Edward Burns Bio
Edward Fitzgerald Burns (born January 29, 1968) is an American actor and filmmaker. He rose to fame with The Brothers McMullen (1995), his low-budget independent film that became successful worldwide. His other film appearances include Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Holiday (2006), 27 Dresses (2008), Man on a Ledge (2012), Friends with Kids (2012), and Alex Cross (2012). Burns directed films such as She’s the One (1996), Sidewalks of New York (2001), and The Fitzgerald Family Christmas (2012). On television, he appeared as Bugsy Siegel in the TNT crime drama series Mob City and as Terry Muldoon in TNT’s Public Morals.
Early Life and Background
Edward Burns was born in Woodside, Queens, New York, to Edward J. Burns, a police officer and public relations spokesman, and Molly (née McKenna), a federal agency manager. He is the second of three children, with siblings Mary and Brian, and is of Irish and Swedish descent. Burns was raised in Valley Stream, New York, on Long Island, and was raised a Roman Catholic. He briefly attended Chaminade High School before transferring to Hewlett High School. After high school, Burns pursued higher education at SUNY Oneonta, the University at Albany, and Hunter College.
Path to Hollywood
Burns got his start in the movie industry right after college as a production assistant on the Oliver Stone movie The Doors. While working at Entertainment Tonight, he financed, produced, directed, and starred in his first film, The Brothers McMullen, in his spare time. The film was largely shot in his hometown of Valley Stream. After completing the movie, he managed to get a copy to Robert Redford following an interview for Quiz Show. This opportunity helped launch his career in the film industry.
Edward Burns Career
Early Career (1995–2000)
Burns gained recognition with his debut film, The Brothers McMullen, which was released in 1995. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Burns several accolades and establishing him as a prominent figure in independent cinema. Following this success, he appeared in the acclaimed World War II film Saving Private Ryan in 1998, which further solidified his reputation as a talented actor.
Breakthrough (2001–2012)
In 2001, Burns wrote, directed, and starred in the ensemble drama She’s the One, which featured Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. He continued to build his filmography with notable projects such as Sidewalks of New York (2001) and the romantic comedy The Holiday (2006). His versatility as an actor was showcased in films like 27 Dresses (2008) and the thriller Alex Cross (2012).
Notable Works and Milestones
Edward Burns is best known for his signature work in The Brothers McMullen, which earned him critical acclaim. He has also received recognition for his performances in Saving Private Ryan and The Holiday. Throughout his career, Burns has maintained a strong presence in independent filmmaking, often writing and directing his own projects.
Edward Burns Award Nominations
Edward Burns has not received any major award nominations throughout his career, but his contributions to independent cinema have been widely recognized by audiences and critics alike.
Edward Burns Awards Won
Edward Burns has not won any major awards during his career, but he has been acknowledged for his work in independent film and has garnered a loyal fanbase for his unique storytelling style.
Edward Burns Family
Edward Burns is married to model Christy Turlington, and the couple has two children together: a daughter born in 2003 and a son born in 2006. They are known to be a close-knit family and share a commitment to their Catholic faith.
Personal Life
Edward Burns and Christy Turlington have been married since 2003. The couple is known for their philanthropic efforts and commitment to various charitable causes. Burns is also an advisor to ICX Media, an ad-tech audience analytics data company. In 2024, he began production on a golf-based film titled Finnegan’s Foursome, set to be released in 2025.