Burton Hill Mustin (February 8, 1884[1][2] – January 28, 1977) was an American character actor[3] who appeared in over 150 film and television productions. He also worked in radio and appeared on the stage.
Mustin began his professional acting career at the age of 67 after director William Wyler cast him in the 1951 film noirDetective Story. Known for his dependability and versatility, Mustin established a career as a well-known character actor and worked extensively in film and television from the 1950s to the 1970s.[4] His last major role was as Arthur Lanson on the CBS sitcom Phyllis, appearing on the show until shortly before his death in early 1977 at the age of 92.
Early life
Mustin was born in Pittsburgh to William I. and Sadie (Dorrington) Mustin. His father was a stockbroker. Mustin graduated from Pennsylvania Military College with a degree in civil engineering in 1903. He played first trombone in the band and also played goaltender for the school's ice hockey team in 1902. He was the last surviving member of his 1903 class.[5] He worked as an engineer but later decided to enter sales. In 1916, Mustin began working as a salesman selling Oakland Sensible Sixes, and he later sold luxury air-cooled Franklins. After the Franklin company quit selling automobiles in 1934, Mustin sold Mercurys and Lincolns until civilian car production was halted in 1942, during World War II. He then worked as a fiscal agent for the Better Business Bureau and the local chamber of commerce.[6][7]
Before he began a professional career in showbusiness, Mustin acted as an amateur. In 1921, he became the first announcer for a variety-show broadcast on Pittsburgh's new KDKA radio station. He appeared in productions as a member of the Pittsburgh Savoyards (a Gilbert and Sullivan troupe) and the Pittsburgh Opera. He was also a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, making his first trip to California in 1925 for a quartet competition in San Francisco.[4][6]
After retiring, Mustin moved to Tucson, Arizona. Director William Wyler saw him there in a stage production of Detective Story at the Sombrero Playhouse.[8] Wyler told Mustin to contact him if he decided to pursue a screen career.[8] Mustin contacted Wyler, who cast him in the 1951 film version of Detective Story.[8] Soon after, he found steady work in films and television series. He later moved to Los Angeles.[1][7]
In addition to guest-starring roles, Mustin also had recurring roles on several television shows during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1955, he played the role of "Foley" in The Great Gildersleeve. From 1957 to 1958, he appeared as Mr. Finley on Date with the Angels. In 1957, he made his first appearance as "Gus the Fireman" on Leave It to Beaver; he would continue in the role until 1962, making a total of 15 appearances on the show. In 1960, he made his first guest appearance on The Andy Griffith Show as Judd Fletcher. He appeared in the role until 1966; however in Season 6, Episode 17 (Return of Barney Fife), he is referred to as "ole man Crowley". He also portrayed "Old Uncle Joe" on two episodes of The Lucy Show in 1967. The following year, Mustin guest starred as "Grandpa Jenson" in three episodes of Petticoat Junction.
Known for his quick wit and song-and-dance abilities, Mustin was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson during the 1970s.[4] From 1971 to 1976, he appeared in five episodes of All in the Family (his first appearance as a night watchman, and an additional four appearances in a recurring role as "Justin Quigley").
In 1971, Mustin co-starred in the sketch comedy show The Funny Side. Hosted by Gene Kelly, the series featured an ensemble cast of five married couples that dealt with various issues through comedy sketches and song-and-dance routines. Mustin was cast opposite Queenie Smith as "the elderly couple". The series debuted on NBC in September 1971 and was canceled in January 1972.[9] Mustin and Smith reprised their roles as "the elderly couple" on a 1972 episode of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.
Mustin guest starred as Jethroe Collins, the son of a victim of Jesse James, who dissuaded Bobby's idolization of the outlaw, in the "Bobby's Hero" episode of The Brady Bunch during the 1972–73 season.
In 2000 TVLand created a series of commercials celebrating the often-seen but little-known-by-name character actors who regularly appeared in their shows, with Mustin being featured in one.
Personal life
Mustin was one of the 110 original founders of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Lions Club which was established in 1921. He served as one of the presidents and remained active in the club for the remainder of his life.[1]
He married Frances Robina Woods in 1915. The couple remained together for 54 years, until her death in 1969. They had five children.[1]
Young, Jordan R. (1986) [First published 1975]. "Burt Mustin". Reel Characters : Great Movie Character Actors (softcover) (Sixth ed.). Beverly Hills, CA: Moonstone Press. pp. 167–178. ISBN978-0-940410-79-4.
