Bill Burrud


William James Burrud was a child actor and a television host and producer best known for his travel programs.

Biography

Born in Hollywood, California, Burrud was a son of Leland Burrud, who had produced one of the earliest known travel films in 1913. Burrud made his first film appearance at the age of 7 in Music in the Air. He also appeared in Captains Courageous with Spencer Tracy and in several films starring John Wayne. Burrud served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, then graduated from Harvard University.
In 1950 Burrud turned his attention to television. He coined the word "traventure" to describe the programs he intended to produce. The following year station KTTV in Los Angeles purchased his series The Open Road. In 1954 he founded Bill Burrud Productions, which would produce programs that included True Adventure, Vagabond, Wanderlust, Animal World, Islands in the Sun, Wonderful World of Women, Safari to Adventure, Treasure, and Natural Wonders. His company also produced numerous television specials.

Death

Burrud died from a heart attack in Sunset Beach, California in 1990 at the age of 65. He was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. His son John Burrud now heads the company.

Legacy

For his many contributions to television entertainment, Burrud received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1977. Burrud's star is next to Elvis Presley's.

Filmography

  • Music in the Air
  • His Night Out
  • Three Kids and a Queen
  • Pride of the Marines
  • Devil's Squadron
  • The Cowboy and the Kid
  • Postal Inspector
  • Two in a Crowd
  • The Magnificent Brute
  • Girl Overboard
  • Fair Warning
  • Captains Courageous
  • The Man in Blue
  • It Happened in Hollywood
  • Idol of the Crowds
  • The Night Hawk
  • Hitler's Children
  • Treasure
  • Flight to Adventure
  • Thrill Hunters
  • The Challenging Sea
  • Safari to Adventure
  • ''The World of Reptiles''