English from Hunter College, where fellow actors Vin Diesel and Sam Feuer, attended. All three got their big break from Steven Spielberg.
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Owns two production companies. One with brother Brian Burns: "Irish Twins". The other is called "Marlboro Road Gang Films", named for the road on Long Island that he grew up on.