Paul Burke

Another distinguished alumnus of the Pasadena Playhouse, dependable leading actor Paul Burke launched his film career in 1951. Burke's willingness to endure whatever humiliating assignments were dished out by producers and directors earned him the undying respect of his co-workers, and in 1956 he was promoted to television stardom with Noah's Ark, a Jack Webb-produced weekly about a pair of dedicated veterinarians. The abrupt 1960 cancellation of his next series, Five Fingers, fortunately freed up Burke for his most successful assignment to date: the role of dedicated NYPD detective Adam Flint on The Naked City, which ran from 1960 to 1963. He enjoyed another healthy run as Captain (later Major, still later Colonel) Joe Gallegher on 12 O'Clock High (1964-1967). After this last-named series ran its course, Burke returned to film supporting roles, the best of which included Lyon Burke in Valley of the Dolls (1967) and Lt. Eddie Malone in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968). A reliable journeyman actor into the 1990s, Paul Burke has been seen as wealthy patriarch Channing Creighton "C.C." Capwell on the NBC daytime drama Santa Barbara (1984-1992) and in a bit as the Albanian Protestor in the 1990 theatrical feature Tune in Tomorrow.

~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide