Basic Information:
Name: Katherine "Kate" Burton
Date of Birth: September 10, 1957
Nationality: Welsh-American
Profession: Actress (stage, film, and television), Director, and Professor of Theater Practice.
Spouse: Michael Ritchie (m. 1985)
Children: Morgan Ritchie, Charlotte Ritchie
Biography:
Kate Burton was born in Geneva, Switzerland, to Welsh actors Richard Burton and Sybil Christopher. She has a dual citizenship: British and American. She was raised in Manhattan after her parents' divorce. Her early life exposed her to the world of theatre as she was also the stepdaughter of actors Elizabeth Taylor and Jordan Christopher. Initially, she intended a diplomatic career, majoring in Russian Studies and European History at Brown University, graduating in 1979. However, she was drawn to acting during her senior year and went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1982. Brown University also awarded her an honorary doctorate in 2007.
Burton began her professional acting career in 1982, and has since established herself as a versatile performer on stage and screen. She is known for her ability to immerse herself in her roles and engage audiences. She is also a professor of Theatre Practice in Acting at the University of Southern California.
Career Timeline:
Early 1980s: Made her professional debut and began her stage career. First screen appearance in Anne of the Thousand Days (1969). Appeared in her first TV role in Alice in Wonderland (1983).
1990s: Gained more television roles in shows like Law & Order and The Practice and won a Daytime Emmy for Notes for My Daughter (1996)
2000s: Became well-known for her recurring role as Dr. Ellis Grey in Grey's Anatomy and also in Scandal as Vice President Sally Langston. She also received multiple Tony and Emmy nominations.
2010s: Continued her work in TV, film and on stage, appearing in productions like Present Laughter and films such as 127 Hours. She was also honored with the Matador Award for Achievement in Classical Theatre (2020).
2020s-Present: Continues to work in film and television, and as a director. She also works as a professor at the University of Southern California.
Achievements:
Awards & Recognition:
Daytime Emmy Award for Notes for My Daughter (1996).
Three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work in Grey's Anatomy and Scandal.
Three Tony Award nominations for her performances in Hedda Gabler, The Elephant Man, and The Constant Wife.
Gold Derby TV Award for Drama Guest Actress (2007).
Theatre World Award for her role in Winners (1983).
Matador Award for Achievement in Classical Theatre (2020, presented in 2023).
Honorary Doctorate from Brown University (2007).
Stage Work:
Performed in 14 Broadway shows and numerous off-Broadway and regional theatre productions.
Notable roles include Hedda Gabler, The Elephant Man, The Constant Wife, and Present Laughter.
Has played several iconic Shakespearean women, such as Viola, Juliet, Desdemona and Isabella.
Has also directed multiple university productions.
Film and Television:
Recurring roles in popular shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Law & Order, The Practice, and Rescue Me.
Notable film appearances in Big Trouble in Little China, The Ice Storm, 127 Hours, and Where'd You Go, Bernadette.
Philanthropic Work:
Serves as an Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), narrating videos about Elizabeth Taylor's commitment to fighting the disease.
Has worked with Hilarity for Charity, which raises awareness for Alzheimer's.
Her family established The Burton Family Foundation, which provides grants to organizations focused on youth, education and human services.
Key Quotes/Catchphrases:
"I'm usually the sweet wife. Or the sweet dead wife."
"Basically, I'm part of this large, creative, mildly crazy, loosely connected loving family. But really, these days, who isn't?"
"It ultimately becomes an asset to be part of a theatrical family if, indeed, you're good at what you do."
“I have a tendency as an actress in general to ground my characters. Even when doing outlandish characters, that's my instinct.”
