Burt Mustin was a well-known character actor who appeared in over 150 film and television productions from the 1950s to the 1970s. He was known for his versatility, dependability, and comedic timing. He played roles such as Gus the fireman on Leave It to Beaver, Justin Quigley on All in the Family, and Arthur Lanson on Phyllis. He began his professional acting career at the age of 67, after being discovered by director William Wyler in a stage production of Detective Story. He retired from acting in 1976, shortly before his death. But what was Burt Mustin’s cause of death? How did he die?
Natural Causes
According to his biography on IMDb, Burt Mustin died of natural causes on January 28, 1977, in Glendale, California. He was 92 years old at the time of his death. Natural causes are defined as any illness or disease that is not influenced by external factors, such as accidents, violence, or poisoning. Some examples of natural causes are heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
Retirement and Final Role
Burt Mustin announced his retirement from acting while filming an episode of the CBS sitcom Phyllis, starring Cloris Leachman. In the episode, titled “The First Day”, his character, Arthur Lanson, married Sally “Mother” Dexter, played by Judith Lowry. The episode aired on December 13, 1976, only a month before his death. Ironically, Lowry had also died a month before the episode aired, on November 29, 1976. She was 86 years old and had suffered a heart attack.
Legacy and Tributes
Burt Mustin left behind a remarkable legacy as a character actor who entertained millions of viewers with his humor and charm. He was praised by critics and colleagues for his professionalism and talent. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002 for his contributions to television. He was also honored by his alma mater, Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University), where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1903. He was the commencement speaker for the 1972 graduating class and received an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
Burt Mustin’s fans and admirers have paid tribute to him on various platforms, such as social media, blogs, podcasts, and websites. Some of them have shared their favorite memories and scenes of him from his movies and TV shows. Others have expressed their gratitude and admiration for his inspiring life story and career. Burt Mustin remains a beloved figure in the history of American entertainment and culture.
