Ronnie Burns Dies at 72 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 11-15-2007, 09:48 PM

Link

LOS ANGELES—Ronnie Burns, the son of George Burns and Gracie Allen who played himself on his parents' TV show in the 1950s, has died. He was 72.

Burns died of cancer at his Pacific Palisades home on Wednesday, according to his wife, Janice.

Born in Evanston, Ill., he was adopted when he was 3 months old.

He grew up among the elite of Hollywood and the privileged of Beverly Hills, but never was a "jet-setter," preferring a more low-key life, according to friends and family.

"He could have been a casualty or a jerk and he was neither," his wife said Thursday. "He wasn't a flashy guy. He wasn't spoiled."

Burns appeared as himself for several seasons on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show," which aired from 1950 to 1958, and later on "The George Burns Show."

"He got into it because of his parents, and they wanted him on the show," Janice Burns said.

He also appeared on a few other shows, including "Playhouse 90" and "The Honeymooners," but was never comfortable with fame, his wife, said.

He quit acting in the early 1960s, although he worked behind the cameras with his father in 1964, producing the sitcom "Wendy and Me."

In his youth, Burns was an avid surfer and later got into boat racing and sailing.

After leaving show business, he went into real estate investment, using money he had made from acting.

In later years, he raised Arabian horses and had a ranch in Santa Ynez.

Burns, who loved animals, contributed to various animal charities, his wife said.

In addition to his wife, Burns is survived by his adopted sister, Sandra Luckman of San Diego; sons Brent, Brad and Bryan and six grandchildren.

catlover79 · 11-15-2007, 11:27 PM

He sounded like such a nice man - happy to hear he had a terrific life.

OH Nuts! · 11-15-2007, 11:51 PM

Sorry to hear about his passing. He sounded like a great guy. I only saw him in the Burns & Allen show when he was very young.

Mr. Television · 11-15-2007, 11:56 PM

R.I.P. Ronnie.

Mikado · 11-15-2007, 11:58 PM

its kind of like the passing of an era ...the last Burns from the B&A show

Mr. Television · 11-16-2007, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

its kind of like the passing of an era ...the last Burns from the B&A show

If only TV Land would air a B&A marathon in his honor but they won't.

Pitooey · 11-16-2007, 09:58 PM

I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I use to watch him in the re runs of Burns and Allen and I use to drool because Ronnie was such a hunk. He seemed like such a nice guy.

11-15-2007, 09:48 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,338	Ronnie Burns Dies at 72 Link LOS ANGELES—Ronnie Burns, the son of George Burns and Gracie Allen who played himself on his parents' TV show in the 1950s, has died. He was 72. Burns died of cancer at his Pacific Palisades home on Wednesday, according to his wife, Janice. Born in Evanston, Ill., he was adopted when he was 3 months old. He grew up among the elite of Hollywood and the privileged of Beverly Hills, but never was a "jet-setter," preferring a more low-key life, according to friends and family. "He could have been a casualty or a jerk and he was neither," his wife said Thursday. "He wasn't a flashy guy. He wasn't spoiled." Burns appeared as himself for several seasons on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show," which aired from 1950 to 1958, and later on "The George Burns Show." "He got into it because of his parents, and they wanted him on the show," Janice Burns said. He also appeared on a few other shows, including "Playhouse 90" and "The Honeymooners," but was never comfortable with fame, his wife, said. He quit acting in the early 1960s, although he worked behind the cameras with his father in 1964, producing the sitcom "Wendy and Me." In his youth, Burns was an avid surfer and later got into boat racing and sailing. After leaving show business, he went into real estate investment, using money he had made from acting. In later years, he raised Arabian horses and had a ranch in Santa Ynez. Burns, who loved animals, contributed to various animal charities, his wife said. In addition to his wife, Burns is survived by his adopted sister, Sandra Luckman of San Diego; sons Brent, Brad and Bryan and six grandchildren.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads. Last edited by Zoneboy; 11-15-2007 at 10:24 PM.

11-15-2007, 11:27 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	He sounded like such a nice man - happy to hear he had a terrific life.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

11-15-2007, 11:56 PM	#4
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,125	R.I.P. Ronnie.
	__________________ Sonny

11-16-2007, 09:58 PM	#7
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I use to watch him in the re runs of Burns and Allen and I use to drool because Ronnie was such a hunk. He seemed like such a nice guy.
	__________________ Pitooey... AKA JennyLee - I love the Monkees all over again! *SAY NO TO DRUGS* Jesus saves...

11-15-2007, 11:51 PM	#3
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	Sorry to hear about his passing. He sounded like a great guy. I only saw him in the Burns & Allen show when he was very young.

11-15-2007, 11:58 PM	#5
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,880	its kind of like the passing of an era ...the last Burns from the B&A show