The Burton Gilliam Show was a public access television program produced at Eastfield College in Mesquite. In this 1999 episode, Gilliam talks with members of the Dallas Harmonica Trio. The group performs two songs, as well as explains different types of harmonicas. Gilliam also chats with the program’s house band, the Dallahachie Boys. Gilliam is a Dallas native and actor, perhaps best known for his role in Blazing Saddles (1974). Do you know more about the production of The Burton Gilliam Show? Email us at info@texasarchive.org.
Burton Gilliam was born on August 9, 1938, in Dallas, Texas. After serving in the US Coast Guard, he joined the Dallas Fire Department. Gilliam made his film debut in Paper Moon (1973) while still working as a firefighter. He left firefighting to pursue acting, landing a prominent role in Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974). Gilliam’s filmography includes Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974), Gator (1976), Telefon (1977), Fletch (1985), Back to the Future Part III (1990), and Honeymoon in Vegas (1992). He also made numerous television appearances, including on Charlie’s Angels, The A-Team, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Evening Shade. Gilliam currently lives in Allen with his wife, Susan.
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