Bill Lancaster

Burt Lancaster was born into a prestigious family of five in Manhattan, with all his grandparents originating from the north of Ireland. He started out as a tough street kid, and developed an early passion for gymnastics which he pursued by joining the circus as an acrobat. His career took a turn during WWII when he was introduced to the USO and acting while enlisted in the Army. His first feature film, The Killers (1946), made him an instant star, and he was a self-taught actor who learned the business as he went along, even going on to set up his own production company. His son, Bill Lancaster, was known by his friends as "Billy" and attended "public" school, never being athletically inclined due to a childhood illness. He was well-liked at Emerson Junior High and University High School, known as a friend to all regardless of status. Burt's daughter, Joanna Lancaster, is an acclaimed actress with roles in films such as Ruthless People (1986), Little Treasure (1985) and Good Sharma (2010). With a proud lineage and a history of success, the Lancaster family is a true royal dynasty.