Thank You, Burt Mustin!

Until very recently, I didn’t know his name. But I knew his face. He was a character actor who played in more than 150 movies and TV programs as well as working on radio and the stage from 1951- 1977. He was that recognizable tall, gangly, bald old man who just showed up everywhere. But the amazing tidbit is that he began his acting career at age 67 after successful careers as an Engineer, a salesman, an executive for the Better Business Bureau and his local Chamber of Commerce, among other things.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1884, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1903 and was the last survivor of his graduating class, at age 92. In his youth, he’d been a trombonist and ice hockey goalie.

Although successful in his business endeavors, he was never too busy with work to enjoy a colorful life after hours. He was active in the local barbershop singing group and with the local amateur Gilbert and Sullivan troupe. The man was obviously comfortable in front of an audience. When he retired, he left Pennsylvania for Arizona and continued to enjoy working in various local productions there. But one day, he was spotted by the famous director, William Wyler, who convinced him to move to Los Angeles and start a brand new career.

You can google all of the Hollywood greats he worked with, usually in a supporting role, but happily busy. He was still working short days before his death, last appearing on the TV sitcom, Phyllis in 1977.

So, why do I thank him?

For all of us who discount our value because we didn’t do this or that in our youth, and feel it is too late to start anew. We can think about Burt Mustin who was no dashing, handsome-looking leading man, but who happily started all over again at age 67. He was even more productive and successful in his 26-year acting career because he took advantage of looking old while being able to hold his own alongside anyone on the stage. He had the positive attitude and the grace to enjoy unexpected opportunities. He never did actually retire, but played until the end.