Burt Mustin

Burton Hill Mustin (February 8, 1884 – January 28, 1977) was an American character actor 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 noir Detective 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. 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. He worked as an engineer but later decided to enter sales. In 1916, Mustin began working as an salesman selling Oakland Sensible Sixes, and he later sold luxury Franklins. After the Franklin company folded, Mustin sold Mercurys and Lincolns until civilian car production was halted during World War II. He then worked as a fiscal agent for the Better Business Bureau and the local chamber of commerce. 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.