Burton "Bubba" Gilliam

Burton "Bubba" Gilliam

The Top Banana!
Burton Gilliam was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where he was a fireman for fourteen years prior to becoming an actor. He says his only "claim to fame" while living in Big D was winning more Golden Gloves than anyone in history. Mr. Gilliam was Texas Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, 1957-1962, also 64, and 67. Boxing was his Stage. Therefore, when he was offered a co-staring role in PAPER MOON (without any acting experience), he quickly accepted. For the part of Floyd, the desk clerk, he recived much critical acclaim. Mel Brooks saw him in PAPER MOON, liked what he saw, called Mr. Gilliam at the fire station and asked him to come to Hollywood for a meeting. After a meeting with Mr. Brooks, the writers, producers, and Warner Bros. executives, he was offered a major role in BLAZING SADDLES. After an unsucessful negotition, he declined the offer and retutned to Dallas. Mr. Brooks called a week later and asked Mr. Gilliam to come back for a second attempt at the deal. Mr. Gilliam did return to Hollywood, but again said, "No thanks." Only after flying to Hollywood for a third meeting with Mel Brooks, did he agree to do BLAZING SADDLES. He quit the fire department and moved to Los Angeles where he lived and worked for twenty-three years

Credits
KATIE, WILD BILL
VICTIMS' DESIRE, THE GETAWAY
HONEYMOON IN VEGAS, AFTERSHOCK
TERROR WITHIN II, BACK TO THE FUTUREIII
NIGHTSCHOOL, UP HILL ALL THE WAY
FLETCH, FOXFIRE LIGHT
JINXED, TELEFON
ANOTHER MAN, ANOTHER CHANCE, GATOR
FAREWELL MY LOVELY, HEARTS OF THE WEST
AT LONG LAST LOVE, THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT
BLAZING SADDLES, PAPER MOON

Television
WEIRD SCIENCE, MUSCLE, EVENING SHADE (over 40 shows)
OUT OF THIS WORLD (3 shows), RED RIVER, MAMA'S FAMILY (2 shows)
HOUSTON KNIGHT, DAYS OF OUR LIVES (2 shows), CONVICTED
NORTH AND SOUTH II, DREAM WEST (PARTS I, II, &III), HAIL TO THE CHEIF (4 shows)
THE MASTER, FALL GUY (3 shows), A TEAM (3 shows)
KNIGHT RIDER (4 shows), GENERAL HOSPITAL, GUN SHY (4 shows)
BEDTIMES STORIES, JESSICA NOVAK, DUKES OF HAZZARD (7 shows)
THE GIRL, THE GOLDWATCH & DYNAMITE, BEST OF THE WEST, THE STOCKERS
THE GIRL, THE GOLDWATCH & EVERYTHING, THE GEORGIA PEACHES, WHERE THE LADIES GO
FLO (8 shows), B.J. & THE BEAR (4 shows), THE $5.20 AN HOUR DREAM
YOUNG MAVERICK, SOAP (4 shows), THE JERICHO MILE
HOW THE WEST WAS WON (6 shows), DURANGO, THE RANSOM OF RED CHEIF
THE BEASTS ARE LOOSE, WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO THE CLASS OF '65, CHARLIE'E ANGLES
LAWMAN WITHOUT A GUN, WELCOME BACK JIMMY JOE, LAST CHANCE
BUNCO, ALICE (15 shows), WALTONS (12 shows)
THE NIGHT THAT PANICKED AMERICA, HOMECOOKING, PAPER MOON

REMEMBER WHEN, CANNON, LOVE AMERICAN STYLE (4 shows)

Mr. Gilliam is th enational spokesperson for Pace Foods, doing all the Pace Pecante commercials ("That stuff's made in New York City!"). He did his first commercial for Pace ten years ago and since then his role has expanded to includein company production and sales and marketing apperances.

Mr. Gilliam is a much sought after speaker, and in his spare time, he speaks to drama classes from elementary school to college level. He is also a California, Texas, WBU, and NABF professional boxing refree. An avid golfer, he plays on celebrity golf circuit, traveling the country lending his name and efforts in support of many charitable causes.

Back to Classic Burlesque Comedy Home Page

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page