Actor. He was a distinguished American actor known for his versatile roles on both stage and screen. His acting journey, marked by a rich tapestry of characters, spanned film, television, and Broadway.
Burmester's early years were rooted in academia, as he initially pursued a biology major at Western Kentucky University. However, his passion for drama led him to switch his focus. After completing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Denver, he transitioned from teaching at the college level to embarking on a fulfilling career as a working actor.
The actor's stage presence was honed at the Shawnee Summer Theatre of Greene County, Indiana, where he participated in summer stock productions. Subsequently, Burmester made significant contributions to the Actors Theatre of Louisville, originating roles in plays like "Getting Out" and "Lone Star." These performances not only solidified his craft but also served as a launchpad for his subsequent Off-Broadway and Broadway debuts.
Burmester's film career commenced with a notable role in the big-budget project "Cruising" (1980), and he continued to leave an indelible mark on the silver screen with roles in films such as "Honky Tonk Freeway" (1981), "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988), and James Cameron's "The Abyss" (1989), where he portrayed the decompression expert 'Catfish' DeVries.
Television audiences may remember Burmester for his role as Randy Stumphill, the mechanic in the CBS sitcom "Flo." Additionally, his TV appearances included roles in series such as "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Law & Order."
Burmester's contributions to Broadway were equally noteworthy, with roles in productions like "Les Misérables," where he played Thénardier, and "The Fantasticks" (2006), where he portrayed Hucklebee.
On June 28, 2007, at the age of 62, Burmester passed away in New York City due to complications from a tick bite and leukemia. His final resting place is in Kentucky, where his ashes were scattered.
Burmester's early years were rooted in academia, as he initially pursued a biology major at Western Kentucky University. However, his passion for drama led him to switch his focus. After completing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Denver, he transitioned from teaching at the college level to embarking on a fulfilling career as a working actor.
The actor's stage presence was honed at the Shawnee Summer Theatre of Greene County, Indiana, where he participated in summer stock productions. Subsequently, Burmester made significant contributions to the Actors Theatre of Louisville, originating roles in plays like "Getting Out" and "Lone Star." These performances not only solidified his craft but also served as a launchpad for his subsequent Off-Broadway and Broadway debuts.
Burmester's film career commenced with a notable role in the big-budget project "Cruising" (1980), and he continued to leave an indelible mark on the silver screen with roles in films such as "Honky Tonk Freeway" (1981), "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988), and James Cameron's "The Abyss" (1989), where he portrayed the decompression expert 'Catfish' DeVries.
Television audiences may remember Burmester for his role as Randy Stumphill, the mechanic in the CBS sitcom "Flo." Additionally, his TV appearances included roles in series such as "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Law & Order."
Burmester's contributions to Broadway were equally noteworthy, with roles in productions like "Les Misérables," where he played Thénardier, and "The Fantasticks" (2006), where he portrayed Hucklebee.
On June 28, 2007, at the age of 62, Burmester passed away in New York City due to complications from a tick bite and leukemia. His final resting place is in Kentucky, where his ashes were scattered.
Actor. He was a distinguished American actor known for his versatile roles on both stage and screen. His acting journey, marked by a rich tapestry of characters, spanned film, television, and Broadway.
Burmester's early years were rooted in academia, as he initially pursued a biology major at Western Kentucky University. However, his passion for drama led him to switch his focus. After completing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Denver, he transitioned from teaching at the college level to embarking on a fulfilling career as a working actor.
The actor's stage presence was honed at the Shawnee Summer Theatre of Greene County, Indiana, where he participated in summer stock productions. Subsequently, Burmester made significant contributions to the Actors Theatre of Louisville, originating roles in plays like "Getting Out" and "Lone Star." These performances not only solidified his craft but also served as a launchpad for his subsequent Off-Broadway and Broadway debuts.
Burmester's film career commenced with a notable role in the big-budget project "Cruising" (1980), and he continued to leave an indelible mark on the silver screen with roles in films such as "Honky Tonk Freeway" (1981), "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988), and James Cameron's "The Abyss" (1989), where he portrayed the decompression expert 'Catfish' DeVries.
Television audiences may remember Burmester for his role as Randy Stumphill, the mechanic in the CBS sitcom "Flo." Additionally, his TV appearances included roles in series such as "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Law & Order."
Burmester's contributions to Broadway were equally noteworthy, with roles in productions like "Les Misérables," where he played Thénardier, and "The Fantasticks" (2006), where he portrayed Hucklebee.
On June 28, 2007, at the age of 62, Burmester passed away in New York City due to complications from a tick bite and leukemia. His final resting place is in Kentucky, where his ashes were scattered.
Burmester's early years were rooted in academia, as he initially pursued a biology major at Western Kentucky University. However, his passion for drama led him to switch his focus. After completing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Denver, he transitioned from teaching at the college level to embarking on a fulfilling career as a working actor.
The actor's stage presence was honed at the Shawnee Summer Theatre of Greene County, Indiana, where he participated in summer stock productions. Subsequently, Burmester made significant contributions to the Actors Theatre of Louisville, originating roles in plays like "Getting Out" and "Lone Star." These performances not only solidified his craft but also served as a launchpad for his subsequent Off-Broadway and Broadway debuts.
Burmester's film career commenced with a notable role in the big-budget project "Cruising" (1980), and he continued to leave an indelible mark on the silver screen with roles in films such as "Honky Tonk Freeway" (1981), "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988), and James Cameron's "The Abyss" (1989), where he portrayed the decompression expert 'Catfish' DeVries.
Television audiences may remember Burmester for his role as Randy Stumphill, the mechanic in the CBS sitcom "Flo." Additionally, his TV appearances included roles in series such as "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Law & Order."
Burmester's contributions to Broadway were equally noteworthy, with roles in productions like "Les Misérables," where he played Thénardier, and "The Fantasticks" (2006), where he portrayed Hucklebee.
On June 28, 2007, at the age of 62, Burmester passed away in New York City due to complications from a tick bite and leukemia. His final resting place is in Kentucky, where his ashes were scattered.
Bio by: Christian Vedder
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